Kennels / Breeders

How to Find a Reputable Breeder for Big Game Hounds

BigGameHoundsmen.com does not endorse any breed or line of dogs. Please do your research when buying your first hound to make sure you buy a dog that fits your needs and expectations.

Chasing big game with hounds—whether it’s bear through thick timber, mountain lion over rocky ridges, or boar in tangled swamps—is a way of life for houndsmen. Breeds like Plott Hounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds, and Bluetick Coonhounds are bred for grit, nose, and heart to tackle the toughest hunts. Finding a breeder who produces hounds that can handle your local terrain and target game isn’t just about picking a pup; it’s about finding a dog that’ll tree hard and come home ready for the next chase. The best way to start? Tap into the collective wisdom of seasoned houndsmen in your area who know what it takes to succeed locally. Drawing from the wealth of insights shared by thousands of houndsmen on the BigGameHoundsmen.com forum, this guide lays out practical steps to find a reputable breeder for your next big game hound.

Step 1: Know Your Hunt
Before you start looking for a breeder, get clear on what you’re hunting and where. The BigGameHoundsmen.com forum emphasizes that terrain and game shape a hound’s needs. A Plott Hound bred for bear in wet, steep country might falter in open, rocky lion grounds, as forum discussions on bloodlines highlight. Ask yourself:

• Game: Bear, lion, boar, or coon? Each demands different traits—Plott Hounds for raw grit on bear, Treeing Walkers for speed on coon or lion.
• Terrain: Dense forests, mountains, or swamps? A hound’s size, stamina, and footing matter, like the “leggy” walkers favored for coyote in open country.
• Style: Solo or pack hunting? Some hounds shine alone, while others thrive in groups, as forum advice on bear packs underscores.

Write down your goals to share with houndsmen—they’ll steer you toward breeders whose dogs match your hunt.

Step 2: Find Local Houndsmen Who Get Results
The BigGameHoundsmen.com forum is full of stories about mentoring newcomers, stressing the value of learning from veterans with proven packs. Connecting with successful local houndsmen is the fastest way to find breeders with dogs that excel in your terrain and game.

• Hit Local Hunts: Head to nite hunts, field trials, or coonhound events run by clubs. Watch dogs work and ask owners about their breeders. UKC’s event calendar (www.ukcdogs.com/events) lists local hunts where houndsmen gather.
• Scout Public Lands: Visit game lands where hound hunting’s allowed, like North Carolina’s designated areas (Wednesday/Saturday hunts). Introduce yourself to houndsmen, ask about dogs that perform locally, and request breeder names. Forum advice underscores tagging along to see hounds in action before buying.
• Build Trust: Approach houndsmen with respect,  Offer to help with chores like handling dogs or scouting. Ask, “Who’s breeding dogs that tree [bear/lion] around here?” or “Can I see your pack hunt?”
• Tip: Don’t rush—relationships with houndsmen lead to better breeder recommendations,  a good mentorship is Key and takes time.

Step 3: Dive Into the BigGameHoundsmen.com Forum
The BigGameHoundsmen.com forum is a treasure trove of houndsmen knowledge, with over 28,000 posts in the “UKC Big Game Hunting” section alone (last active May 2025). It’s where hunters share breeder names and debate bloodlines for specific game.

• Join the Forum: Register at biggamehoundsmen.com to access threads like “Hound Hunting Related Classifieds” (active December 2024). Browse “UKC Coonhounds” or “Plott Hounds” for breeder ads or recommendations.
• Post a Query: Start a thread like, “Need a Treeing Walker breeder for bear in [your state]. Who’s got proven dogs?” Specify your terrain (e.g., “wet coastal forests”) and game to get targeted replies. Forum threads show houndsmen offering Plott breeder leads for bear hunting.
• Tip: Be specific in posts to avoid generic replies. Forum discussions value detailed questions, like those on Plott endurance for lynx in varied terrain.

Step 4: Check Registries and Breed Clubs
Houndsmen on BigGameHoundsmen.com frequently recommend registries for breeder leads, as UKC-registered dogs dominate big game hunting. Use these alongside local recommendations:

• UKC Find a Breeder (www.ukcdogs.com/find-a-breeder): Lists breeders with recent UKC litter registrations for coonhounds, Plott Hounds, and more. Listings cost $20-$50, so not all breeders are included, but it’s a solid start. Call UKC at 269-343-9020 for unlisted breeders.
• AKC Breeder Referral (www.akc.org/breeder-referral): Useful for hound breeds like American Foxhounds, with health testing emphasis (e.g., OFA, CERF). Cross-check with houndsmen, as AKC hounds may lean toward show lines.
• National Plott Hound Association (www.nationalplotthoundassociation.com): Connects to Plott breeders with dogs proven on bear or lion, often praised on the forum.
• Tip: Ask houndsmen if a breeder’s dogs compete in UKC events (e.g., nite hunts), a sign of field-tested bloodlines, as forum advice suggests.

Step 5: Vet Breeders with Houndsmen’s Input
Once houndsmen recommend breeders, dig deeper to ensure their dogs suit your hunt. Forum discussions stress seeing hounds work before buying.

• Field Performance: Ask for proof of the sire and dam’s success on your game in similar terrain (e.g., bear treed in mountains). Join a hunt with the breeder or watch videos, as forum advice encourages.
• Health Testing: Verify screenings like OFA (hips), CERF (eyes), or PennHIP, as health is critical for working hounds.
• Puppy Prep: Ensure pups are socialized in hunting environments, building traits like boldness, a practice praised in forum threads.
• Houndsmen References: Request contacts of local buyers to confirm dog performance. Forum discussions often share breeder feedback privately.
• Tip: Trust houndsmen’s collective judgment on breeders, as forum threads warn against kennels with unproven bloodlines.

Step 6: Dodge Common Traps
The BigGameHoundsmen.com forum is candid about breeder pitfalls, like “backyard” operations producing untested dogs. Avoid these red flags:

• No Field Proof: Skip breeders without hunt records or houndsmen endorsements, as untested dogs may fail on game.
• Health Skimping: Reject those without health clearances, as working hounds need durable genetics.
• Tip: Rely on hounds men’s shared wisdom to spot shady breeders, as forum discussions flag kennels selling “grade” dogs as purebred.

Conclusion
Your next big game hound starts with the houndsmen who know your local dirt and game best. By hitting hunts, diving into BigGameHoundsmen.com’s forum, and using registries like UKC, you’ll find breeders whose dogs are born to tree. Listen to the community, watch hounds work, and do your homework—your pack’s future depends on it.