Hogs are unexpectedly challenging animals to hunt. Their sense of smell is greater than that of a deer, and they also possess a heightened sense of hearing. Hogs are also roaming creatures who never stay in one place too long.
With this in mind, many hoggers employ highly-trained canine companions as their hunting buddies. Dogs that hunt hogs share common characteristics such as an instinctual hunting drive, physical agility, and adventurous spirit.
The 11 Fascinating Dogs That Hunt Hogs
The role of canines in hog-hunting can be twofold. There are bay dogs, whose primary task is to find, chase, and bay (emit a type of prolonged bark unique to hounds) until the hunters arrive on the scene. Other breeds have the size and instinct to catch hogs as well.
1. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 65-90 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The gorgeous and sleek Rhodesian Ridgeback, often referred to as the African Lion Hound, is a South-African native.
The variety has long been considered tougher than the average hound, as they were initially bred for the many challenges of hunting in Africa. Boer hunters required dogs who could take down large wounded game, in addition to being able to withstand the extremes of the climate. The Rhodesian Ridgeback can also go up to twenty-four hours without water.
Born to track and chase baboons, hyenas, leopards, and lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a natural consort in any hog-hunting adventure!
2. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Average Size: 50 to 95 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog is distinctively beautiful amongst the many dogs that hunt hogs, characterized by their pale blue eyes and varied coat, which can be merle, brindle with brown or tan, or solid white.
The history of the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog as a hog-hunter can be traced back to the Choctaw (In the Choctaw language, Chahta) people. The word ‘Catahoula’ in the Choctaw language means ‘sacred lake’ and referred to the area of Northern Louisiana known as Catahoula Parish, where Catahoulas originated.
The Catahoula Cur was bred with the bloodhounds, mastiff, and greyhounds brought over by Spanish explorers, resulting in the Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog as it is today.
The Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog has evolved several unusual qualities which make it as efficient for hog hunting today as it was when it originated. The breed has webbed feet which enable it to traverse all manner of terrain, especially swampland.
3. Plott Hound
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 40-60 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The sweet-faced Plott Hound is the best of both worlds. As pets, they are mellow and sociable, while as hunting companions, they are relentless and driven.
The State Dog of North Carolina, the Plott Hound’s inception can be traced back to 1750 when a German immigrant named Johannes Plott arrived in North Carolina with five Hanover hounds he had brought from the old country. Adept at hunting bears, the group of dogs was eventually bred with local hound breeds, producing the big-game hunter that became known colloquially as ‘Plott’s hound’.
Raised in the mountains, the Plott Hound is a reliable, steadfast all-arounder, perfect for hog hunting.
4. American Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 60-100 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
American Bulldogs are enduringly popular for their expressive faces, but beneath the cuteness is an athletic breed with remarkable endurance and agility.
A natural amongst the ranks of dogs that hunt hogs, the American Bulldog descended from the English variety. Originally an all-around working dog for farmers and ranchers, they became notorious for their ability to down and catch wild hogs.
Today, the American Bulldog is so beloved, it is difficult to fathom that the breed almost died out during WW1 and WW2. Thankfully, they were brought back from the brink by breeders who recognized the magnitude of their contribution as hunting partners, as well as their potential to make wonderful pets!
5. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Average Size: 50-70 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The ‘Treeing’ in the name Treeing Walker Coonhound refers to following the scent of prey until the quarry rushes up a tree to safety. A dog will then guard the base of the tree, and bark until the hunter is alerted to their location.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound breed was developed from the Walker Foxhound, which evolved from the early English Foxhounds that came to America with settlers. Breeders of the Treeing Walker sought to create a hound that was even more skillful and meticulous in its pursuit of game than its predecessor had been.
If hog hunting doesn’t appeal, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is still adaptable and playful enough to make an excellent pet!
6. American Pit Bull Terrier
Stacy via Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 2.0
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 30-85 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a reputation that sometimes precedes it, as they have been historically used as fighting dogs. However, a well-trained and cared-for pit bull can be a tremendous asset in the sport of hunting.
