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Hunting Dogs
Hunting Dogs participate in perhaps the most ancient sport that is known to man. Historically hunting has been more a necessity rather than a sport, and dogs have traditionally used their natural instincts to be man's hunting companion. Dogs for hunting have provided the basic necessity of food to man - and protected man from the savages of nature. Although today's processed society no longer necessitates hunting dogs for survival, the sport has survived centuries. Breeders specializing in hunting dogs continue to focus on the genetic sight, tracking and retrieving abilities that make or break a successful hunting dog. Hunting is no longer a lifestyle, and hunting as a sport is now legally relegated to seasons in most areas - and civilization has drastically changed the terrain.
Changes in terrain can also change the requirements of traits needed to breed successful dogs for hunting. "Blueticks" or "redbones" were traditionally chosen for deer hunting because they took long strides with their legs. With the deer being run out by man, but still populating in smaller zoned areas, deer-hunting territory is more controlled, and the boundaries are smaller. The short legged Beagles and Black and Tans can pursue the hunt just as successfully as the long-legged walkers did decades ago. Black and Tan hounds have won trophies for deer hunting in the thickets of Louisiana. Two hounds have even received a hunter's honor for downing a 12-point buck. Caring for a smaller dogs for hunting also has its advantages in food cost savings.
Each breed of hunting dog has their unique abilities. Some hunting dogs are not bred for "scent" alone, but whether "ground scent" or "air scent" is sought after in the preferred breed. For instance, Wirehaired Griffins are a good general hunting dog and are better ground-scent trackers. Pointers can cover the long distances of wide-open country hunting grounds, and are better air-scent dogs. English Setters are known to be high strung, but do exceptionally well at detecting grouse in thick fields. Labs and Golden Retrievers however, are popularly known to be good family dogs and general overall good quality hunting dogs.
But, just because dogs are bred to be hunting dogs does not mean they can be brought out to the field and they will naturally detect and retrieve the prey. Obedience training must start young in dogs for hunting, and the basics of sit, stay and come must firmly be ingrained into their puppy training. Hunting dogs must also be physically fit; otherwise, out on the field they can suffer from the same exhaustion as the hunted animal. Hunting dogs require patience and obedience, and the hunter must take the time to research his breed of choice and that hunting dog's unique capabilities.
Hunting dogs are a hunter's year-round companion - despite the hunting season. Both the hunter and the hunting dogs must be in good physical condition to hunt. Fortunately for the hunter, the terrain has gotten smaller. Although the hunting dog might fare better with the physical exertion than the hunter, there's nothing like a good fall romp in the woods to settle the hunting dog and the hunter down for a long winter's nap.
Frosty 
