will hawks attack a small dog?

FrenchBrie

New member
I hunt with Brittanies and today was the second time I have seen hawks buzz within 30 feet of the dog, apparently thinking about making a run at it. I thought I might have to shoot the damn hawk to keep him away. Has anyone else had this experience?
 
never seen a hawk go after britts before and i have hunted with alot of them i have however seen them eye a chiwowa and a mini poodle as well as a copuple yorkies
 
Some will, some won't even though they may look like they are buzzing the dog. A britt is probably large enough to safe unless it's a pup. Remember some are savvy enough they know what you are after--some of them (not all--many are primarily mousers even some of the larger ones) want to eat the same thing you know....

One thing they will do for you is keep game birds from moving much.
 
Last edited:
My wife always though the hawks were after our dogs, but I think they stick around b/c we hunters are pushing dinner around beneath them. I also agree that they help hold pheasants down for you.
 
Birds of Prey

I was hunting some state land near Mitchell two years ago and dropped a bird in some thick pines. The dog was having trouble finding the rooster when all of a sudden an owl dropped down onto the dead bird. This owl was enormous, it had a face the size of a dinner plate. I had to call the dog back because there was no chance of him winning that fight. Lost that bird but the owl got a good meal.
 
Kansas Britt has it right, mostly hoping the dogs will stir something edible up for them, kingbirds do the same thing with our lawnmower hunting bugs. A lot of the hawks are marsh hawks which fly low and dart around anyway. I have seen golden eagles out west neatly pluck 15-20 pound lambs out of a flock though. Can't fly with them, but the sheep scatter leaving the eagle to eat unmolested. Talk about wild, those range sheep are spookier than the antelope the share the range with! By the way, I wouldn't even think of shooting a hawk, eagle or owl, not sure I would even put in print that I considered it, penalty is severe in the extreme!
 
Back
Top