Contents
The Best Bear Hunting Dogs
Hunting pursuits often have a rich history, but few can compare to following a hound as it expertly tracks wild game. And when it comes to hunting with hounds, no animal is more challenging or demanding than the black bear. While you have the option to hunt bears over bait or shoot them from a distance, if you truly want to experience the best that bear hunting has to offer, you must run them with hounds.
The top dogs for bear hunting come from dedicated European houndsmen who have been perfecting their craft since the 1750s and 1800s. While bear hunting with hounds gained traction during the Colonial period in North America, it has truly thrived in more recent times as new breeds of hunting dogs were established in the early 1900s. Throughout the years, one thing has remained constant: Houndsmen are fiercely loyal to their chosen breed of bear dog. Nothing offends them more than insulting a man’s dog. If you do, be prepared to face their wrath.
But which breeds are considered the best bear dogs? If you’re new to bear hunting, you may be unfamiliar with many of them. In general, the best bear dogs are highly driven, skilled at tracking, and extremely determined. In this guide, I will cover the following topics:
– Best Bear Hunting Dog Breeds
– Picking the Right Bear Dog Pup
– What to Expect from a Young Bear Dog
– Essential Gear for a Bear Hunting Hound
– Final Thoughts
Best Bear Hunting Dog Breeds
Bear hunting hounds often overlap with those used for coon, fox, and bobcat hunting. Breeds such as Plott, Walker, Redtick, Bluetick, Black and Tan, and Redbone are all capable of pursuing bears. In recent years, breeders have created their own mix of these breeds to develop specialized bear dogs. In theory, any dog bred to track or tree game could be a good choice for bear hunting. However, there is a select group of dogs that stand out as the cream of the crop.
Plott
Pros
- Gritty
- Skilled tracker
- Infinite stamina
- Confident
- Loyal
Cons
- Requires time and attention
- Strong-willed
Price: $500 – $700
The Plott is undoubtedly the most renowned bear dog breed. When you ask a houndsman why they love Plotts, they will inevitably mention one word: grit. Plotts are the epitome of a gritty dog when it comes to chasing bears. Plott enthusiasts will passionately defend their breed against any criticism.
“If you want grit and staying power, you better choose a Plott,” says 77-year-old houndsman and breeder Eugene Walker, who has been chasing bears since the age of 6. “Other hound breeds are often just ‘blisters’ – they show up when the work is done. And then there are the ‘cheerleaders’ – the dogs that run behind and bark. But I prefer linebacker dogs that want to get in on the action. If you want to tree a mean bear, you better have some grit – and that’s what Plotts are all about.”
History of the Plott
Johannes George Plott brought a few Hanoverian hounds from Germany to Philadelphia in 1750. He later moved to North Carolina, where he established a farm and raised a family. Plott managed to maintain the purity of his dog line, passing it down through generations. His son, Henry, continued the breeding program in 1780. Over the next two centuries, the Plott family continued to refine these dogs, making them increasingly popular in the Appalachians and Great Smoky Mountains.
Walker (Treeing Walker)
Pros
- Quick on fresh scent
- Vocal
- Bred for speed
- Effective alone or in a pack
- Good-natured and friendly towards humans
Cons
- Very vocal (even at home)
- Prone to more health issues
Price: $400 – $800
The Walker hound is another popular breed for bear hunting. There are two variations: Treeing Walkers and Running Walkers. The former excels at quickly treeing game, while the latter is known for relentless running. If you want the best of both worlds, consider the Kemp Walker, bred by Mike Kemp of Oregon. This line combines the tenacity of runners with exceptional treeing ability, creating one of the finest bear dog bloodlines. Kemp’s Walkers possess the drive and intelligence that is hard to match.
Josh Ilderton, the host of the popular hunting show “The Untamed,” has been hunting bears for decades. His go-to dog is the Walker cross from Kemp. According to Ilderton, “Those dogs are tough to beat. They have the stamina and determination needed to put a bear up a tree.”
