Whether you’re a veteran duck hunter or are just getting started, you’re most likely aware that a good hunting dog can be a valuable asset as well as a great hunting partner. This article will provide side-by-side comparisons of 3 of the most common duck dog breeds.
3 of the most popular dog breeds for waterfowl hunting are:
When thinking about adding any k-9 to the family, several considerations need to be made. Where will the dog stay, which vet should be used, should the dog be neutered or spayed? The list goes on and on. There’s an additional list of questions that should be ask when the dog you’re considering will be used for duck hunting, and it all starts with which breed will best fit your hunting situations.
Breed Considerations for Duck Hunting
Things to consider when choosing a breed for duck hunting:
- Types of weather conditions you’ll be hunting in
- How many days in the season will the dog be hunting
- Which other species will you want to hunt
- Will it be an indoor or outdoor dog
- What size of dog are you looking for
- Will it be a family pet
- How much time/effort do you want to spend training
- Will you be hunting with other dogs
- Will you be hunting from a small boat
Duck Dog Breed Comparisons
Labrador Retriever for Waterfowl Hunting
The most popular breed for waterfowl hunting in North America is the Labrador Retriever. Their versatility, intelligence, and family friendly demeanor have made them the top waterfowl hunting breed for the past 23 years in a row.
*Typical Weight Range: 55-80 lbs
*Typical Height Range: 21-24.5 inches
*Typical Lifespan: 10-12 years
*Data according to American Kennel Club
Labrador Retriever qualities compared to other waterfowl hunting dogs
| Quality | Grade |
|---|---|
| Hardiness for cold/rough conditions | B+ |
| Stamina to hunt several days of the season | B |
| Hunt other species | B |
| Indoor Friendly | B- |
| Family Friendly | A+ |
| Trainability | B+ |
| Tolerance to hunt with other dogs | B- |
| Ability to hunt from a small boat | C+ |
Biggest Strengths:
- Natural retrieving instincts to make training easier
- Versatility to hunt several bird species
- Family Friendly
- Common, so usually less expensive and veterinarians are familiar with common health issues
- Fun loving attitude to provide entertainment and companionship during the off season
Noticeable Weaknesses:
- Tendency to heavily shed
- Low tolerance for hot weather
- With so many breeders, in-depth due diligence of bloodline needs to be a top priority when selecting a puppy
- Require extra love and affection in the offseason to prevent boredom (not always a negative as long as you have the time and desire to entertain them)
- If a big dog, it can be challenging to hunt with them out of a small boat
Our preferred dog hunting vest is the Avery Boater’s Dog Parka. Click on the image below to check out pricing and reviews.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever for Waterfowl Hunting
Known for their power and strength, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the result of combining several breeds together to form a waterfowl hunting powerhouse. Their thick, double layered waterproof coat allows them to hunt in the harshest of conditions.
*Typical Weight Range: 55-80 lbs
*Typical Height Range: 21-26 inches
*Typical Lifespan: 10-13 years
*Data according to American Kennel Club
Chesapeake Bay Retriever qualities compared to other waterfowl hunting dogs
| Quality | Grade |
|---|---|
| Hardiness for cold/rough conditions | A+ |
| Stamina to hunt several days of the season | A+ |
| Hunt other species | C+ |
| Indoor Friendly | C- |
| Family Friendly | C- |
| Trainability | B |
| Tolerance to hunt with other dogs | D |
| Ability to hunt from a small boat | D |
Biggest Strengths:
- Strength and Hardiness to withstand the toughest of conditions
- Protective of those they are close with
- Stamina to hunt several days of the season
Noticeable Weaknesses:
- Can be hard headed and hard to train
- Less common so sometimes more expensive
- May be aggressive, especially towards other dogs
I’ve used the waterproof Sportdog collar for every duck hunting dog I’ve ever trained. Click on the image below to check out reviews and latest pricing.
American Water Spaniel for Waterfowl Hunting
The American Water Spaniel has been used for duck hunting for many years in the upper midwest
*Typical Weight Range: 25-45 lbs
*Typical Height Range: 15-18 inches
*Typical Lifespan: 10-14 years
*Data according to American Kennel Club
American Water Spaniel qualities compared to other waterfowl hunting breeds
| Quality | Grade |
|---|---|
| Hardiness for cold/rough conditions | B- |
| Stamina to hunt several days of the season | B |
| Hunt other species | A+ |
| Indoor Friendly | B |
| Family Friendly | B- |
| Trainability | B |
| Tolerance to hunt with other dogs | B- |
| Ability to hunt from a small boat | A+ |
Biggest Strengths:
- Their lightweight makes them perfect for hunting from a small boat
- Amazing sense of small allows them to excel in upland hunting almost as much as waterfowl
- Content being a hunting dog and don’t require much additional entertainment
Noticeable Weaknesses:
- With only about 3000 American Water Spaniels in the U.S., they can be expensive and hard to find
- Independent personality can make training difficult
- Smaller size may cause some to be less tolerant of harsher conditions than other breeds
Key Takeaways:
- Labrador Retriever: Best choice of breed for someone who’s looking for as much of a companion as a hunting dog. They do great in both respects.
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Best choice of breed for someone who hunts several days of the year and/or in harsh conditions. Their drive and stamina are second to none.
- American Water Spaniel: Best choice of breed for someone who hunts from a small boat and/or enjoys hunting upland game as well as waterfowl.
Find The Ducks!
-
Best Cut Down Duck Calls for 2022
-
Duck Hunting on a Budget: Save money on the 7 things you need
Duck-Tracker is a member of Amazon associates and Bass Pro Affiliate Program. In English, this means that if you end up purchasing a product we mention in one of our articles, we might be eligible to earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. This revenue helps us keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!