I was recently on a Forum where someone suggested a Jack Russell would make a perfect blood trail dog. I have quite a bit of experience tracking crippled deer with a dog so I decided to offer some of my insight and what I have learned on this subject.
A Jack Russell is a great little dog and might make a good blood trail dog but there are better choices.
Everyone will have a different opinion on this and there are always exceptions but the Jack is a little on the hyper side as a rule. A great blood trail dog is steady and deliberate, and has a track to track trail style. Some gods can switch from winding to track without issue but a dog that has a tendency to hunt with his nose in the wind is not preferred. The size of the Jack is a good quality but only in fairly open woods. Remember, by law you have to keep the dog on a lead. A shorter dog is more difficult to handle in thick gallberry and palmettos, etc. A crippled deer is headed to the thickest place he can find. Water is another issue where the short dog comes up, short.
One of the best short legged dogs for blood trailing is a wire haired dachshund but in the South has some of the same limitations as the Jack.
Another top blood trail dog is the Lab but you need to find one that is out of hunting stock such as a duck hunter. The problem with Labs is that they have been bred to death by the pet people without concern to hunting qualities.
I personally, really like a bluetick but also has some draw backs, He is a big dog with fierce drive and will pull your arm off while dragging you to death. However, sometimes that drive is a plus as well as the height and stamina. One of the best things I like about this breed is that most all will bay unlike beagles, walkers, etc.
Another great blood trail dog is a german wire haired pointer. They are incredibly versatile and you can hunt a bird with him in the morning and blood trail a deer in the afternoon.
If you have plenty of spare cash and can find one, a Bavarian mt. blood hound is as good a blood trail dog as you can get. They don't like being yelled at but are incredible trail dogs and about perfect size.
Then there is the choice of male or female. Personally, I prefer a female but try to get one that will not be in heat during hunting season. Females seem to be a little more no-nonsense, learn quicker, etc.
With all that said, most any of the hunting breeds have the potential and equipment to get the job done but some are much better suited than others.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with a blood trail dog is not building a bond with the dog where he has a desire to please you. If you don't spend a lot of time with him and teach him everything you can, don't expect him to be the brightest crayon in the box. Keeping him in a pen 24/7 and just taking him out when you need him won't cut it either. A dog kept like that just wants to go nuts when you let it out and has no control.
Remember, you are going to have a lot of time invested in this dog. Select your dog very carefully. Consider where you hunt and your needs. Then spend every minute you can with him. Take him every where you go. Put him on [U]every[/U] track, not just the ones you can't find. Teach him everything you can. Do this and you will have a dog whose abilities are nothing short of incredible.
Here's a few pic's of my Bluetick Lacy and some of her finds:
Larry Stephens
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