Hound Dogs

Hound Dogs - The Superior Noses


hound dogsHound dogs have been mainly used in the past for hunting. They are ideal because of their excellent scenting abilities. They are able to put their noses to the ground any follow just about any trail.

Another impressive trait of most hound dogs is their amazing stamina, which allows them to track down their quarry no matter what it takes. Of course, there are plenty of differences between these dogs that separates them from each other.

Some hounds are even able to make a unique sound which is known as baying.

Hound Dogs - The Many Breeds

Afghan Hound - These hairy dogs are among the oldest of all the sight hounds. They have a fine, silky, and thick and a unique tail that curls at the end. It was originally bred in Afghanistan's cold mountains, and that is why it has the traits it does.

American Foxhound - These scent hounds are cousins of the English Foxhounds and originally bred for hunting foxes by their scent. When it comes to demeanor, they get along well with animals and children and are easygoing, assuming they get enough exercise.

Azawakh - These African sight hounds are mainly bred for protection. These lean dogs develop very close bonds with their owners, and are extremely gentle and affectionate with anyone they warm up to. They will be more reserved around strangers but never to the point of being aggressive.

Basenji - These hounds were actually bred for hunting in Africa. They are quite affectionate and energetic with their family, but they tend to be reserved around strangers. They usually don't get along well with other animals that aren't dogs.

Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Blue Gascony Bassets are short legged, long back hounds originally bred in France during the Middle Ages. Its coat is ticked with tiny spots, which is where the "bleu" comes from.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne - These hunting scent hounds were originally bred in France. They are wire coated and have short legs, and are known for being friendly and lively. Like most other hounds, they are very agile and get absorbed with any scent they pick up.

Basset Hound - These well known scent hounds were bred for rabbit hunting and are extremely friendly. They're very stubborn and quite vocal, and need to be taken on regular walks. It's important that they're always on a leash though, as they will follow any interesting scent without hesitation.

Bavarian Mountain Hound - These German scent hounds are were bred to follow wounded game. During the hunt, they are very persistent, hard, and single minded, but with their families they are quiet, poised, and calm. Training them takes a lot of effort and experience.

Beagle - One of the most popular breeds of dog, Beagles are used as scent and detection dogs. They are very intelligent, merry, and don't have many health issues. They're also known for being stubborn and challenging to train, mostly because they get bored easily.

Black and Tan Coonhound - These hounds trail and tree raccoons by scent, and are known for being very loud and vocal. For the most part, they are lovable, adaptable, people friendly, and easy going. They do need a patient trainer because of how easily distracted they are.

Bloodhound - Originally, these large dogs were bred for hunting wild boar and deer. They're now used mainly for tracking humans, whether that means missing people or prisoners. They make great family pets, though they can be challenging to train. Since they're large, they should be supervised when they're around smaller children.

Bluetick Coonhound - These speedy and muscular dogs were originally bred in the south of the United States. They are very loving and loyal and good with children, though it's not recommended that they be left alone with small animals. They're excellent problem solvers, but get distracted easily and need a patient trainer.

Borzoi - Borzoi, or Russian Wolfounds, are sight hounds that can come in many different colors. They have a flat, silky long top coat with curling and waviness. They are a silent, athletic breed that's very sensitive and good alongside humans. They can do well in homes or small yards if they get enough exercise.

Cirneco dell'Etna - These Sicilian dogs were bred for hunting rabbits and can continue to work for a long time without water or food. They have a great amount of endurance and an excellent sense of smell. They are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their friendly nature and low coat maintenance.

Dachshund - These long, short legged hounds are chasers and scent hounds skilled at flushing out burrow dwelling animals like badgers and prairie dogs. They have a playful demeanor and will be devoted to their owners but are stubborn and challenging to train.  

Drever - Drevers are short scent hounds bred in Sweden to hunt game such as deer. They are mainly used for hunting and are rarely found as pets, though they're known for having an even temperament and being self-possessed and alert.

English Coonhound - These Redtick Coonhounds are from the South United States and are known for being sociable and good natured. They are playful and extremely active but need a patient trainer and a good amount of exercise. They'll do very well with a family and love to relax on beds and couches.

Finnish Spitz - This Finnish breed was originally used for hunting different types of game, such as rodents and even bears. They bark to alert hunters. They're a friendly breed that loves children, though they are still primarily used for hunting.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - This short legged, long backed hunting hound originated in France. They're popular as family pets now because of how confident and happy they are, but they're also still used to hunt deer and boar and track rabbits.

Grand Bleu de Gascogne - These French scent hounds were bred to hunt deer, boar, and other game in packs. Because they are specifically bred to hunt in packs, they are not usually the best family pet.

Greyhound - These sight hounds are mainly bred to race and course game, though they've become very popular family pets and show dogs. They have an intelligent and gentle demeanor and are not aggressive. Surprisingly, they don't need a huge amount of exercise, since they don't have a lot of stamina.

