Male VS Female Hunting Dog

Male VS Female Hunting Dog

Have you wondered which are better, male or female hunting dogs? A few factors come into play when deciding the best type of hunting dog to use. Here, we’ll dig into what these factors are and how many people typically choose each type to find out which is the best.

The Type of Hunting

The best hunting companion for you will depend on what type of hunting you would like to do. For example, if you’d like to get a closer shot with shorter shot times, then a female hunting dog is usually the way to go. On the other hand, if your personal preference is for longer shot times and greater distance between you and the prey, then a male hunting dog is better suited for the job.

Dogs’ Size

The next factor is how large you want your dog to grow. If you’re on the large side, then a male can develop quite quickly. However, females tend to take longer to develop and usually end up more prominent than males once fully grown.

Dog Breeds

Once you figure out what type of hunting you’d like to do, it’s time to start looking at what type of dog breeds are available. You can find both female and male dogs in both purebreds as well as in mixed breeds. Among the most popular hunting dog breeds are the German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dog, American Water Spaniel, Beagle, Bloodhound, Brittany Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and Setter.

The Personality of A Male And A Female Hunting Dog

While many of the same dogs are used for hunting, either gender can have various personalities, making them easy or hard to train. The following article has information on the general personality traits of both canine species and information on the specific dog breeds known for their hunting abilities.

Male Dogs

Male hunting dogs are generally easier to train, so they’re more common than female dogs. However, some of the unsavory aspects of training a male dog are that they’re more likely to wander off independently and be harder to control. So if you have a timid female dog who is easily distracted, you may want to consider getting a male hunting dog, which will sometimes help with concentration and focus during training sessions.

Female Dogs

Female hunting dogs are a bit more modest and may need more training before they’re ready to go on a hunting trip. However, they have a better sense of smell, making it easier for them to pinpoint their prey. Females are also less likely to wander off independently and be controlled by the hunter a bit more quickly than male dogs. Typically, female dogs will need more time to train and are better for beginners than males.

Money Spent vs. Return on Investment

The more money you spend on a male hunting dog, the longer it will take for it to develop. If you buy a puppy from a breeder, they might be able to give you a more mature dog that is ready to go straight away. However, puppies are usually not available and are more expensive than dogs that have already reached maturity.

On the flip side, female hunting dogs could cost less upfront but will take longer to reach breeding age. Spayed female pets do not reproduce until they are between 4 and 8 months old. So once you’ve had your female dog spayed, It will no longer be able to give birth and will take longer to develop as a hunting dog.

The Cost

Another disadvantage of male dogs is that they reach sexual maturity later in life and are more likely to wander than their female counterparts. So you may have to invest in a secure fence or hiring a dog walker, so they’re not tempted to roam outside the property.

Sometimes, a male hunting dog will want to breed with your female dog. It may be your fault that this happens and that you allow both to be together unsupervised. Or if you let your female hunting dog out of the house and she runs off, she may get pregnant somewhere else. Females in heat are often more likely to wander around and are not uncommon in female hunting dogs.

On the other hand, if you’re considering getting a male dog, you can expect to spend a little more money upfront, as many males are not available at puppyhood. You also may have to invest in training them since they’re harder to train than females. But if you want to save time, then it might be worth paying for a more mature male dog that has already reached maturity instead of buying a younger dog that will need training.

Selecting the Best Hunting Dog for You

After deciding what breed of dog you prefer, male or female, here are some additional factors to consider:

Intelligence

The intelligence level that a hunting dog possesses will play a significant role in adjusting to being around hunting rifles and other types of firearms. Younger dogs are less intelligent and may have a more challenging time learning the commands needed to control them. So if you’re a beginner or not very experienced with handling pets, it may not be the best idea to get a young dog.

Physical Size

The size of your hunting dog is significant, as you want it to fit the environment and prey it will be hunting. Both large and small dogs are used for hunting, but some of the most popular breeds tend to be medium-sized.

Exercise Level

Some dogs didn’t get a lot exercise as young pups, and they will need more time to become accustomed to being around guns. If you’re already a dog owner, you may want to research the breed of dog you want before buying. This way, it can be easier for the puppy to adjust to the environment. On the other hand, some dogs cannot adjust to the gun environment because they don’t go around firearms frequently enough.

Hunting Prey

The dog’s prey will depend on the type of hunting you’ll be doing. If you’re hunting large birds, you may want to consider getting a Basset Hound or a Basset Fauve de Bretagne. However, if you’re going after smaller prey like rabbits, a small dog would be more appropriate.

Local Laws

Ensure to check with your local government for dog hunting laws before bringing your pet out on the hunt. For example, some states have strict gun laws, and you could be subject to a fine or even jail time if you don’t follow the law. Also, don’t assume that your state allows dogs to be used for hunting; some states have banned dogs from hunting with guns.

Training Methods

The dog’s training methods are another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a hunting dog. If it’s a young pup who hasn’t had much experience with firearms, it will be more challenging for the dog and require more training. Beginners may want to start with an older dog who already knows some of the common commands.

The Expense

The cost can vary based on the handlers, type of hunting, and training that’s needed. However, if you want both a male and female dog, you may end up spending more than if you had just gotten one or the other. Additionally, some breeds tend to be more expensive than others.

The Expected Return on Investment

The financial viability of a hunting dog is significantly dependent on the type of game you’ll be hunting. For instance, if you’re going after large animals like deer, they can be a considerable monetary investment for your hunting dog to tackle. On the other hand, smaller animals will incur less of an expense.

The Dog’s Physical Condition

Physical health also plays a role in a great hunting dog. If you want to find one that is already in good shape, finding a breeder with puppies that have been weaned will be easier. Also, you’ll need to provide the dog with good nutrition and regular exercise if you expect it to develop into a high-quality animal.

Prey Type

For many hunters, this is the most critical factor in finding the right hunting dog. For example, if you want to hunt ducks, you need a dog capable of tracking smaller prey. However, if you’re going after a big game like deer hunting, a larger and more powerful dog is necessary.

Ability to Track Prey

Physical abilities are crucial for successful hunting dogs. For example, dogs with short hair are easier to track in the snow or other rough terrain when compared to long-haired dogs.

Are you ready for the hunt? Consider these factors when selecting your hunting dog. Additionally, if you’re looking for a long-term hunting partner, consider getting a young puppy so that you can adequately train it. But if you’re starting and aren’t sure how to choose the right dog, it might be a good idea to get an older one that’s already developed its ability to track the game. Either way, if you want to purchase a hunting dog, there are many sites online that can help you find the right one.

The Best Dog For Your Needs

Male and female dogs both have their strong points for hunting. While either gender can make an excellent hunting dog, it all comes down to what you need when hunting it does not matter how many rounds do you take if you will be doing much long-distance shooting or looking for swift prey, then a male dog is usually the best choice. However, if you’re going after a single target that’s easier to capture, choosing a female can be beneficial.