If you’re an avid small-game hunter, a good squirrel dog can make all the difference in your success rate. Although squirrel hunting might seem unconventional to some, it’s a tradition in many parts of the southeastern United States and other regions. A well-trained squirrel dog has a unique skill set, combining a sharp nose, strong prey drive, and the agility to chase, track, and “tree” squirrels effectively.
While some dogs naturally chase small animals, only a handful of breeds have the instincts and training to truly excel at squirrel hunting. This guide covers the best squirrel hunting breeds, their characteristics, and why each one is suited to this particular sport. Let’s dive into the history, qualities, and top breeds for squirrel hunting.
History: What Kind of Dog Is a Squirrel Dog?
A true squirrel dog is trained specifically to scent, track, and tree squirrels. While most dogs will chase squirrels out of curiosity, squirrel dogs are conditioned to channel this instinct into a more structured hunting behavior.
Their job is to detect squirrels, chase them to a tree, and hold their position, barking to signal their find until the hunter arrives. This instinctual drive, known as a “prey drive,” is often highest in breeds with hunting or working backgrounds.
Interestingly, squirrel meat has been part of human diets for centuries, particularly in rural areas. It’s considered both sustainable and nutritious. For those new to squirrel hunting, this small-game pursuit combines patience, skill, and a strong partnership with a well-trained dog.
What is the Best Breed of Dog for Squirrel Hunting?
While many breeds can be trained for hunting, certain breeds have natural advantages due to their temperament, agility, and keen sense of smell. Top squirrel dogs are typically Type of Terrier Dogs or breeds with Terrier lineage, such as curs and feists. Known for their intelligence, stamina, and intense prey drive, these breeds are naturally inclined to chase and tree small game.
Each squirrel dog breed needs the ability to “wind” squirrels, detecting scent carried by the breeze, and to follow trails accurately. Stamina and agility are also essential, as hunting squirrels often involves long chases through dense terrain. Below are some of the best squirrel hunting breeds, each with unique traits that make them excellent companions in the field.
Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is one of the largest terrier breeds. Its hunting instincts, intelligence, and agility make it an exceptional squirrel dog. Originally from England, Airedales were bred to hunt a variety of game, including birds and small mammals. Their bold nature and excellent treeing ability make them highly suited for squirrel hunting.
American Blue Gascon Hound
Also known as the Grand Bleu de Gascogne or “Big Blu,” the American Blue Gascon Hound is a large, loyal breed known for its hunting prowess. With a loud, resonant bay and strong scent-tracking skills, this breed excels at locating and treeing both raccoons and squirrels.
Black and Tan Coonhound
With a lineage that includes foxhounds and bloodhounds, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a natural hunter. Known for its long ears and keen sense of smell, this breed is adept at tracking and treeing small game like squirrels, as well as larger animals.
Finnish Spitz
The Finnish Spitz is instantly recognizable for its fox-like appearance and reddish coat. Known for its vocal abilities, this breed has a sharp bark that alerts hunters to the presence of game. Finnish Spitz dogs are agile and energetic, making them well-suited for hunting both small and large animals.
Fox Terrier
Fox Terriers come in two varieties—Wire and Smooth. Originally bred for hunting foxes, they are highly energetic and possess excellent scent-tracking skills. Their intelligence and agility make them just as effective for squirrel hunting.
Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a versatile hunting breed known for its adaptability and hunting skills. Brought to America by European settlers, Mountain Curs were bred specifically for treeing and small-game hunting. They’re also used for larger game and water-based hunting, thanks to their strong endurance and loyalty.
Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are Spitz-type dogs known for their hunting instincts and ability to tree game. With a background in hunting larger game, they’re also effective squirrel hunters. This breed is characterized by its loyalty, intelligence, and sharp bark, making it an excellent companion for squirrel hunting.
Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier, often used on farms to hunt rodents, is highly adaptable to squirrel hunting as well. Known for its agility and small size, it can maneuver through dense terrain and quickly tree small game.
Treeing Cur
Treeing Curs are agile and intelligent dogs bred for hunting in diverse terrain. Their treeing ability, combined with strong scent detection, makes them natural squirrel hunters. With no restrictions on color or markings, Treeing Curs are bred solely for their hunting capabilities.
West Siberian Laika
A breed with a touch of wild ancestry, the West Siberian Laika is a bark pointer, an essential trait for squirrel hunting. Known for its strong prey drive, it can be aggressive toward other animals, but it’s a top-tier squirrel hunter when well-trained.
Training Tips: When Should You Start Training a Squirrel Dog?
Training a squirrel dog should begin early, ideally between three and six months of age. Start by teaching basic commands and gradually introduce the dog to squirrel scent using a squirrel tail or scent spray. Many trainers recommend tying a squirrel tail to a stick or tree to simulate a hunt, encouraging your dog to bark and tree the “squirrel.”
Consistency is key, and it’s best to start training in an area with plenty of squirrels to build your dog’s confidence. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and positive will yield the best results.
How to Successfully Hunt Squirrels with Dogs
Squirrel hunting with a dog involves tracking the squirrel to its hiding spot, often high up in a tree. Some squirrels, like gray squirrels, are more elusive and harder to locate. Training your dog to recognize scent and signal when a squirrel is treed is essential.
Here are some terms commonly used in squirrel hunting:
- Bark Treed – The bark a dog makes when it locates a squirrel in a tree.
- Timbering – When a squirrel jumps from tree to tree to escape.
- Toenailed – When a dog holds a squirrel at bay by positioning itself on the tree.
- Range – The distance your dog stays from you while searching for squirrels.
For beginners, it may be helpful to practice these skills in a familiar hunting area before venturing into new locations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Dogs
What Time of Day Are Squirrels Most Active?
Squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk, especially during the fall and spring seasons when they gather food.
What Happens When a Dog Catches a Squirrel?
Trained squirrel dogs will usually kill the squirrel without eating it, while untrained dogs may try to consume it.
Will My Dog Get Sick from Eating a Squirrel?
Generally, healthy dogs on regular parasite prevention are safe, but squirrels can carry parasites. Consult your vet if you’re concerned.
What Diseases Can Squirrels Transmit to Dogs?
Common diseases include Lyme disease, rabies, and leptospirosis. In certain areas, plague can also be a risk.
Can a Squirrel Kill a Dog?
Squirrels can defend themselves with sharp teeth and claws, but a fatal encounter is highly unlikely.
How Much Does a Good Squirrel Dog Cost?
Prices for squirrel dogs range from $100 for untrained pups to $5,000 for trained adults. Age, training, and breed all influence the price.
Conclusion: Is a Squirrel Dog Right for You?
Squirrel hunting with a dedicated dog is a rewarding experience that requires the right breed, training, and commitment. While any dog can theoretically chase squirrels, true squirrel dogs excel in this specialized sport. Whether you choose a Terrier, Cur, or Hound, a well-trained squirrel dog will make every hunting expedition memorable and successful.
Have a favorite squirrel dog breed? Share your experiences or tips in the comments!