Humans and hunting dogs have a long working history together. Their intelligence and agility make them fantastic companions whether you’re in the woods or the field. But what about hypoallergenic hunting dogs? Are those of you with allergies missing out on all the fun?
No! Did you know that there are hunting dogs that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction? Hypoallergenic hunting dogs shed very little and produce far less dander than the average pup! If you’re looking to bring a canine companion on the hunt, take a look at our list!
Other hunting dog recommendations: Best Short-Haired Hypoallergenic Dogs and Best Rat Hunting Dogs For Vermin Control
Types of Hunting Dogs
Different hunting dogs perform various hunting tasks. Below are the three main types of hunting dogs:
- Scent hounds: These dogs hunt their prey by following its scent. They are fast pursuers, and the hunter has to follow by closely listening to the sounds the hound makes while on the chase.
- Sighthounds: Due to their exceptional sight, these dogs can locate their prey from a distance. Once found, they don’t lose the target until they catch it.
- Gun dogs: Gun dogs will locate your target and retrieve it too. Since they mostly hunt birds, they are known as bird dogs, but they will sometimes hunt down small animals.
Other dog recommendations: Low Energy Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed
1. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
These are known as the ultimate gun dogs, and for a good reason too! The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a great hunting companion as it can move across most types of terrains, is easy to train, can swim, and has an excellent sense of smell. Their strong prey drive doesn’t need any external motivation. The breed is used during search and rescue operations to locate lost and wounded people.
This is an intelligent, laid-back, and friendly dog. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons can play with children, hunt, and lounge around the house as well. They love a good workout and are in constant need of mental stimulation. Make sure to create a fun training schedule that gives your WPG a comprehensive exercise routine. A large backyard, lots of hunting, and a loving family are best for this hypoallergenic hunting dog.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Details
- Height: 20 to 24 inches
- Weight: 30 to 70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
2. Pudelpointer
The Pudelpointer was bred to create the ultimate hunting dog. The dogs are great swimmers and they love to hunt waterfowl and other water creatures. The Pudelpointer’s wiry and waterproof coat helps protect his skin, even when he’s frequently in the lake or the ocean with you.
Training these pups is super simple! They’re smart, loyal, and good little listeners. Their eagerness to please their pack leader makes them an absolute joy to teach. In addition, the dogs are hard-working and adventurous, making them the perfect hunting companions.
Combine work and play when you exercise your Pudelpointer. They’re highly energetic, so make sure you have ample space, a fun-loving family, and the time to exercise your dog before you adopt.
Pudelpointer Details
- Height: 20 to 28 inches
- Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
3. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel loves going out and having fun. They’re a clownish breed, enthusiastic and with a great sense of humor, so they can get along with families with children.
If you love outdoor sports, hunting, or watersports, the Irish Water Spaniel is your new bestie! Be sure you train your pup early and establish yourself as the pack leader in your home. These dogs aren’t ideal for first time owners as they can be a bit too silly to take training seriously sometimes.
Irish Water Spaniel Details
- Height: 20 to 24 inches
- Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
4. Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly-Coated Retriever is the dog to bring home if you’re in search of a low-maintenance, hypoallergenic hunting dog. Distinguished by their unique curly coat, they are smart, confident, and warm. Although they are friendly around their family, their behavior tends to vary with strangers. If you want the Curly Coated Retriever to warm up to a new pet or a family member, allow them to take their time in doing so. Your pup may be aloof at the first introduction, but he’ll warm up eventually.
Curly Coated Retriever Details
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Weight: 60 to 95 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
5. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is known as a racing dog, but it was actually bred as a hunting companion for humans. Its exceptional sight helps it track its prey from a distance. It is common for the Italian Greyhound to run off chasing animals on its own. Training an Italian Greyhound can be a task, and you will have to make dedicated efforts. Loving, obedient, and energetic, the Italian Greyhound is more suited for an active household with a big backyard.
If you want a loyal dog that is an attention-lover, then the Italian Greyhound is the dog for you. However, the athletic needs of these hounds are high, and they need a good amount of daily exercise. The Italian Greyhound doesn’t shed much, making it an excellent hypoallergenic dog.
Italian Greyhound Details
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Weight: 7 to 15 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
6. Poodle
Do you spend your weekends duck hunting? Then the Poodle is the dog for you! Poodles are lively, intelligent, and confident. A big family, lots of fellow pets, and a large property are most suitable for the Poodle. They are also a good choice for first-time dog owners as they are easy to train.
Poodles have hair, not fur. As such, they produce less dander and they shed less than most other dog breeds. You’ll still need to perform routine maintenance on your dog’s coat; brushing, washing, and conditioning will keep your dog’s hair and skin healthy while you play outdoors.
Poodle Details
- Height: 15 to 22
- Weight: 40 to 70
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
7. Border Terrier
The Border Terrier was used alongside the hound on hunts to locate and chase their prey. The small size of the terrier also enables it to flush out the target from tiny spaces very quickly. They are playful, gentle, and loving dogs. If you are looking for a dog that knows how to hunt prey and play with children, the Border Terrier is the furry companion you should bring home.
Border Terrier Details
- Height: 12 to 15 inches
- Weight: 11 to 16 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
8. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino was initially bred for big game hunting. For instance, the breed was frequently used to hunt wild boar or even track down a puma! They’re fearless dogs, and they’ll pursue their target relentlessly.
Dogo Argentinos also make for excellent guard dogs as they are fiercely protective. These dogs love humans, but they’re not exactly playful, so keep them away from children and other pets. First time dog owners may wish to find a different breed, too. If you do opt for the Dogo Argentino, note that it’s best to hire a professional trainer to help.
Dogo Argentino Details
- Height: 24 to 27 inches
- Weight: 80 to 100 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
With a loyal, loving, and calm nature, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are outstanding for easy-going families. However, they don’t always get along with children and small pets, so singles, couples, and families with older children are the best candidates to purchase or adopt this breed.
Surprisingly, this is one hunting dog that prefers to stay indoors. Their exercise needs are also moderate compared with other typical hunting dogs. They can be good watchdogs for apartment dwellers as well. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for being exceptional for hunting big prey like lions.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Details
- Height: 24 to 26 inches
- Weight: 64 to 70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 9 to 11 years
10. Basenji
Do you want a dog that can use its eyes as well as its nose to hunt? Then you’ll need a Basenji! These are intelligent, stubborn, and attention-loving dogs known for their role in hunting lions in Kenya. Their stubborn nature means they are challenging to train, and only seasoned dog owners can effectively handle them. However, the Basenji can get along well with just about anyone as long as you don’t take away his toys!
Basenji Details
- Height: 16 to 17 inches
- Weight: 22 to 26 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Conclusion For “Best Hypoallergenic Hunting Dogs”
It is crucial to remember that hunting dogs can be difficult to handle for first-time dog owners. Their instincts will tell them to chase down smaller prey, so you will need to establish firm rules while training and ensure that your command is strictly followed. With this list of hypoallergenic hunting dogs, you are sure to find a pet that will fit right in with your family while also accompanying you on hunts!
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Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.