Hound Group Breeds
These breeds were all designed to hunt. Further, they either carry an acute sense of smell (scent hounds) or excellent eyes (sighthounds). True to most hunting dogs, and certainly true to the hound group dogs, they all have superior endurance, as would be required to track their targets.
Aloof and distinguished, this regal breed sports a silky coat that keeps it both warm and undeniably debutante. This sighthound isn’t afraid to rough it, as it used to pursue leopards and gazelles. Perhaps this past is what gave it such self-confidence.
A coveted hunting companion with all the stops – speed, endurance, and a voice to be heard by all. Like most sporting group breeds, they are extremely loving animals and derive extreme satifaction in pleasing their owners.
While these dogs can be patient with their own families, they have been known to be standoffish to strangers, and aggressive at times. If you took a powder keg of gentle and destructive, and shook it, you’d have the American Foxhound in a bottle. For example, while they are not snuggly animals, they exhibit separation anxiety if distanced from owners.
A tall and sleek West African sighthound, this dog is aloof with a regal presence. What makes them a striking complicated character is they are wildly loyal and affectionate with their human families when in the mood.
Arguably the oldest dog, the “barkless” Basenji is a highly intelligent, compact framed dog. True to their longstanding relationship with people, they can be fiercely loyal to their families.Â
A stubborn breed through and through, they have an uncontrollable urge to bark at most anything that might pass them as they lounge on the front porch. They are a robust, energetic breed, with the patience to match, which makes them great family dogs if you have children.
An excellent family dog, the Beagle is a small scent hound that can take to the field or can curly up on the couch. They make fantastic companion dogs, for kids and adults.
A descendant of the English Talbot hound, this breed developed in the US, is extremely outgoing and friendly. When in the field, they take immense pride in their work. Their long ears and heightened senses make them fantastic in the field. As with any hound, their “baying” – you know, those deep, bluesie-type howl, it signature to the hound group.
This large dog breed from the Hound Group has some of the best smelling senses available. Their skills have been utilized to track deer and boar. More recently, their marque skill has been used for tracking people. Powerful and dignified, this hound is impressive.
Named for its ‘ticked’ black and blue coat, this breed specializes in nocturnal hunting. Medium to large in size, while they are all business in the field, they are playful and gentle at home.
A long and limber, sleek sighthound from Russia, this breed hunts in backs – agile enough to go after rabbits and strong enough to take down wolves. This regal breed will need room in its environments to stretch its legs. Did we mention they can run 35 MPH?
Named for the Etna volcano in Sicily, this hunting dog is a machine in the field and a totally sweetheart at home. Affectionate and gentle, this small sized hound resembles a greyhound.
Over 300 years old, the dachshund originates from Germany. As one could surmise from their body type, these scent hounds were originally bred to track badgers and other tunneling animals. Of late, it seems like they’d rather kick their paws up and snuggle with the family.
This scent hound is a sturdy and strong as an ox. Bred originally to hunt, yep, foxes. The English Foxhound is smaller than its American cousin. Socialize these pups when they are young and they can be good family dogs, in the right families.
This medium sized French scent hound is well-mannered and alert. Make sure to have space with this pup as they are super active. They have a propensity to bark, so keep that in mind as you are looking at temperament match.
With max speeds up to 45 MPH, this sighthound can really get moving. Known for speed, it’s why people bred them to race and why bus companies happily link their name to this breed. They are noble and independent, intelligent and affectionate.
Originally bred to hunt rabbits, this medium sized hound has stamina for days and a nose that will humble you. They make for good family dogs, despite not being the most popular breed.
This active hound is stubborn and independent while remaining engaging and clownish. They make for great family dogs. Make sure to have enough space for it to run around, as they are very energetic and need to get it out somewhere.
The National Dog of Norway, this Spitz style breed is fearless and courageous. They are premier hunters of large game (moose, bears, wolves, etc). They double as excellent guard dogs.
Bred in England hunt otters, this large scent hound sports a rough coat. As it would need to track and hunt otter, they have notable stamina. These even tempered workers have been known to have a sillier side.
This small medium French dog is low to the ground, which helps, as it is a premier rabbit hunting dog. Their sense of smell is second to none. That said, they are wildly independent. Combined, their curiosity occasionally has them wandering.
These active and agile hounds were bred to hunt rabbits on rocky terrains. Medium in size, the “Blushing Dog” of Malta has a regal appearance.
While not overly popular, this large scent hound was designated as the North Carolina official State dog. They are loyal and vigilant, making them prized companions in the fields (they were bred to pursue bears) and in loving homes.
The smallest of the Podengos, the Pequeno version carries all the same temperaments (intelligent, independent, etc), just packed into a smaller frame.
This versatile hunting hound is used for everything from raccoon to big game like deer to cougars. Though developed in the US, their heritage links back to the Scottish foxhounds. Its deep red coat is striking and memorable.
Once known as the “African Lion Hound”, this South African sighthound and scent hound is dignified while still being sensitive. Its signature mohawk-like patch of fur that stands up on its back is unmistakable. They make for excellent guard dogs.
The royal dog of Egypt is in the running for oldest dog on record. They are not overly affectionate, but they are sweet with kids and love being by your side. While aloof, they still crave human companionship. They can sprint up to 42 MPH, which isn’t too shabby.
This loving sighthound will befriend most anyone it meets. They have a similar silhouette to the greyhound, but they are more sturdy and thicker.
This medium sized sighthound of ancient lineage hails from West Africa. These swift dogs have been clocked in at 42 MPH. They are alert and faithful. They make for good watchdogs and are kind and protective of their family while remaining suspicious of strangers.
An offspring of the English and American Foxhounds, the Treeing Coonhound has a “bugle bark” and needs to be in an active setting. They can make for good family pets, just remember, they are hunting dogs through and through, so if you have other little pets (hamster, Guinea pig) this breed might think they are prey.
Whippets have been known to hit 35 MPH at a full sprint. At those speeds, they can make hairpin turns, too. While quiet and gentle, these sighthounds can be lively, friendly, and affectionate.