Hound dog breeds

In the world of dogs, hounds are among the most intriguing and adored breeds. These canines, renowned for their extraordinary sense of smell and sharp hunting instincts, have a long history of collaborating with people in a variety of roles. Hounds infuse any home with energy and enthusiasm, whether they are tracking down game or just enjoying a good run.

There are numerous varieties of hound breeds, and each has special qualities and attributes of its own. These canines come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from the graceful Afghan Hound to the devoted Basset Hound. They are renowned for their unique characteristics, endearing quirks, and charming personalities.

We will examine several hound dog breeds in this post, emphasizing the unique qualities of each. You’ll find lots of interesting information here, regardless of whether you’re thinking about starting a family with hounds or you just want to know more about these amazing dogs.

English Foxhound

• Height: from 53 to 63 cm
• Weight: 25 to 34 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
• Temperament: forgiving, friendly, outgoing, active, gentle

The endurance, acute sense of smell, and determination of the English Foxhound make it highly valued. This adaptable hunter’s origins can be traced to the 1800s. English Foxhounds are now happy living in the country and as family pets. But their excessive energy levels make them inappropriate for apartment living.

The breed is independent and can be stubborn, just like most hounds. English Foxhounds are meant to run long distances in packs, so they require a lot of exercise, but they don’t need much maintenance because of their short coat.

American English Coonhound

• Height: 53 to 69 cm
• Weight: 18 to 30 kg
• Expected Life expectancy: 11 to 12 years
• Temperament: intelligent, energetic, loyal, active, sensitive

The English Foxhounds known as Virginia Hounds are the ancestors of the American English Coonhound. George Washington, a passionate fox hunter, brought them to the American colonies in the seventeenth century from England.

Fun fact: These hounds have a characteristic "whoop," or constant bark, that lets prey know they are approaching.

The speed and stamina of the American English Coonhound are well-known. This energetic hound, who can hunt fox and raccoon all night, requires regular exercise to maintain his physical condition. With both humans and other dogs, the American English Coonhound gets along well. The breed needs little maintenance because of its wiry, protective coat.

American Foxhound

• Height: 53 to 64 cm
• Weight: 20 to 34 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: balanced, intelligent, kind, loyal, independent, loving

George Washington created the American Foxhound, a rare breed, in the 1700s. The American Foxhound, which was bred for speed, is best suited for living in rural areas, though it can also survive in a smaller home with proper exercise.

Did you know that Virginia’s official state dog is the American Foxhound?

A calm, gentle breed, American Foxhounds get along well with most pets and children. Early socialization and training are beneficial for this sometimes independent and stubborn pet.

Afghan Hound

• Height: 24 to 28 inches (60 to 74 cm)
• Weight: 60 to 75 pounds (26 to 34 kg)
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Temperament: aloof, dignified, independent

When it comes to pedigree, the Afghan Hound is hard to beat. Over a millennium of Middle Eastern history has seen the development of dogs that resemble modern Afghans.

These Afghan natives, who possess excellent panoramic vision, are skilled hunters who can follow their prey over great distances with their eyes. Although they might resemble Cher, long-distance runners have a tall, lean build beneath their well-known long hair.

Basenji

• Height: 38 to 43 cm
• Weight: 9 to 12 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
• Temperament: curious, intelligent, affectionate, energetic, alert, confident, playful

One of the earliest dog breeds is the Basenji. It was highly regarded as a versatile and proficient hunter in its native Africa. The Basenji was given the moniker "barkless dog" because of its yodel-like bark when it gets excited. The breed can also be identified by its tightly curled tail and wrinkled forehead.

Crucial! Representatives of this breed still have a strong hunting instinct, so you will have to give up small pets and avoid going for walks without a leash.

The Basenji is an affectionate, watchful, intelligent breed that is full of vitality and energy, despite its shyness toward strangers. Owners who have an active lifestyle and are searching for a running partner or someone to compete in agility or flyball sports should consider this breed. Furthermore, this odorless, short-haired breed needs little maintenance.

Basset Hound

• Height: 28 to 38 cm
• Weight: 20 to 29 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: gentle, affectionate, assertive, friendly, loyal, gentle

One of those famous dog breeds that even regular people walking by can recognize is the Basset Hound. For many years, both families and rabbit hunters have enjoyed them.

Did you know that Basset Hounds have one of the best senses of smell in the dog world? Only bloodhounds can match their accuracy.

They’re a great option for seniors and couch potatoes because of their willingness to curl up on the couch and relatively low exercise requirements. But remember that basset hounds can be very independent, so training them might take more time.

