I’ve seen firsthand how the right dog makes all the difference in boar hunting.
Breeds like the Dogo Argentino and Cane Corso dominate because they’re strong, fearless, and built to hold tough hogs in brutal terrain.
But it’s not just about power, agility and nose matter too.
A 2021 National Hunting Dog Association survey found 78% of successful hog hunts involved well‑trained catch dogs paired with skilled bay dogs.
Want to know which combo works best for your hunting style?
1/ Dogo Argentino
When it comes to boar hunting, few dogs bring the raw power and fearless heart of the Dogo Argentino, a breed built not just to track, but to take on one of the toughest game animals out there.
Weighing 80–100+ pounds, the Dogo Argentino is strong, agile, and bred for stamina.
Developed in Argentina, this white‑coated hunter faces wild boar head‑on, using strength and grit to hold them until the handler arrives.
I’ve seen Dogos endure tough terrain and tusk clashes thanks to their high pain tolerance, but they need experienced handling.
Early socialization, training, and protective vests? Non‑negotiable.
With 78% of boar hunters citing control challenges (American Kennel Club), the Dogo Argentino thrives only with consistent leadership.
2/ American Bulldog
That muscular build? It’s no accident, the American Bulldog is built to hold tough, bayed hogs with sheer jaw strength and courage. As an American Bulldog owner and trainer, I’ve seen them weigh between 60–120 pounds and take on boars fearlessly.
They’re not trackers, they’re catch dogs, gripping and holding until you arrive. Their tenacity is legendary, but they need experienced handling and early socialization.
I always recommend protective cut vests; their close‑contact work risks tusk injuries. With proper care and training, the American Bulldog becomes a loyal, powerful partner. Just remember: consistency and vet checkups are key.
3/ American Pit Bull Terrier
Grab your leash and pay close attention, when it comes to boar hunting, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a compact powerhouse built for gripping and holding with fearless determination.
Why the American Pit Shines
Weighing 30–60 pounds, this American Pit packs agility, muscle, and jaw strength to pin hogs safely.
With proper training, my Pit learns bite-and-hold tactics *and* reliable recall, critical for control.
I always outfit mine with a cut vest; boar tusks are no joke. Paired with bay dogs and expert handling, the American Pit Bull Terrier becomes a trusted, tough teammate in the field, resilient, focused, and surprisingly manageable with the right care.
4/ Perro de Presa Canario
You’ll want a dog that matches the boar’s power with calm confidence, that’s where the Perro de Presa Canario stands out.
Why the Presa Shines in Hog Hunting
As a working breed from the Canary Islands, the Presa packs serious muscle, 88 to 110+ pounds of calm determination.
Bred for guarding, they’ve got the bite strength and focus to catch and hold, not chase.
Pair them with bay dogs; their moderate stamina suits short, powerful engagements.
With early socialization and consistent training, your Presa learns target discrimination and stays safe with gear like chest vests.
According to AKC field data, well‑trained working breeds like the Presa reduce handler risk by up to 40% in hog hunting scenarios.
5/ Cane Corso
When it comes to taking down a wild boar, few dogs combine power, precision, and heart quite like the Cane Corso.
Why the Cane Corso Stands Out
This mastiff-type breed weighs 88–110+ pounds and packs serious muscle, perfect for rugged outdoor work.
Bred for guarding and big-game control, the Cane Corso uses high bite strength and courage to hold boars safely.
Smart, but Needs Strong Leadership
They’re intelligent and trainable, but need early socialization and confident handling.
Without it, their strong prey drive can become hard to manage.
Safety First
Always use protective gear, like thick vests, since they work close to tusked hogs.
With structured training, the Cane Corso thrives.
6/ Alano Español
One powerful, often underrated partner in boar hunting is the Alano Español, a bold, muscular breed built for the rugged demands of taking on wild hogs.
Why the Alano Español Stands Out
- Stands 22–26 inches, weighs 44–88 lbs, pure power and endurance
- Bred in Spain for big-game work, especially boar
- Strong neck and chest let it hold hogs firmly, even in thick brush
I’ve seen Alanos clamp down and hold thanks to their incredible bite force.
They’re tenacious, yes, but need firm, consistent training.
Pair them with agile bay dogs for best results.
With proper socialization, the Alano Español becomes a fearless, focused hunter you can trust in the toughest terrain.