History of the Walker
The Treeing Walker coonhound originated during the colonial era from crosses of English foxhounds. John Walker and George Maupin, Kentucky breeders, played a significant role in establishing this breed. Originally known as Walker hounds, they were primarily used for raccoon hunting. In the 1800s, a stolen black and tan dog named Tennessee Lead was crossed into the Walker hound bloodline. This infusion resulted in a new line called the Walker coonhound, specifically bred for treeing. The breed was later renamed Treeing Walker coonhound.
The Running Walker line developed in the mid to late 1800s. While they possess a strong drive for hunting foxes, rabbits, and coyotes, they lack the treeing instinct of their Treeing Walker counterparts.
English Coonhound (Redtick)
Pros
- Good speed on the track
- Strong nose
- Sociable
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Single-minded focus, may ignore commands
Price: $800 – $1200
The English coonhound, also known as the redtick, is a favored breed among coon and bear hunters alike. With a strong nose and remarkable tracking and treeing abilities, redticks are well-suited for pursuing various types of game. Bob Olson, a bear dog breeder from Utah, acknowledges his preference for Plotts but also recognizes the merit of redticks in bear hunting.
“Unlike some of their relatives, redticks were selectively bred for bear hunting-specific characteristics,” says Olson. “They possess the traits necessary to tree bears, including the speed that their bluetick cousins lack.”
Although redticks are generally sociable and good-natured, their strong will can make training challenging. Their single-mindedness and intense focus may cause them to disregard commands. Patience is a virtue when it comes to training these dogs. Additionally, redticks are highly focused on their task, which can lead to tuning out everything else, including their handlers’ commands.
History of the English Coonhound
The redtick’s roots, like many coon and bear hounds, trace back to the foxhounds brought to the United States by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. With the exception of the Plott, most of its relatives share a common ancestry.
Karelian Bear Dog
Pros
- High drive
- Strong-willed
- Excellent holding power
- Brave, loyal, tenacious, cautious, independent, and affectionate
- Extremely protective
Cons
- Requires extra time and attention
- Demanding exercise needs
- Needs disciplined handling
- Territorial
- Can be overly protective
Price: $1,400 – $1,700
The Karelian bear dog may not be as well-known among bear hunters in the United States, but some consider it the best-kept secret among hunting dog breeds, particularly for hunting black bears.
Originating from Finland, the Karelian was specifically bred for hunting bears and wild boars. However, these versatile dogs excel in various tasks, including hunting large and small game and serving as companions and protectors. They possess an exceptional drive, a strong will, and unwavering loyalty. Other notable traits include quick reflexes and fearlessness, making them formidable opponents for black bears.
In Finland, Karelian dogs hunt in pairs, primarily as stopping dogs. They are trained to quickly bay and hold the bear for the hunter, without barking on the scent trail. Once they’ve located their target, they unleash their powerful barks. This behavior helps them avoid running off track.
History of the Karelian Bear Dog
The breed’s origins can be traced back to the Komi dog, also known as the dog of Zyrians. It is considered the ancestral stock of Karelian bear dogs. These dogs were initially used for a wide range of game hunting purposes in Lagoda’s Karelia, Olonets, and Russian Karelia. In 1936, a breeding program was established to create a robust and vocal dog. As a result, the Karelian bear dog officially emerged. The first standard for the breed was established in 1945, and the first dogs were registered in 1946.
The Karelian bear dog breed standard specifies a black-and-white coat, although initially the breed included dogs with wolf gray, red (similar to standard spitz), and black-and-tan coats as well.
The Best Bear Dog Kennels
Pocahontas Plott Kennels
Eugene Walker, the owner of Pocahontas Plott Kennels in Hillsboro, West Virginia, has dedicated over 70 years to bear hunting. “Back then, I was helping sheep farmers,” recalls Walker. “Bears would come out of hibernation and wreak havoc on the sheep farms. They’d kill 10 to 15 sheep each night, moving from one farm to another.”
