Squirrel Hunting With Dogs: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know

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The abundance of squirrels from Maine to Mississippi, Kentucky to California, yields plenty of seasonal hunting opportunities. However, some people don’t understand the idea of hunting rodents, and you never know what reaction you’re going to get. It is literally like bringing up politics at a dinner table. Those who aren’t familiar with squirrel dogs will give you funny looks when you mention hunting bushtails with dogs.

But how do you find a squirrel dog? Choosing a good squirrel hunting dog is as easy as selecting a pet and a hunting ground, but if you look around, you will find a dizzying range of opinions. You will no doubt hear of gigantic dogs that have become legends over time, but even within a breed, not every dog has what it takes. Most exceptional squirrel dogs come from races that have earned the respect of their owners as the best hunting dogs.

Remember that nature and genetics mean that you can get your dog from a reputable breeder and still meet a dog that is a beautiful companion. So, choose your breeder carefully, know your preferred bushtail hunting style and make sure you have time to train it properly. In other words, much depends on the breed of dog, size, and temperament.

Can Any Dog Be a Squirrel Dog?

Your dog can’t hunt squirrels if it can’t get out of the house. Take him into the forest, even if it is only for a few hours or even a day or two until he begins to understand how to hurt. According to the President of the American Treeing Feist Association (ATFA), good genetics and proper training are both necessary for producing a worthy feist.

How Much Does a Well-Trained Squirrel Dog Cost?

A well-trained squirrel hound, depending on genetics, costs between US$700 and $1,500. You should also plan to spend $800 to $2,000 a year on dog food, housing, training, and care.

Why Is the Mountain Cur the Most Popular Squirrel Dog?

The Mountain Cur is by far the most common and popular squirrel dog in the United States because it is resilient and loves outdoors. Curs can quickly adapt to any form of climate and environment, making it the perfect canine for hunting.

Are Poodles Good Squirrel Hunting Dogs?

Though Poodles may be associated with dog shows, they initially came from Europe. They are energetic, alert, and confident and have the right anatomy for hunting. But are Poodles squirrel hunting dogs in reality? 

Poodles were originally hunting dogs. In fact, Standard Poodles are excellent hunting companions. Toy and Miniature-sized Poodles, though, aren’t that good at hunting or recovery.

Do Dachshunds and Beagles Still Make Good Squirrel Hunting Dogs?

Dachshunds and Beagles are excellent squirrel hunting dogs. These famous breeds nowadays are common companion dogs with good instincts for hunting. Dachshunds and Beagles come in two types. For example, Regular Dachshunds are more significant than Miniature Dachshunds. 

Beagles are also available in two varieties – Pocket Beagle and a more significant Beagle. Miniature Dachshunds are more common in cities where it is e