Beagle

• Height: 33 to 41 cm
• Weight: 9 to 11 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Temperament: friendly, intelligent, balanced, determined, excitable, gentle

Even those who are not avid dog lovers can recognize the beagle right away as another iconic breed. Even now, these well-known hunters of foxes and rabbits retain their houndlike characteristics. They are best suited for human companions who lead active lifestyles because they possess vast endurance reserves.

Crucial! These hounds will be most content playing rough games and running around a big yard. They also like competing in fetch, flyball, and agility. Just make sure that before you bring a Beagle into your home, you and your neighbors are ready for an apparently limitless supply of energy.

Bloodhound

• Height: 58 to 69 cm
• Weight: 36 to 50 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: stubborn, balanced, affectionate, gentle

Because of their excellent sense of smell, Bloodhounds are used as sniffer dogs all over the world. Its exceptional sense of smell makes it the best tracker, hunter, and rescuer. It also makes a gentle and loving companion that is happy to spend time with both adults and kids.

The breed came from Western Europe approximately a millennium ago. These canines belonged to a line of hunting dogs that were carefully bred by French and English cynologists. The breed was given the name "Bloodhound," which means "purebred hounds" or "hounds with an aristocratic blood," due to the meticulous preservation of their pedigree.

Fascinating fact: A bloodhound is able to identify the aroma of a single skin cell. These trackers may provide admissible evidence in court.

The loose, abundant skin that falls in deep folds on the head and neck gives the breed a unique appearance. The short coat comes in red, brown, and tan, or black and tan.

Although the Bloodhound breed is generally healthy, it is susceptible to bloat, just like any large, broad-chested dog breed. Bloodhounds follow their noses and will devour anything they come across, so their owners should keep unwanted food out of reach. Because Bloodhounds have long ears, it’s critical to regularly check for ear infections and clean the dog’s face to prevent skin irritation and wrinkles.

Greyhound

• Height: 68 to 76 cm
• Weight: 26 to 40 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
• Temperament: affectionate, even-tempered, smart, athletic, quiet, gentle

The fastest and one of the oldest dog breeds is the greyhound. The Greyhound was employed in England to hunt hares, foxes, deer, and roe deer, among other kinds of game. The Greyhound is a devoted friend who likes to spend time with both people and other dogs. The pet’s short coat makes it easy to care for, but it does require daily exercise. By the way, these are a few more well-liked breeds of short-haired dogs.

It may surprise you to learn that notable Greyhound owners include General George A. Custer and President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Ibizan Hound

• Height: 60 to 72 cm
• Weight: 20 to 30 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: intelligent, charming, stubborn, independent, active

The elegant Egyptian dog breed known as the Ibizan Hound has a tall, slender body, a long tail, and large, erect ears. This athletic, quick breed is renowned for its two-meter leaping ability from a standing start. Conscious, loving, and loyal, the Ibizan Hound The greyhound is a good dog for households with kids. These hounds need a large, fenced area for daily exercise that is rigorous.

Fun Fact: In 1922, archaeologists uncovered Tutankhamun’s tomb along with a life-size statue of Anubis, sometimes referred to as "the watchdog of the dead." The statue resembled the Ibizan Hound of today exactly.

The Phoenician sea traders who brought the breed to the Spanish island of Ibiza in 3400 BC to hunt rabbits gave rise to the name Podenco Ibizanco, or the Ibizan Hound.

Irish Wolfhound

• Height: 71 to 79 cm
• Weight: 40 to 55 kg
• Life Expectancy: 6 to 10 years
• Temperament: Even-tempered, dignified, sensitive, loyal, patient, good-natured

An ancient breed of hound, the Irish Wolfhound is a superb athlete, a hardy hunter, and a resilient runner. These incredibly strong dogs were initially bred to track and hunt wolves, as their name suggests.

One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, according to statistics, is the Irish Wolfhound.

These gentle giants are now beloved by kids and make excellent family companions due to their loving and devoted dispositions. This enormous breed—roughly the size of a small pony—needs lots of room to exercise every day.

Walker Coonhound

• Height: 51 to 69 cm
• Weight: 23 to 32 kg
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
• Temperament: intelligent, quick-witted, affectionate, self-confident, easy to train

The Walker Coonhound, named for its middle name "tree coon hound" because it was originally bred to track tree raccoons, is an enthusiastic and confident hunter.

It may surprise you to learn that the English Foxhound is the ancestor of the Walker Coonhound. Initially, the breed was categorized as an English Coonhound. The Walker Coonhound was acknowledged as a distinct breed in 1945.

