You’ve seen the photos. A guy in blaze orange, a semi-auto shotgun, and a black dog that looks like it knows its way around a mud puddle. If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, you probably think you know everything there is to know about Tim Walz’s hunting dog.
But there’s a lot of noise out there.
Most of it is just that—noise. Between the viral clips of a pheasant hunt that didn’t result in a single bird and a bizarre conspiracy theory about a "body double" dog, the real story of the Walz family pet has been buried under layers of political theater. Honestly, the truth is way more relatable than the headlines suggest.
Meet Scout: The Rescue That Became a "First Dog"
The dog everyone is talking about is named Scout. He isn't some high-pedigree champion bred from a line of elite field trial winners. He’s a black Lab mix.
Basically, he’s a mutt.
The story of how Scout ended up in the Minnesota Governor’s Residence is a classic "Dad, can we get a dog?" tale. Back in 2017, when Walz first started his run for governor, he made a deal with his son, Gus. If Dad won, the family got a dog. Well, Walz won, and Gus didn't let him forget it. The moment the race was called, the kid reportedly shouted, "I get a dog!"
It took a few months of searching, but in September 2019, they found Scout. He was just a three-month-old pup at the time, discovered in a box abandoned in Oklahoma. They adopted him from Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS).
What Kind of Dog is He, Really?
People love to debate the breed. Is he a Lab? A Pointer? A "shelter special"?
During an appearance on WeRateDogs, Walz confirmed that Scout is a bit of a cocktail. Specifically, he’s a mix of:
- Labrador Retriever
- Boxer
- Chow-Chow
That's a far cry from the sleek German Shorthaired Pointers or English Springers you usually see in high-end pheasant hunting circles. And that brings us to the biggest misconception about Scout.
Is Scout Actually a Hunting Dog?
Here is the part that trips people up: Scout is more of a family pet than a seasoned gun dog. When Tim Walz goes to the annual Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener, he’s usually working with professional dogs—like German Shorthaired Pointers or Springers—owned by local landowners or guides. For example, during the 2024 opener near Sleepy Eye, Walz was seen with a 4-month-old Pointer named Maisie and a veteran GSP named Libby.
Scout is the dog he takes to the park, not necessarily the one he’s asking to hold a point for two hours in heavy cover.
Does Scout go out in the field? Sure. Walz has shared plenty of photos of Scout in the "International Scout" (his vintage SUV) and hanging out in the grass. But there is a massive difference between a dog that enjoys the outdoors and a highly trained hunting machine. Scout is the guy who accidentally locked himself in a bedroom at the governor’s residence for an hour, requiring a rescue mission involving ladders. He’s a "good boy," but he’s not exactly a laser-focused retriever.
The "Two Dogs" Conspiracy Explained
In 2024, the internet did what the internet does. A right-wing columnist posted two photos side-by-side, claiming Walz was "lying" about his dog because the dog in a June 2022 post looked different from a dog in an October 2022 post.
The theory went viral. People were genuinely convinced there were two Scouts.
The reality? It was just a misunderstanding of how dog parks work. In the October photo, Walz was at a dog park and posted about how much Scout enjoyed the day. He happened to be petting a different dog in that specific frame. If you watch the actual video from that day, Scout is right there in the background, playing with the other dog.
Sometimes a dog is just a dog, and sometimes a photo is just a photo of a guy petting a dog that isn't his. It's not a deep-state replacement program.
Why the Hunting Imagery Matters
Politically, the "hunting dog" image is a powerful tool. It’s meant to signal a connection to rural voters and the "hook and bullet" crowd.
Walz grew up in rural Nebraska. He’s a lifelong hunter and a member of Pheasants Forever. When he’s out there in his DNR-branded vest carrying his Beretta A400, he’s trying to show that he hasn't lost touch with those roots.
However, this has also made him a target. After the 2024 hunt, critics mocked him for "fumbling" with his shotgun. The NRA even weighed in, claiming he didn't know how to load it. Experienced hunters who watched the full footage noted he was actually unloading the gun and checking the action—standard safety stuff—but the narrative was already out there.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners and Hunters
If you’re looking to get into pheasant hunting with your own dog, Scout’s story actually offers some pretty solid, if unintentional, advice:
- Manage Your Expectations: Not every dog is a hunting dog. If you adopt a "Lab mix" from a rescue, they might have the instinct to fetch, or they might just want to eat your shoes and lock themselves in the guest room. Both are fine.
- Training is Everything: If you want a dog like the ones Walz uses at the Governor’s Opener (the pointers and springers), that takes years of specific field training.
- Safety First: Whether people mocked his "fumbling" or not, Walz’s habit of keeping his muzzle up and checking his action is what keeps people from getting shot in the field. Don't let social media pressure you into being "fast" with a firearm if it compromises safety.
- Adopt, Don't Shop: Scout is a living advertisement for rescue dogs. Even if they aren't winning field trials, they make great companions for a "good walk spoiled."
If you want to follow in those footsteps, your best bet is to start by visiting a local rescue like Midwest Animal Rescue & Services or checking out your local Pheasants Forever chapter for tips on getting started in the field. Just don't expect your rescue pup to be a pro on day one.
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To get started with your own "Scout," look into basic obedience training before you even think about the field. A dog that won't "sit" at home definitely won't "stay" when a rooster flushes. Start with the basics, keep the muzzle up, and maybe double-check that your bedroom doors don't lock from the inside.