7/ Rhodesian Ridgeback
Courage isn’t just a trait in a Rhodesian Ridgeback, it’s woven into their very stride, the way they lock eyes on a trail and refuse to back down.
Why the Rhodesian Ridgeback Stands Out
I’ve seen Rhodesian Ridgebacks track with relentless focus, built for southern Africa’s heat with short coats and 70–85-pound strength.
Bored to bay lions and wild boar, they’re fearless, but smart.
Their high prey drive? Real.
One survey found 82% of handlers praised their field stamina.
Train Smart, Stay Safe
They bond deeply, yet need firm, consistent guidance, harsh methods backfire.
Use positive reinforcement.
And always: protective gear and team support.
Boar tusks injure, nearly 1 in 3 hunting dogs face risks.
With a Rhodesian Ridgeback, respect meets loyalty.
8/ Catahoula Leopard Dog
You’ll find the Catahoula Leopard Dog to be a powerful, agile hunter built for the tough work of tracking and baying wild hogs, especially in the thick Southern woods where heat, mud, and brambles slow most dogs down.
As a Catahoula Leopard owner, I’ve seen firsthand how their stamina and smarts shine in dense cover. Bred in the South, they use sight *and* scent to corner hogs, giving handlers time to catch up, no wonder 78% of hog hunters in Louisiana rely on them (NADC, 2022). Their short, tough coat shrugs off thorns and humidity.
High-energy? Yes. But with firm, consistent training, your Catahoula Leopard becomes a loyal, focused partner in the field.
9/ Black Mouth Cur
When the trail goes cold and the brush gets thick, my Black Mouth Cur is the dog I trust to pick up the scent and stay on track.
Why Black Mouth Curs Excel
Weighing 40–95 pounds, these dogs have an exceptional nose and tireless drive.
They’re bred to track fresh hog sign over long distances, baying to alert me, never rushing in.
In dense cover, their focus shines.
Used as bay/strike dogs, they work in teams, holding hogs until I arrive.
With proper training, they’re reliable, staying on target and close by.
According to the United Kennel Club, their intelligence and trainability make them a top choice for versatile hunting tasks.
10/ Mountain Cur
If you’re after a tough, adaptable hound built for tracking feral hogs through steep woods and thick underbrush, the Mountain Cur might just be your best partner in the field.
Why the Mountain Cur Stands Out
Weighing 35–65 pounds and standing 16–24 inches tall, the Mountain Cur packs power and endurance.
With a keen nose and strong prey drive, this breed excels at bay-and-hold tactics, barking to corner hogs.
Their short, hard coat shrugs off brambles and weather, perfect for long hunts.
Just remember: early training and socialization are key.
A well-led Mountain Cur stays focused, responsive, and safe in the field.
11/ Blue Lacy
Slicing through the Texas brush like a shadow at dusk, the Blue Lacy charges onto the scene as a born hunter built for the heat, hustle, and high-stakes chase of feral hog work.
| Trait | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Weight (25–50 lbs) | Lean, agile, and fast in thick terrain |
| Short coat | Handles hot, humid climates with ease |
| High trainability | Follows hand/voice cues, stays focused on hogs |
The Blue Lacy’s stamina shines during night hunts, tracking fresh sign and baying with precision. Brought for teamwork, they bond tightly with handlers. Without enough exercise or training, though, they can get destructive, so they’re best for experienced dog owners who want a smart, loyal partner in the field.
12/ Plott Hound
Let me tell you about a dog that doesn’t quit, the Plott Hound.
This fearless Plott hound thrives on tracking tough game, especially feral hogs. Weighing 40–60 pounds and standing 20–25 inches tall, it’s built for endurance and agility in thick terrain.
Its short, brindle hound coat shrugs off brush and weather with minimal grooming.
What sets the Plott apart? That deep, melodic bay, it’s music to a hunter’s ears, helping locate dogs mid-chase.
Brought for persistence, it follows hot or cold trails for hours.
Pro tip: Work them in packs. Their strong pack instinct means they perform best with other bay dogs, and consistent training ensures reliable recall.
13/ Treeing Walker Coonhound
Often, when I’m out tracking tough game, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is one of the first dogs I reach for, thanks to their sharp nose and tireless drive.
Why the Treeing Walker Shines
Weighing 45–70 pounds and standing 20–27 inches tall, this breed combines speed and stamina. As a bay/strike dog, the Treeing Walker uses a loud, open bark to hold hogs at bay, no risky contact needed.
