The 10 Best Squirrel Dogs for Hunting and Companionship (2025)

In the world of hunting, few experiences rival the excitement and satisfaction of squirrel hunting. These small, quick creatures can prove to be quite challenging to hunt down. That’s where a well-trained squirrel dog comes into play. Squirrel dogs are specially bred and trained to help hunters locate and tree squirrels. They not only aid in hunting but also make loyal and loving companions. If you’re considering getting a squirrel dog, it’s essential to understand their importance, the qualities that make them great hunters, and the different breeds suitable for squirrel hunting.

Introduction to Squirrel Hunting

Before delving into the world of squirrel dogs, it’s important to understand the basics of squirrel hunting. Squirrel hunting is a popular sport and pastime in many regions, allowing hunting enthusiasts to connect with nature while honing their skills. It requires patience, accuracy, and a keen eye for spotting squirrels in their natural habitat. Having a well-trained squirrel dog by your side can greatly enhance your hunting experience and increase your chances of success. So, let’s explore why having a squirrel dog is crucial for squirrel hunting.

Squirrel dogs are specially trained hunting dogs that are bred and trained to track, tree, and retrieve squirrels. These dogs have a natural instinct for hunting and are able to locate squirrels by scent and sound. They are typically small to medium-sized breeds, such as Feists or Mountain Curs, that are agile and quick on their feet. Squirrel dogs are trained to stay close to their handler, follow commands, and alert their handler when they have located a squirrel. Their presence not only adds excitement to the hunt but also increases the chances of finding and harvesting squirrels.

One of the key advantages of using a squirrel dog is their ability to tree squirrels. When a squirrel is located, the dog will bark and circle the tree, indicating to the hunter that a squirrel is present. This allows the hunter to approach the tree and take a shot at the squirrel, increasing the chances of a successful harvest. Additionally, squirrel dogs can retrieve squirrels that have been shot and fallen to the ground, saving the hunter time and effort in searching for downed game.

The Importance of Having a Squirrel Dog

A squirrel dog can be a game-changer in the world of squirrel hunting. These dogs have a remarkable ability to track and locate squirrels by scent or sight. They can accurately pinpoint the location of a hidden squirrel and alert the hunter, leading to a successful hunt. Their keen sense of smell and natural hunting instincts make them invaluable hunting companions.

Moreover, squirrel dogs also provide excellent company during your hunting adventures. They are loyal, obedient, and highly trainable, making them not only exceptional hunters but also loving family pets and companions. They thrive on the bond they build with their owners, creating a partnership based on trust and loyalty. The relationship between a hunter and their squirrel dog can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

What Makes a Good Squirrel Dog?

Now that we understand the importance of having a squirrel dog let’s explore the qualities that make them great hunters. A good squirrel dog should possess several key traits that are essential for successful squirrel hunting:

• High Energy: Squirrel hunting requires a dog with boundless energy and enthusiasm. They should be agile, quick on their feet, and able to navigate through various terrains with ease.
• Good Scenting Ability: A strong sense of smell is crucial for a squirrel dog to locate squirrels hidden in the trees or on the ground. The ability to track a scent trail while ignoring distractions is a valuable skill in squirrel hunting.
• Intelligence: Squirrel hunting often requires strategic thinking and problem-solving. A good squirrel dog should be intelligent and able to analyze the situation, making decisions that benefit the hunt.
• Loyalty and Trainability: A close bond between hunter and dog is essential for a successful hunt. Squirrel dogs should be loyal, obedient, and responsive to training commands.

Training Tips for Squirrel Dogs

Training a squirrel dog requires time, patience, and consistency. It’s important to start training from a young age and gradually introduce them to the sights, sounds, and scents of squirrel hunting. Here are a few training tips to help you get started:

• Socialization: Introduce your dog to different environments, people, and animals to ensure they are well-socialized and comfortable in various situations.
• Obedience Training: Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. These commands will be vital during squirrel hunting to maintain control and ensure the dog’s safety.
• Scent Training: Introduce your dog to squirrel scents and teach them to associate the scent with a reward. This will help develop their tracking abilities.
• Treeing Practice: Train your dog to recognize squirrel trees and demonstrate the behavior of treeing. Encourage them to bark or scratch at the base of the tree to signify the presence of a squirrel.

Understanding the Different Breeds Suitable for Squirrel Hunting

Various dog breeds excel in squirrel hunting due to their natural hunting instincts and specific traits. Here are some of the top breeds that make excellent squirrel dogs:

Labrador Retrievers: A Top Choice for Squirrel Hunting

Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence, versatility, and exceptional hunting skills. They have a strong sense of smell and an innate drive to retrieve, making them excellent squirrel dogs. Their friendly and adaptable nature also makes them wonderful family pets.

Beagles: Small Dogs, Big Skills in Squirrel Hunting

Beagles may be small in size but possess a mighty sense of smell. They are often referred to as “noses with feet” due to their exceptional tracking abilities. Beagles’ compact size allows them to navigate through dense underbrush with ease, making them ideal for squirrel hunting.

Treeing Feists: The Ultimate Squirrel Dogs

Treeing Feists are a breed specifically developed for squirrel hunting. They are agile, tenacious, and incredibly skilled at treeing squirrels. This breed’s natural instincts and determination make them a top choice for squirrel hunters.

