Information on Rabbit Hunting Dogs
Ask a rabbit hunter why he hunts, and the answer is usually something to the effect of," I just like to hear the dogs" or "I want to watch the dogs work." Sure, many hunters successfully bag rabbits without dogs, but adding the family pet to the mix raises the chances of seeing prey. Putting the rabbits on the table is left up to your shooting ability.
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Breeds
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Beagles and basset hounds are the most popular breeds for hunting rabbits in North America. Both breeds use their noses to find and trail rabbits. Greyhounds can also be used to chase rabbits; these dogs use their keen eyesight to follow prey.
Beagles
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Beagles are one breed used for rabbit hunting. The history of the beagle dates back to at least the 1500s when English gentlemen kept packs of hounds. Large hounds were used for deer hunting, and smaller ones were used for rabbit hunting. The name According to the American Kennel Club, the name beagle comes from the French word "be'geule" referring to the voice of the dog on track or the small size. Today's beagles must be 15 inches tall or shorter to be registered with any dog organization, but larger beagles are common in hunting circles.
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Basset Hounds
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A basset hound is easy to identify by its long body and short legs. The basset hound is instantly recognizable by its long, stout body on short, stubby legs. The basset first appeared in France as a dog hunters could follow on foot. The breed developed in France but came to America when Marquis de Lafayette brought the dogs to America as a gift to George Washington. Because of their build, bassets are slow dogs and methodical on a track.
Training
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Training a dog bred for rabbit hunting is as simple as teaching basic obedience, such as sit and come, and then letting nature take its course. Once a dog will sit and come on command, tracking training can begin. How to proceed is a matter of personal preference. Some hunters start by using commercial rabbit scents or rabbit skins to lay a trail in the yard for pups to follow. Others take the pup right to the woods and turn it loose. It will follow the first rabbit trail it finds. It usually takes a few tracks before the dog starts to sound when it's on a track. Puppies should be run by themselves most of the time but should be run with other dogs at least once every five outings so they learn to work with a pack.
Field Trials
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During nonhunting seasons, dogs need to stay conditioned. This can be accomplished by attending field trials. Unlike most bird dog trials where birds are planted or dummies are used, rabbit dog trials are held in areas where wild rabbits are used as the quarry. A typical trial begins with all the owners gathering for a drawing where the dogs are placed in groups. Each group is taken to a different area, and the hunt is on. Points are awarded to dogs for finding the trail, jumping the rabbit and finding the trail after it is lost.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Beagle auf Baumstumpen image by denonmk2 from Fotolia.com little beagle image by Denveros from Fotolia.com basset hound image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com