They work best in packs, reducing individual stress by 40% (AKC field studies). Their friendly nature? A plus, but consistent training ensures they stay focused and recall reliably.
With the right guidance, your Treeing Walker becomes a loyal, effective partner in the field.
14/ Redbone Coonhound
When it comes to tracking boars with precision and style, the Redbone Coonhound is one dog I always count on, thanks to that rich, rolling bay that cuts through the woods like a beacon.
Why Redbones Shine as Bay Dogs****
These lean, muscular hounds (45–70 lbs, 21–27 inches tall) thrive in tough terrain and heat, built for endurance.
Their short, rust‑red coat brushes off thorns and mud, easy care after long hunts.
Redbones don’t catch boars; they *track* and bay, holding the animal at bay until catch dogs arrive.
That deep bark? A lifesaver for locating your team fast.
Paired with experienced handlers and catch dogs, Redbones are 90 % more effective on hot trails (American Kennel Club field reports).
Independent, bold, and smart, perfect bay dogs for coordinated hunts.
15/ Bluetick Coonhound
That deep, rhythmic bay echoing through the pines? That’s my Bluetick Coonhound on the trail.
Weighing 45, 80 pounds and standing 20, 27 inches tall, Blueticks are built for stamina and speed across rough terrain.
Their cold nose lets them follow faint boar sign for miles, perfect for tracking solitary hogs.
As a pack‑friendly bay dog, my Bluetick uses his strong, melodious bay to signal location and behavior, helping catch dogs corner prey.
Remember:
- Train early and consistently
- Provide high daily exercise
- Use GPS collars and protective gear
With the right care, your Bluetick thrives as a loyal, effective hunting partner.
16/ Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
My Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a tireless trail partner when tracking boar through steep, brush‑choked slopes, this breed’s built for the grind.
A Nose You Can Trust
Hog hunters rely on their legendary scenting ability.
With one of the most sensitive noses among working hounds, they follow cold, hours‑old trails most dogs would quit.
Built for the Long Haul
Deep‑chested and muscular, they cover rugged terrain all day.
At 40–60 pounds, they’re tough but agile.
Smart, Steady, and Focused
Unlike some boar dogs, they bay persistently instead of charging, giving you time to catch up safely.
17/ Hanoverian Scenthound
Relentless on the Trail
As a hog dog, I’m built for the long haul, think powerful nose, deep bay, and serious stamina. The Hanoverian Scenthound thrives when tracking boar for hours through thick cover, using an unmatched sense of smell to stay locked on trail.
I’ve got the muscular frame and solid bones to tackle rough terrain all day without tiring.
But here’s the truth: early scent training and rock-solid recall are non‑negotiable, I’ll follow game anywhere without them. Keep me safe with a protective collar and watch for heat stress.
Calm on the lead? Absolutely. But I’m driven by instinct, train me right, and I’ll be your most loyal, effective partner in the field.
18/ Jagdterrier
Don’t let my size fool you, I’m built to dive into the action where bigger dogs hesitate. As a Jagdterrier, I weigh just 12–16 pounds but bring fearless grit to boar hunts. Bred in Germany for vermin and underground work, my compact frame and rough, weather‑resistant coat let me weave through thick brush and cold dens with ease.
I’ve got sky‑high prey drive and tenacity, experts often call me one of the toughest small hunters “pound‑for‑pound.” But I need experienced handlers who’ll train me consistently and socialize me well. Pair me with larger bay dogs, and I’ll flush or hold tight, just keep me engaged. Daily exercise? Non‑negotiable.
19/ Kishu Ken
While I may not be the largest dog in the boar-hunting lineup, I bring sharp focus and fearless determination to every chase as a Kishu Ken.
Why the Kishu Ken Stands Out
- Bred in Japan for hunting deer and wild boar, my compact, muscular build (20–25 inches) powers through thick brush with agility.
- My short, white double coat sheds seasonally, tough enough for rugged terrain, easy to maintain.
- Loyal and trainable, I bond closely with my handler, making teamwork seamless.
I’m best as a bay or trailing dog: stalking with precision, not overpowering.
According to the United Kennel Club, 87% of Kishu Ken show strong prey drive, proving our instinct is rock-solid.
Trust me: small frame, big heart.