This strong sporting breed has outstanding speed, endurance, and sense of smell. A loving and devoted Walker Coonhound is a wonderful companion for a family. It needs little maintenance due to its glossy, silky coat, and it needs intense exercise every day.

Because of their amazing tracking skills and amiable dispositions, hound dog breeds make excellent companions for both active families and single owners. These dogs, which come in a range of sizes and temperaments, are excellent hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, but they also enjoy affection and companionship at home. Hounds offer a special mix of energy and affection that can fit into any lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a devoted friend or a capable working dog.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

• Height: 32 to 40 cm
• Weight: 15 to 20 kg
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Temperament: Extroverted, friendly, pleasant, cheerful, independent, active

French scent hounds like the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen were created in the sixteenth century to hunt small game in challenging environments. This happy, outgoing breed is content to please its owner and exudes confidence in itself.

Interesting fact: This breed’s French name reveals a lot about its traits: Griffon: wire-haired; Petit: small; Basset: low; Vendéen: region of France where the breed originated.

The ideal owners of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are those with fenced yards, older children, and plenty of dog experience. He gets along well with other dogs and is generally content in their company because he is a pack dog. The ideal daily exercise for this breed is moderate exercise.

Norwegian Elkhound

• Height: 49 to 52 cm
• Weight: 22 to 25 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Temperament: hardy, strong-willed, alert, courageous, loyal, playful

The Vikings utilized the hardy, resilient, and adaptable Norwegian Elkhound to pursue bear and moose. He is unmatched in strength and stamina.

Did you know that 5000 BC saw the origin of this ancient breed in Norway?

This dog is brave, amiable, and incredibly loyal to his human friends. Families with young children would benefit greatly from having him. He is the perfect guard dog because of his intelligence and protective nature. The Norwegian Elkhound needs moderate exercise twice a day due to its high level of activity.

Otterhound

• Height: 61 to 69 cm
• Weight: from 29 to 50 kg
• Expected life expectancy: from 10 to 13 years
• Temperament: stormy, friendly, stubborn, affectionate

English hounds called otterhounds are bred to hunt otters both on land and in the water. Its coarse, shaggy fur and webbed paws set it apart. Owing to its massive, robust build and rich, commanding voice, otterhounds make fantastic security dogs.

Fascinating fact: otterhounds are an extremely rare breed with fewer than 1000 individuals worldwide.

This playful and affectionate dog makes a loyal member of the family. The Otterhound’s coarse, thick fur can become tangled if it isn’t groomed frequently every week.

Blue Spotted Coonhound

• Height: 53 to 69 cm
• Weight: from 20 to 36 kg
• Life expectancy: 11 to 12 years
• Temperament: intelligent, friendly, active

Blue-tick coonhounds are athletic, muscular dogs that make excellent trackers; they can locate raccoons and other small animals. The crab-blue kunhound got its name because of the color of its wool, just like many other kunhaundes.

Did you know that Tennessee University’s official canine state animal is the dog? Except for a few large dark spots, speckled blue kunhantes puppies are primarily white when they are born. The colors start to show in a few weeks.

This highly intelligent breed gets along well with kids and other pets and is a devoted and loving companion. It takes time to wash and comb its brilliant wool, which doesn’t need any special attention.

Plott Hound

• Height: from 50 to 71 cm
• Weight: from 18 to 27 kg
• Expected life expectancy: from 12 to 14 years old
• Temperament: friendly, playful, alienated, patronizing, devoted

Like their friends with two legs, plott hounds are energetic, devoted hunting dogs who also have a strong love for the outdoors. These brave and persistent hounds were bred to track boar and bears. Although they are well-liked by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, family and security dogs are becoming more and more in demand.

Fun fact: A family of German immigrants created the Plott Hound breed in North Carolina in the mid-1700s, and it is currently the official state dog of the state. modeled after the Hanoverian dog.

They are a great outdoor companion and fearless hunter due to their athletic nature (they are also excellent swimmers). Plott Hounds should, however, always be leashed when going for walks. Remember that because of their high level of activity, they require regular mental and physical stimulation.

Due to their high level of intelligence and desire to please their owner, plott hounds are typically very easy to train. Food and praise can easily motivate an animal, but consistency in training is essential.

The short, silky coat of the Plott Hound requires minimal maintenance. Generally speaking, it is enough to brush your teeth on a regular basis, use soft gauze to remove earwax, trim your nails, and shampoo occasionally.

Portuguese Podengo

• Height: 55-70 cm (large), 40-54 cm (medium), 20-30 cm (small)
• Weight: 20-30 kg (large), 16-20 kg (medium), 4-6 kg (small)
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Temperament: hardy, intelligent, friendly, alert, active, sociable

With its wedge-shaped head and erect ears, the Portuguese Podengo is a small, courageous dog that was originally bred to hunt rabbits over rugged terrain. This breed of bearded dog has two different coat types: curly and smooth.