Bred as a cross between bull-baiting dogs and terriers, Pit Bulls were first utilized as fighting dogs in England in the nineteenth century. They were pitted against bears and bulls. To this day, pit bulls are still used in illegal underground dog fighting rings. With training, however, the inherently fiery spirit of this breed can be harnessed into focused energy towards a noble task.
As a natural jumper and chaser with a strong prey drive, American Pit Bull Terriers bring a lot of value to the prospective hunter willing to give them the training and love they need to thrive.
7. The Redbone Coonhound
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 45-70 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The striking Redbone Coonhound enjoys a reputation for being both a loving, gentle pet and a determined hunter with unsurpassed instincts.
The Redbone Coonhound was bred by American settlers to aid them in procuring raccoons for meat and fur. Breeders put particular emphasis on ensuring the dog developed a solid red coat that was both beautiful and easy to identify. They are treeing dogs through and through, and are known for their agility in all types of terrain.
The Redbone Coonhounds’ floppy ears and slightly melancholy brown eyes may signify a gentle soul, but a well-trained Redbone Coonhound is one of the most proficient dogs that hunt hogs.
8. American Staffordshire Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 40-70 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Alongside the aforementioned American Pit Bull Terrier, the ‘Staffy’ earned its initially fearsome reputation in the arena of blood sports. Also a descendant of the Bulldog, the American Staffordshire Terrier is comprised of extinct breeds such as the White English Terrier and Black-and-Tan Terrier
From inauspicious beginnings, the American Staffordshire Terrier has had a redemption story. If properly trained and socialized, they make extremely loyal and dependable companions.
With their stocky yet agile physique and innate courage, the American Staffordshire Terrier can be an incredible hunting partner for those up for the task of training.
9. Black Mouth Cur
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 35-95 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The gorgeous Black Mouth Cur breed, named for its distinctive muzzle, is a sweet-natured pet and a skilled hunter. Popular with early American settlers, they excelled as all-around utilitarian dogs on the ranches.
Although one of the friendliest dogs that hunt hogs, the Black Mouth Cur relishes having a task to focus their considerable energy. If they don’t have a job for the day, they will require at least an hour of some manner of exercise. While this level of athletic engagement is not ideal for every owner, it makes the Black Mouth Cur a hunter’s dream.
Black Mouth Cur’s are easy to please and highly adaptable, but they do require a relatively gentle hand and a lot of positive reinforcement through the training process. A trainer who is as good-natured as they are is ideal!
10. Dogo Argentino
Average Lifespan: 9-15 years
Average Size: 80-100 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Said to be almost feline in their grace, the Dogo Argentino is a big-game hunter of impressive elegance.
The Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina by the renowned Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez. He had a deep and lifelong love for dogs and set about crossbreeding several purebreds with the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog. His intention was purportedly to create a hunting dog with some of the cutthroat and ruthless instincts of the fighting breed.
With this bred-in fearlessness, sharp sense of smell, and muscularity, the Dogo Argentino is a natural!
11. Blue Lacy Dog
Average Lifespan: 14-16 years
Average Size: 30-50 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Blue Lacy Dog breed is unquestionably handsome, with their trademark blue-based coats and striking, often pure-amber colored eyes. Developed to be both hunting and herding dogs, their remarkable appearance is secondary to their speed, determination, and adaptability.
In June 2005, then-Texas Governor Rick Perry declared the Blue Lacy as “the official State Dog Breed of Texas”. Although the majority of Blue Lacy dogs are found in the Lone Star State, the easy trainability and beauty of the Blue Lacy has led to breeding populations across the United States, in Canada, and even in some parts of Europe.
Like most working breeds, the Blue Lacy can become restless and destructive without a lot of physical activity. This makes them one of the most suitable dogs that hunt hogs for a hunter with the time and willingness to train.