Mountain Curs: Versatile Hunters and Loyal Companions

Mountain Curs are highly versatile hunting dogs that excel in various types of hunting, including squirrel hunting. They possess a strong prey drive, keen senses, and remarkable endurance. Mountain Curs are fiercely loyal to their owners, making them exceptional companions both in and out of the field.

Jack Russell Terriers: Energetic and Agile Squirrel Hunters

Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy and fearless nature. They have a strong prey drive and remarkable agility, allowing them to navigate through challenging terrain in pursuit of squirrels. With proper training and socialization, they can become exceptional squirrel hunting dogs.

Redbone Coonhounds: Excellent Treeing Dogs for Squirrels

Redbone Coonhounds are renowned for their exceptional scenting abilities and treeing skills. While they are primarily known for coonhunting, they can also be trained to excel in squirrel hunting. Their dedication, intelligence, and loyalty make them great additions to any squirrel hunting team.

Plott Hounds: Powerful and Tenacious Hunters for Squirrels

Plott Hounds are known for their stamina, determination, and strong tracking instincts. Originally bred for boar hunting, they can also be trained for squirrel hunting. Their muscular build and tenacious nature make them powerful assets in the pursuit of squirrels.

English Setters: Elegant Bird Dogs with a Knack for Squirrels

English Setters are elegant and graceful hunting dogs known for their remarkable bird hunting skills. They can also excel in squirrel hunting due to their keen sense of smell and natural instincts. English Setters make excellent family pets and companions, in addition to their hunting prowess.

Feeding and Nutrition Tips for Your Squirrel Dog’s Performance

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in ensuring your squirrel dog’s performance and overall health. A high-quality, balanced diet is essential to keep your dog in optimal physical condition. Here are a few feeding and nutrition tips to consider:

• Choose a high-quality dog food formulated for active or working dogs. These foods are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of hunting dogs.
• Feed your squirrel dog multiple small meals throughout the day to maintain energy levels and prevent digestive issues during intense hunting activities.
• Ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during hunting trips to prevent dehydration.
• Consider adding nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or joint support supplements to support your dog’s overall health and performance.

Grooming and Care for Your Squirrel Hunting Companion

Maintaining proper grooming and care for your squirrel hunting companion is important to keep them healthy, comfortable, and ready for action. Here are some grooming and care tips:

• Regularly brush your dog’s coat to remove dirt, debris, and minimize shedding. This is especially important after hunting trips to remove any burrs or tangles.
• Inspect and clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent infections. Squirrel dogs are prone to ear infections due to their frequent exposure to outdoor elements.
• Trim your dog’s nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
• Ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, flea, and tick prevention to protect them from common parasites and diseases.

Health Considerations for Your Squirrel Dog’s Well-being

While squirrel dogs are generally healthy and hardy, it’s important to prioritize their well-being and monitor their health. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential to ensure your dog remains in optimal health. Here are a few health considerations:

• Keep an eye out for signs of common health issues in squirrel dogs, such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, or hunting-related injuries. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications.
• Ensure your dog is protected from ticks, fleas, and heartworms by using appropriate preventive measures.
• Provide your dog with regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Squirrel dogs thrive on active lifestyles.

How to Choose the Right Puppy or Rescue Dog for Squirrel Hunting

If you’re looking to add a squirrel dog to your family, it’s important to choose the right puppy or rescue dog for squirrel hunting. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision:

• Research different breeds and their specific characteristics to find a breed that matches your hunting style and requirements.
• Identify reputable breeders or rescue organizations that specialize in squirrel dogs.
• Inquire about the dog’s lineage, health history, and any training they may have received.
• Spend time with the puppy or dog to assess their temperament, energy levels, and trainability.
• Consider consulting with experienced hunters or trainers to get their insights and recommendations.

The Bond Between Hunter and Dog: Building Trust and Loyalty

The bond between a hunter and their squirrel dog is incomparable. It is based on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Building a strong bond requires time, dedication, and positive reinforcement. Here are a few tips to strengthen the bond between you and your squirrel dog:

• Spend quality time together both in and out of the hunting field. Engage in activities that strengthen your bond, such as training sessions, playtime, or simply spending time relaxing together.
• Use positive reinforcement during training to build trust and create a positive association with hunting activities.
• Give your squirrel dog plenty of love, attention, and praise. These dogs thrive on the affection and approval of their owners.
• Be patient and understanding. Building a strong bond takes time and effort from both sides.

Finding the Best Training Resources for your Squirrel Dog

Training a squirrel dog requires guidance and knowledge. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help you along the way. Here are some ways to find the best training resources for your squirrel dog:

• Join local hunting clubs or organizations dedicated to squirrel hunting. These groups often host training sessions, seminars, and workshops.
• Seek guidance from experienced hunters, trainers, or breeders who specialize in squirrel dogs.
• Read books, watch instructional videos, and explore online forums and communities dedicated to squirrel hunting and dog training.
• Consider enrolling your squirrel dog in professional training classes or one-on-one sessions with a skilled trainer.

With the right breed, proper training, and a strong bond, a squirrel dog can elevate your squirrel hunting experience to new heights. Their companionship, loyalty, and exceptional hunting abilities make them invaluable assets in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting your journey into squirrel hunting, a squirrel dog is sure to enhance your adventures, providing you not only with successful hunts but also lifelong memories. Take your time to choose the right breed for your hunting style, invest in their training and care, and enjoy the incredible bond that forms between you and your squirrel dog.