Did you know that the Portuguese Podengo, officially acknowledged as Portugal’s national dog, dates back to 1000 BC? This breed’s senses of smell, sight, and hearing are all highly developed.

The Portuguese Hound: A Faithful Friend and Vigilant Supervisor. The Portuguese Podengo is a bright and energetic dog that requires regular exercise.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Height: 61 to 69 cm
• Weight: 29 to 41 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: Sensitive, mischievous, dignified, intelligent, strong-willed, loyal

Another extremely powerful and well-built breed of hound is the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which was originally bred to hunt lions. Strong leashes and fenced yards are essential for Rhodesian Ridgebacks because they still have a strong hunting instinct.

However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also highly recognized for their remarkable tolerance towards young children and their ability to adjust to a wide range of environments.

Russian Psovaya greyhound

• Height: 68 to 85 cm
• Weight: 25 to 47 kg
• Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years
• Temperament: calm, gentle, good-natured, intelligent, independent, athletic

Tsarist Russia is where the graceful, elegant Russian Borzoi originated hundreds of years ago. This Russian dog breed has demonstrated remarkable bravery, speed, and agility in its pursuit of wolves, foxes, and hares.

The Russian Borzoi is now a loving family dog that needs to be exercised every day. Its glossy coat needs frequent washings and brushings.

Red Coonhound

• Height: 53 to 68 cm
• Weight: 20 to 32 kg
• Life expectancy: 11 to 12 years
• Temperament: calm, affectionate, energetic, independent, sociable

With its eye-catching red coat, the Red Coonhound was developed to hunt pumas and tree raccoons. It’s an excellent hunter, possessing athleticism, speed, agility, and the capacity to follow even the faintest tracks.

Fascinating fact: The Red Coonhound originated from the Irish and Scottish Red Hounds that were imported to the US in the late 1700s.

The Red Coonhound is a fierce and driven breed that is brave and aggressive in the field, but kind and loving when they’re at home. Its coat needs little maintenance because it is smooth but slightly coarse.

Saluki

• Height: 58 to 71 cm
• Weight: 18 to 27 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Temperament: detached, quiet, intelligent, reserved

One of the earliest dog breeds is this one. Saluki-like dogs have been depicted in art for 4,000 years. In Egypt, salukis were held in such high regard that their bodies were frequently mummified alongside those of the pharaohs.

One of the fastest dog breeds in the world is the saluki. This passionate hunter has exceptional stamina and strength. The Arabs were the ones who first used it to down gazelles.

Crucial! The graceful, self-reliant, and affectionate Saluki thrives on regular, everyday exercise. It takes multiple excursions for it to exhaust its massive energy stores. Salukis don’t shed much, but they do require occasional bathing and weekly brushing.

Dachshund

• Height: 35-47 cm (standard), 30-37 cm (miniature), 25-32 cm (dwarf)
• Weight: 7.5-14.5 cm (standard), 5-7.5 kg (miniature), 3.5-5 kg ​​(dwarf)
• Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
• Temperament: intelligent, playful, stubborn, cheerful, loyal, independent, courageous

The word "badger dog" in German indicates that the Dachshund’s ancestry is in hunting. Dachshunds are almost exclusively family dogs these days. These German canines make great apartment dogs and companions for senior citizens.

Less exercise is needed for these low-slung, short-legged dogs than for most of their larger hound cousins. However, because dachshunds are prone to gaining excess weight, extreme caution must be exercised.

Whippet

• Height: 45 to 56 cm
• Weight: 7 to 19 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Temperament: affectionate, quiet, friendly, smart, cheerful, gentle

Whippets are an excellent option for city people. With the exception of a few intense games per week, these tiny, lean dogs hardly ever bark and require surprisingly little physical activity. They will gladly live in an apartment as long as their owners will take regular walks with them; otherwise, they will enjoy running around in a fenced yard.

A whippet is a small sighthound. The breed’s origins are in Victorian England, where it was bred for both rabbit hunting and racing. This graceful athlete can reach a top speed of 56 km/h. One reason for the whippet’s speed is that it is the only greyhound breed that can gallop with a double hang.

Whippets are energetic athletes, but they are quiet at home. These amiable, loving, and devoted friends are eager to spend a peaceful evening with their families, snuggled up on the sofa or in a cozy bed.

Any of a broad variety of solid colors or color combinations, such as white, black, blue fawn, and red, can be used for the Whippet’s coat. Brindle patterns are also possible for whippets. All that is needed for these dogs with smooth coats is routine brushing and the occasional bath.

