Known as the gentleman’s game bird for the Southern hunts that take place in locations like Georgia, quail, in reality, can be downright nasty to hunt in the South or anywhere else for that matter. They’re small birds that flush in large coveys, often flustering the hunter, and only offer a clean shot for a moment. Found throughout the country, from thick pine forests to sun-baked deserts and everywhere in between, the various species of quail require a special dog to hunt ‘em up—and the best dog for the job is often dependent upon where and when you’re going to pursue these delectable birds.

To find out more about quail dogs, we asked the folks at Quail Forever, as well as one of the best bird-dog trainers in the country, Ronnie Smith of Big Cabin, Okla., what they considered some of the best breeds and the pros and cons of each.

English Pointer
Perhaps the epitome of a quail dog, the lean, well-muscled pointer is a tireless worker with great range.

“More than any other breed, pointers have the focus and high prey drive that makes them perfect for hunting quail,” says Smith, who guides hunters in South Texas where everything sticks, pricks or bites hunter and dog alike. Smith cites the breed’s short, slick coat as a huge benefit in hot climates and burr-filled areas. Dogs from big-running lines are useful when covering huge expanses of area, too.