Walker has been breeding and running the same line of Plotts for over six decades. While they have hunted both bears and raccoons throughout the years, they have shifted their focus to bear hunting since the late ’90s. Puppies from Pocahontas Plott Kennels are available every spring. Most of them inherit the coveted traits of a bawl mouth on a track and excellent treeing ability. These Plotts are known for their intelligence, aggression, speed, and cold-nosed tracking skills, allowing them to follow older scent trails.
Plott Ridge Kennels
Bob Plott, the great-great-great grandson of Johannes George Plott and great-great nephew of Henry Plott, proudly operates Plott Ridge Kennels. This kennel, located in North Carolina, is committed to preserving the legacy of the “old-time multi-purpose Plott dog.” The Plott dogs are not only a source of pride for the family, but a part of their heritage. It’s important to note that Plott Ridge Kennels is not a puppy mill, as they only sell dogs to individuals they deem worthy.
Olson Plott Hounds
Bob Olson, an experienced houndsman with over 20 years of hunting experience, has primarily relied on purebred Plotts or Plott crosses for his best dogs. By combining the exceptional characteristics of Plotts with the superior scent-tracking ability of redtick hounds, Olson has successfully produced outstanding hunting dogs. His dogs are known for their intelligence, speed, and aggressiveness during the hunt.
Kemp Walkers
As previously mentioned, Mike Kemp has a well-earned reputation for breeding some of the finest Walker pups in the country. Kemp Walkers are sought after by hunters across the nation for their perfect blend of speed and treeing ability. Owning a Kemp Walker assures you a dependable bear dog that will consistently put bears up trees. To contact Mike Kemp, please call (509) 780-7805.
Penny’s English Coonhounds
Mike Penny continues his family’s tradition of breeding top-of-the-line English coonhounds. It all started with his father, Leroy Penny, in 1957. Over the years, they’ve raised a long line of champion hounds specializing in coon, mountain lion, and bear hunting.
Snowy Mountain Bear Dogs
Snowy Mountain Bear Dogs, owned by Josh and Faith Troop, is a reputable Karelian bear dog breeder situated in Nashville, Tennessee. They are known for breeding high-quality hunting and working dogs for bear, mountain lion, and other large game. Excellence is the hallmark of their breeding program, emphasizing working ability, health, pedigree, and breed standards. Their Karelian bear dogs are widely regarded as the cream of the crop in North America.
When looking for a bear dog pup, Olson offers the following advice: “Find the one that believes it’s 10 feet tall, invincible, and never gives up.”
How to Choose a Bear Dog Pup
Choosing the right puppy can be a daunting task. Many buyers unnecessarily stress over finding the “pick of the litter.” However, don’t worry too much about this. Here are some fundamental questions to consider during the selection process:
- Who are the parents, and what is their hunting and health history?
- How do the parents hunt? Inquire about specific qualities like drive, running style (whether they range widely or stay close), and obedience during scent trailing.
- Do the pups come from a line of bear-hunting dogs?
- What is the temperament of the parents?
- Is the puppy energetic and eager or shy and timid?
- Do the parents and pup possess the desired physical traits and markings?
Expert Advice on Choosing a Puppy
- “Look for a pup that keeps its nose to the ground, actively searching for something,” advises Olson. “Observe if it naturally trails something or barks at a horse or cow. Find the one that believes it’s 10 feet tall, invincible, and never gives up.”
- Walker, from Pocahontas Plott Hounds, provides similar guidance: “Look for boldness rather than timidity or shyness. Pay attention to features like tight feet to prevent soreness, a square head, a moderately sized muzzle, and ears set properly on the head.”
- Ilderton prefers a hands-on approach with the puppies, observing their reactions and interactions. “I want to see if they like me or shy away,” he explains. “I also pay attention to their foot structure. I prefer tight, sturdy feet. They’re crucial for bear hunting.”
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.