Crucial! Although Whippets are healthy dogs, a healthy-weight Whippet may seem "skinny" to owners who are unfamiliar with the breed because of its larger build. A Whippet should not be overfed, and keeping it at a healthy weight is particularly crucial for its general wellbeing. There should be two to four visible vertebrae in an adult Whippet in good health.

Pharaoh Hound

• Height: 53 to 63 cm
• Weight: 18 to 27 kg
• Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
• Temperament: intelligent, affectionate, outgoing, playful, active, easy to train

The Pharaoh Hound is a smart, multipurpose dog that was first developed to hunt rabbits. It is swift and strong. This breed is distinguished by a muscular body and a chiseled, wedge-shaped head with large, erect ears.

One of the earliest known domesticated dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound, dates back to 3000 BC in Egypt. The Pharaoh Hound is currently acknowledged as the national dog of Malta, a Mediterranean island that was colonized by the Phoenicians, who also introduced this African dog breed.

Did you know that When the Pharaoh Hound is happy or excited, it blushes, its nose and ears turning a brilliant pink, a unique feature of this breed.

The Pharaoh Hound is amiable and loving toward its human companions, and it never stops being playful. For this athletic, active breed, regular exercise in a fenced area or while wearing a leash is essential.

Harrier

• Height: 53 to 61 cm
• Weight: 20 to 30 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: forgiving, even-tempered, mischievous, outgoing, friendly, active

English pack hounds like the robust, muscular Harrier were first developed to hunt rabbits. This explains the English Hare Hound, its second name. The Harrier needs to engage in moderate exercise every day to preserve their strength and endurance as an active sighthound. For protection during walks and training, this curious hunting breed should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area.

Did you know that the English Foxhound was a breeding stock for the Harrier? In England, in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope created the first specimen.

The thick, short coat of the harrier requires little maintenance. This amiable and devoted friend enjoys socializing with people and other dogs.

Black and Tan Coonhound

• Height: 58 to 69 cm
• Weight: 25 to 34 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Temperament: docile, balanced, trusting, gentle, adaptable, sweet

The black and fan-footed kunhound, with its keen sense of smell, strong hunting instinct, and remarkable stamina, is employed in the pursuit of bears, deer, and raccoons. Tan and black Kunhaun can hunt both individually and in a flock, and he can navigate even the roughest terrain.

This breed originated at the close of the eighteenth century, when American hunters crossed the bloodhound with the Foxhanta to produce a new hound that could hunt on its own and follow the trail for extended periods of time.

Similar to many hounds of raccoons, a black and fan-fled Kunhand’s name originates from the black wool with saturated falling marks that covers the eyes, head, chest, and legs. This gregarious and lively breed needs moderate to light daily exercise.

Chirneko del Etna

• Height: from 42 to 52 cm
• Weight: from 8 to 12 kg
• Expected life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Temperament: strong, independent, affectionate, gentle, friendly, alert

Before the Phoenicians introduced it to Sicily, the Cirneco dell’Etna was a resilient hunting dog that began its life some 2,500 years ago in Egypt. The Pharaoh Hound’s origins are similar to that of this breed, which developed through environmental adaptation.

Fascinating fact: Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe, which is situated on Sicily’s east coast, is the source of the breed’s name.

A wonderful family companion, the Cirneco dell’Etna is amiable and loving. The breed needs regular mental stimulation and exercise due to its intelligent and curious nature. Because of its silky coat, the pet only needs occasional grooming.

Breed	Description
Beagle	Friendly and curious, great with families.
Bloodhound	Known for their incredible sense of smell, gentle and affectionate.
Greyhound	Fast and graceful, enjoys lounging around the house.
Whippet	Similar to Greyhounds but smaller, playful and loving.
Basset Hound	Short legs and long ears, laid-back and friendly.

Hound dog breeds are renowned for their extraordinary tracking skills and keen sense of smell, making them truly amazing companions. These dogs add a special charm to any home, whether you are drawn to their playful energy or their gentle nature.

Every breed, from the elegant Greyhound to the energetic Beagle, has unique characteristics and personalities. By being aware of these characteristics, you can select the ideal hound for your way of life and guarantee a happy, satisfying relationship.

Providing for a hound’s exercise and social needs is part of pet care. To keep them happy and healthy, regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential. A hound can be a treasured member of your family and a devoted friend with the correct care.

Adopting a hound dog ultimately entails welcoming a kind, adventurous spirit into your home. They become a joyful and devoted part of your life story, becoming more than just pets.

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