Guide to Hound Dogs

The Hound Group consists of several breeds of dogs that are often used for hunting. Most hounds share the common trait of a hunting ancestry. Hounds usually have an acute sense of smell to follow a trail.

Until 1930, the AKC classed Hounds as Sporting dogs. In 1930 they were assigned their own group. Hounds are hunters that bring down the game themselves, hold the game at bay for the hunter,There are three types of hound dog. Sight hounds follow prey by keeping it in their sight. Sight hounds are fast moving and will catch and kill prey themselves. Scent hounds follow prey by tracking it's scent. Scent hounds have strong endurance, but are not fast runners.Aboriginal hounds use sight and scent equally in following prey..

Most Hounds share a common ancestry of being used for hunting. Hounds are a diverse group, and other then a keen sense of smell, it is difficult to generalize common characteristics from breed to breed. Hounds make great companion dogs and wonderful family pets. Here are the breeds of hounds, along with a brief description of them.

Afghan Hound: The tall, leggy Afghan House has an aristocratic appearance of dignity and aloofness. These dogs weight 50 to 60 pounds and stand about 35 to 27 inches high.

Basenji: The Basenji is a small, short haired hunting dog from Africa. This elegant dog stands about 16 to 17 inches high and weighs 22 to 24 pounds. The Besenji has an intelligent, independent but affectionate breed. They can be aloof with strangers.

Basset Hound: The Bassett Hound in a short legged breed with a heavy boned body. This breed stand about 14 to 15 inches high. The Bassett Hound is mild tempered, devoted and is capable of great endurance.

Beagle (13") Beagle (15"): The Beagle is a very popular pet and companion dog. The dog has a course, hard, hound coat of medium length.

Black and Tan Coonhound: The Coonhound is a strong dog, capable of withstanding the hardship of rigorous winters, hot summers, and rough terrain. This breed is proficient in hunting deer, bear, mountain lion an big game. The handsome dog has a coal black coat with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle and on the chest and feet. The Coonhound is even tempered, outgoing and friendly.

Bloodhound: The regal Bloodhound has a powerful sense of smell, making it a great hunting and tracking dog. This breed stands 25 to 27 inches tall and weighs 80 to 90 pounds or more. Bloodhounds have ab affectionate, shy, sensitive nature.

Borzoi: The Borzoi was originally bred for hunting wild game on open terrain, relying on sight rather than scent. This breed was bred with particular structural qualities to chase, catch and hold quarry. Borzoi's range in weight from 75 to 105 pounds and are about 26 to 28 inches high.

Longhaired Dachshund, Smooth Dachshund, Wirehaired Dachshund: Dachshunds are low to the ground, with short legs and long body. This distinctive build makes this breed suitable for hunting game below the ground and for beating the bush. Dachshunds have a variety of coats and colors. The clever, lively, courageous dog is affectionate with family and makes a great companion.

American Foxhound

English Foxhound: The English Foxhound is a medium sized hound with strength and endurance.

Greyhound: The Greyhound is long and narrow dog with long powerful legs. This sweet tempered dog is often used in dog racing at the track.

Harrier: The Harrier was bred to hunt hare in packs. They are sturdily built with large bone structure. The Harrier is a smaller version of the English Foxhound. the Harrier is outgoing and friendly and able to work in close contact with other hounds.

Ibizan Hound: The Ibizan is a lithe and racy canine, bred to hunt for rabbits. Ibizan's are even tempered, affectionate and loyal, making an excellent family pet.

Irish Wolfhound: The great size and commanding appearance of the Irish Wolfhound makes it commanding in appearance. This is the largest and tallest of the galloping hounds. The breed is tough coated and muscular. Irish Wolfhounds are approximately 30 to 32 inches high nd about 105 to 120 pounds.

Norwegian Elkhound: The Norwegian Elkhound is a hardy gray hunting dog of medium size and substance. This breed is bold and energetic. They make a great guard dog with a friendly, independent character.

Otter Hound: The Otterhound is a large, rough coated hound with great strength and dignity. Otter hounds are amiable, boisterous and even tempered.

Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen: This is a French scent hound developed to hunt small game over the rough, difficult terrain of the Vendeen region. This breed is bold, vivacious, compact, tough and robust. They have a confident, happy extroverted temperament. They are independent but eager to please.

Plott: Plott hounds are large dogs used to bring big game at bay. This breed is noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness. The Plott is intelligent, alert, confident, loyal, aggressive and eager to please.

Pharaoh Hound: The Pharaoh Hound is a graceful, powerful dog with great speed. the medium sized dog is graceful and well balanced. This breed is intelligent, friendly, affectionate, alert active and playful.

Rhodesian Ridgeback: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a strong, muscular, active dog with a dignified. even temper..

Saluki: Salukis have a long, narrow build with well muscled shoulders.

Scottish Deerhound

Whippet.: The Whippet is a medium size sighthound with the appearance of elegance and fitness. This breed has great speed, power and balance. Whippets are physically similar to a small greyhound. Their temperament is amiable, friendly, gentle but capable of great intensity.

Hounds are a diverse group of dogs that have a talent for hunting anda great sense of smell. Hounds are usually friendly, intelligent pets that make great companion dogs.