6 Top Squirrel Dog Breeds for Tracking and Chasing – For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, few things compare to the thrill of watching a skilled squirrel dog work. These specialized breeds have keen noses, sharp eyes, and relentless energy, making them perfect for tracking and treeing squirrels. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just enjoy watching a dog’s natural instincts in action, these six top squirrel dog breeds excel at the chase.
From swift treeing feists to determined hounds, here are the best breeds for squirrel hunting—and what makes each one unique.
Table of Contents
1. Mountain Feist
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
Mountain Feists are small, lightning-fast dogs bred specifically for squirrel hunting. Their compact size allows them to navigate dense brush, while their sharp barks signal when they’ve treed their prey.
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 12–30 lbs
✔ Skills: Quick reflexes, strong treeing instinct
✔ Best For: Hunters who want a fast, vocal dog
Pro Tip: Their high energy means they need daily exercise to stay sharp.
Also Read: 8 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds Requiring Responsible Ownership
2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
Originally bred for raccoons, Treeing Walkers also excel at squirrel hunting thanks to their keen nose and loud, musical bark . They can track scent trails for miles and won’t quit until they tree their target.
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 45–80 lbs
✔ Skills: Excellent scent tracking, endurance
✔ Best For: Hunters who want a larger, vocal hound
Fun Fact: Their baying helps hunters locate them deep in the woods.
3. Rat Terrier
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
Rat Terriers are small but mighty , with a strong prey drive and relentless determination. They excel at flushing squirrels from brush and chasing them up trees.
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 10–25 lbs
✔ Skills: Speed, agility, and sharp eyesight
✔ Best For: Hunters who prefer a compact, high-energy dog
Did You Know? They were originally bred to hunt rats—hence their name!
4. Mountain Cur
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
Mountain Curs are rugged, versatile hunting dogs that can track, tree, and even retrieve squirrels. Their strong work ethic and endurance make them ideal for long hunts.
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 30–60 lbs
✔ Skills: Strong treeing instinct, high stamina
✔ Best For: Hunters who want a tough, multipurpose dog
Pro Tip: They thrive with consistent training and a job to do .
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
Don’t let their size fool you—Jack Russells are fearless, fast, and full of energy . They excel at digging out squirrels and chasing them up trees with relentless determination.
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 13–17 lbs
✔ Skills: Agility, persistence, and sharp reflexes
✔ Best For: Hunters who want a small but unstoppable dog
Warning: They’re escape artists—secure fencing is a must!
Also Read: 7 Best Dwarf Dog Breeds – Tiny Pups with Big Charm
6. Blue Lacy
Why They’re Great for Squirrel Hunting:
A lesser-known breed, the Blue Lacy is prized for its intelligence, speed, and tracking ability . Originally bred for wild hogs, they also make excellent squirrel dogs .
Key Traits:
✔ Size: 30–50 lbs
✔ Skills: Strong prey drive, quick learning
✔ Best For: Hunters who want a unique, high-energy breed
Fun Fact: The Blue Lacy is the official state dog of Texas!
What Makes a Great Squirrel Dog?
The best squirrel hunting breeds share these traits:
✔ Keen Sense of Smell – Tracks squirrels through dense woods.
✔ Sharp Eyesight – Spots movement in trees.
✔ Treeing Instinct – Barks to signal a treed squirrel.
✔ Endurance – Can hunt for hours without tiring.
Training Tips for Squirrel Dogs
- Start Young – Introduce puppies to squirrels early.
- Use Live Traps – Let them chase captive squirrels to build instinct.
- Reward Barking – Encourage vocalization when they tree prey.
- Hunt Regularly – Practice keeps their skills sharp.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Squirrel Dog
Whether you prefer a small, fast Feist or a loud, determined Coonhound , the best squirrel dog depends on your hunting style.
✔ For Speed & Agility → Mountain Feist or Jack Russell
✔ For Scent Tracking → Treeing Walker or Blue Lacy
✔ For Toughness → Mountain Cur
Do you hunt with a squirrel dog? Share your experiences below!