Hamiltonstövare - These Swedish hunting hounds look similar to English Foxhounds but have a smaller frame. They are very friendly and sweet to everyone, happy hunting and at home with a family. They're not the most obedient dogs, but with enough praise they'll eventually comply with your commands.

Harrier - Harriers are medium sized hounds bred to trail and hunt hares. They're smaller than an English Foxhound but larger than a Beagle. They need plenty of exercise, and if they don't get it they will become destructive, hyperactive, and overweight.

Ibizan Hound - These agile, lean hounds can have smooth or wiry hair. They have large upright ears and a long neck. The love to entertain people with their clownish antics and are active and engaging. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Irish Wolfhound - The tallest of all dogs, Irish Wolfounds are sight hounds bred to hunt wolves. Despite their large size, they are quite and easygoing by nature and gentle around children. They become very attached to their families but can get destructive if they're left alone for a long time.

Norrbottenspets - These spitz type dogs were originally bred for farming and hunting but now they're very popular as companions. When they are taken to hunt, they are used for animals like hazel and black grouse and even grizzly bears and moose.

Norwegian Elkhound - Norway's National dog is an ancient spitz type breed. They are effective herders, guardians, defenders, and hunters. These strong, hardey wolf, moose, and bear hunters form special bonds with their owners. They will do well in a family if they get sufficient amounts of attention.

Norweigian Lundehund - These Spitz type dogs from Norway were bred originally to hunt puffins and eggs. These interesting dogs can move their joints quite a bit, and even have six toes.

Otterhound - Otterhounds are British hunting dogs with large, rough couts. Their powerful noses lead them everywhere so they need constant supervision. They're always friendly though, and do well with families.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen - These scent hounds were bred in France for trailing hares in terrain filled with brambles. They have intelligent eyes and tails that seem to never stop wagging. They make great family dogs but should be watch around small children to prevent play biting.

Pharaoh Hound - These Maltese hunting companions were once thought to have originated in Egypt. They're a very intelligent, active, playful, and trainable breed that is quite affectionate with their family. Because they have such strong hunting instincts, they need to be supervised around small pets like cats.

Plott Hound - Plott Hounds are scent coon hounds developed for boar hunting. They're quite active, love the water, and have a fantastic treeing instinct. They love getting attention from their family and will typically ignore other dogs.

Portuguese Podengo - This ancient scent and sight hound was developed in Portugal in three sizes and with two coat types. They're all avid hunters, but can be good with children if socialized early on. They like to dig and make good watch dogs due to their tendency to bark.

Redbone Coonhound - These American hounds were developed for hunting racoon, cougar, and bear. They are agile and athletic and able to hunt in mountains and swamplands. They love to be a loving and affectionate part of families. They need to be trained to heel when they are young to prevent accidentally hurting the elderly and children.

Rhodesian Ridgeback - These South African sight hounds were developed for hunting lions and are known for the hair ridge along their back. They are currently used for helping athletes to train, and are known to be intelligent and loyal. With reward based training and consistency, they can be very obedient family dogs.

Saluki - These ancient gazelle hounds are one of the oldest breeds of domestic dog in the world. These hunting hounds are affectionate and gentle, though they are known to be a challenge to train. Because they can get bored so easily, it is not recommended that they be left alone for a long time. They need to be socialized early so they won't be shy as adults.

Scottish Deerhound - Deerhounds were developed for hunting Red Deer with a technique called coursing. It's an extremely friendly, gentle hound known for being eager to please. Because they are bred to chase game, they need a huge amount of exercise to remain happy and healthy.

Segugio Italiano - These Italian scent hounds can have short or wiry hair. They like to track their prey like a bloodhound, but they also like to kill the prey. It is exceptionally effective and preferred by most Italian hunters, and it isn't normally kept as a house pet.

Sloughi - Sloughis are North African sight hounds. They are known to love moving and don't do well sitting in a home all day. As long as they get plenty of exercise though, they will do fine and a family can enjoy their intelligent and alert nature.

Treeing Walker Coonhound - These hounds descended from English Foxhounds and are extremely agile and quick as they tirelessly pursue game. They're a vocal breed that does well in any family setting as long as they get sufficient exercise.

Whippet - Whippets are very similar to and often mistaken for Greyhounds. They are loyal, friendly, calm, gentle, and quiet. They have a social nature and are good with the elderly, though they will bark if they feel threatened.

Hound Dogs - Are They Good Pets?

Hound dogs are generally excellent pets for any family that wants a gentle, loving copmanion  and are committed to exercising them regularly. Remember, they don't like to be left alone for long periods of time and will start to be destructive if they don't get enough attention.

As long as you make sure to socialize them early on and supervise the dogs and their high energy levels, you will not have any problems with hound dogs. They are excellent pets that bring a lot of joy wherever they go and have a nice, long lifespan.

 



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