Hunting Dog Under 25lbs

[Mt Al]

Cocker Spaniel. This is the answer.
My Springer is only 35lbs, but we train with folks with field-bred cockers and those dogs are lightning bolts! They will tear up any upland field you throw them at. They'll retrieve geese.
(The good ones are also absolute psychos, but hey, worth it.)

My friend has an English Field Cocker, outstanding dog! His is a female that I doubt is much over 20 pounds, but looks like males might go over your minimum weight for flying. She's fearless, goes ape s&#t around birds. Worth a look at least.

 

[kickemall]

Jag terrier and train it to mind. As earlier stated if they’re raised with cats they won’t mess with them. I’ve seen them do some pretty amazing things. Jump deer, track deer, bay deer. Pretty much the same with bear. Helps keep them out of camp and the ones I’ve seen know how to not get caught while tormenting the $hit out if them. Also, once they’re in shape seen them trot with horse packing in and never miss a beat. If you want the same type of dog but mellower then a fox terrier. Just as good but handle easier.

 

[Rokbar]

Mt. Feist

 

[JoeDirt]

My last Aussie was amazing, he was a mix with some Heeler. 30-35lbs. He would help track downed game but had the herding instinct that I had to be on top of.

New Aussie is shaping up to be a good dog, he has no herding instinct (bought him for that reason) purebred 50+ lbs though.

My Family has a couple Springer/Lab mixes they're small and have been absolutely fantastic all around hunting/family dogs!

 

[rarmitage915]

Mountain Feist is a good option. Extremely happy with mine.

 

[wowzers]

Maybe throw Patterdale Terrier into the mix for consideration.

We have one and he’s been great. I like Jagds too but they are on another level.

 

[Pochuck]

Anyone have experience with beagles? I know they can be good hunting dogs and are right at that 25lb mark but not sure how they compare

 

[Wellsdw]

Anyone have experience with beagles? I know they can be good hunting dogs and are right at that 25lb mark but not sure how they compare

My understanding on the way they trail is that they tend to not differentiate scents. Meaning they tend to lock in on the scent of deer, and not a specific deer. Generally when trailing to are teaching the dog to follow the scent you tell it to. This allows the dog to cross the track of multiple other animals and stay on the one you are after.

 

[Sierra Hunter]

We have one and he’s been great. I like Jagds too but they are on another level.

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I always wanted a patterdale if I went on the smaller side. I’m currently with 2 GSDs and a GSP