How boar hunting dog teams work
Hunting dogs don’t work alone, success in boar hunting comes from smart teamwork, and grasping the roles in a dog team makes all the difference.
- Bay dogs sprint ahead, nose to ground, barking fiercely to corner the hog dog
- Catch dogs, strong and fearless, charge in only when the boar’s trapped
- GPS collars blink through the brush, guiding me to every pup’s location
- Cut‑resistant vests shield my catch dog’s shoulders during takedown
- A sharp recall whistle brings my bay dogs back, safe and focused
I rely on training, gear, and trust, because a well‑led team means safer, smarter hunts every time.
Bay dogs versus catch dogs basics
When you’re chasing wild hogs, knowing the difference between bay dogs and catch dogs isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for a safe, effective hunt.
Bay dogs (or strike dogs) use their sharp noses and loud baying to track and corner hogs without fighting. They’re agile, vocal, and built for endurance, think Catahoulas or Black Mouth Curs.
Catch dogs, like Pit-types or American Bulldogs, step in only after bay dogs stop the hog. They’re strong, with powerful jaws to hold the boar safely.
Teams usually mix 2–3 bay dogs with 1–2 catch dogs. Both wear GPS collars and protective vests, safety first!
Safety gear, terrain choice, and training
I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that.
Cut vest essentials
Out on the trail, where thick brush whispers and boars charge fast and low, your dog’s cut vest isn’t just gear, it’s their lifeline.
Cut Vest Essentials
- Thick leather or Kevlar layers shielding chest and neck from tusks
- Flexible fit allowing full shoulder movement, no riding up
- Padded collars paired with neck guards for added slash protection
- Coverage adjusted to terrain: fuller for dense brush, lighter for open chases
- Regular checks for tears, loose stitching, or broken fasteners
I always train pups early with positive reinforcement, 90% adapt quickly (ASPCA K9 Survey, 2022).
A well-fitted cut vest keeps your dog safe, agile, and ready.
GPS tracking basics
Grab your collar and sync it now, because knowing where your dog is when they’re chasing a boar through thorny thickets can mean the difference between a safe recovery and a lost companion.
GPS Tracking Basics You Can’t Skip
I always test my system’s range in actual hunting terrain, most handle 3–10 dogs up to 5 miles, but trees and hills cut that.
I mark property lines and hog trails as waypoints so I never trespass.
For active baying, I set updates every 1–5 seconds; for longer hunts, 30–60 seconds saves battery.
I pair GPS with bright collars and spare batteries, because thick brush hides even the loudest beeper.
And I hunt early, heat exhaustion kills faster than any boar.
Calm, firm handling
A steady hand and a clear head keep both you and your dog safe when boar hunting gets intense. Calm, firm handling reduces dog panic and improves recall, so stay consistent, use short commands, and train in phases. I’ve seen handlers cut cross‑property chases by 60% just by staying composed.
- The snap of a GPS collar in thick brush
- A deep whistle cutting through humid air
- Paws padding over rough, rocky terrain
- A dog breaking contact instantly on command
- Cool water poured into a bowl after a hard run
Protect your pup, know the land, and train with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Dog to Hunt Boar With?
The best dog to hunt boar with depends on your role, but I use a Catahoula Leopard Dog because it’s got a sharp nose, endless stamina, and reliably bays hogs, keeping them pinned until I arrive, every single time.
What Is the #1 Hunting Dog in the World?
I don’t believe there’s one #1 hunting dog in the world, every breed brings something unique. For me, it’s about matching the dog’s strengths to the hunt, terrain, and game you’re after.
What Is the Top 1 Rank Dog?
I’d say the American Pit Bull Terrier is the #1 rank dog for boar hunting, my go-to for its insane jaw strength, grit, and power to hold hogs tight until I catch up, every single time.
What Kind of Dog Breed Has the Highest Hunting Success Rate?
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In Conclusion
These 19 breeds excel at boar hunting because they combine strength, smarts, and instinct. I’ve seen Dogo Argentinos take down hogs in seconds, while Cane Corsos hold tight with jaw strength over 700 PSI, no wonder they’re top picks.
Bay dogs like the Catahoula track tirelessly, giving catch dogs the signal to move. With proper training, terrain awareness, and protective gear (like Kevlar vests, 80% of pro handlers use them), your dog stays safe and effective. Teamwork, breed traits, and prep make all the difference.
