Bulldogs are one of the best dogs for hog hunting.
Bulldogs are stereotyped as fat and slow dogs, but the truth is far from that. Hog hunters generally like using bulldogs because they are actually fast, smart and are a good match for wild hogs, which also are smart and fast. Usually a few dogs are used in a hog hunt, and it takes a smart dog that has a lot of stamina and strength to go against hogs that can weigh up to 400 pounds.
History
Bulldogs were named because they were originally used for tracking down bulls in the early days before there were fences. The bulldogs used in the Southern United States are descendants of the original British bulldog, which is now called the American bulldog and is bred for performance.
The name American bulldog has come to be used more in the past 30 or 40 years to separate it from other strains of bulldogs. The animal is not to be confused with the pit bull, which is more of a terrier and used for different purposes.
American bulldogs mostly have been used for herding cows and hogs and are more and more being used for hunting hogs.
Function
Bulldogs are ideally suited for hunting hogs. Some types of bulldog may be used for chasing the hog, or baying. Those dogs tree, or corner the hog. The American bulldog then moves in for the kill. This dog is just as ferocious as the wild boar, is strong, has lots of stamina and can hold its own with a larger animal.
Two types of dogs are used in hog hunting, and various strains of bulldog can be used for both. One is for the chase and one is for the kill. The dogs used for the kill are generally kept on a leash until the hog is cornered by the baying dogs.
Considerations
Breeding is a key difference between an American bulldog used for hunting hogs and the pit bull, which has been bred for different purposes.
According to the website dogresources.com, animals such as the bulldog can be bred to be selective in what they will attack. Some dogs are bred to attack only other animals--such as hogs in a hunt, but they are not aggressive toward people. This is the type of dog that is trained for hog hunting.
Tendencies for aggression against humans are bred out of dogs that will be used for hog hunting.
Effects
In hog hunting, the American bulldog is primarily used as the "catch" dog. This is the dog that goes in to attack the hog after it has been cornered by the baying dogs.
This is dangerous as the hogs have tusks and are aggressive when being attacked. They will not hesitate to attack a dog, or even a human, if given a chance. Dogs can be badly wounded by the tusks, therefore they need a high tolerance to pain and enough stamina to keep fighting when injured.
Boars
Hogs are generally considered pests, or nuisance animals, because they are not natural species. They are destructive to crops and animal habitat and will kill small animals.
Since they were introduced to this country, they have no natural predator. Their populations grow rapidly, and they can take over an area. For this reason, most states allow hog hunting year-round and there is no limit. Normally you do have to have a hunting license to hunt them on public land.
The use of dogs in hunting them is becoming more popular. It is generally a more exciting hunt than standing in a deer-stand type structure and waiting for a hog to appear.
Types
There are different types of bulldogs used in hog hunting. The classic is the American bulldog, which is generally considered to be a great hog hunting dog.
The Catahoula bulldog is a cross between the American bulldog, the Louisiana catahoula and the Leopard dog. This dog is slightly larger, and faster than the American bulldog. The Catahoula adds intelligence and overall speed.
Another strain is the Alabama American bulldog, which is a taller dog with more overall speed. This dog is good for chasing down hogs in areas not as overgrown and brushy.
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