Hound Dogs

For many thousand of years, Hound dogs assisted humans in hunting by tracking and chasing the game. Dogs that belong to the Hound type can follow the prey, but they are not very good at identifying the location of prey, like Gun dogs, and fetching the shot quarry, like Retrievers. Nowadays, Hound dogs are rarely used for hunting. They are kept mostly as family pets and companions for sport.

There are two main groups of Hound dogs: Sighthounds (or gazehounds) and Scent hounds. Sighthounds are very fast. They follow the prey, catch, and kill it themselves. The most famous among Sighthounds are the American Staghound, the Borzoi, the Whippet, and the Sloughi. Scent hounds are not fast. They follow the prey by scent and cannot catch it themselves. The most popular scent hounds are the Basset Hound, the Bloodhound, the Beagle, and the Dachshund. Some breeds stand in between these hound groups. They are able to follow the prey by both scent and sight. The Rhodesian Ridgeback, the Basenji, and the Ibizan Hound belong to this group.

Hound dogs are very active and intelligent. They should be given much exercise outdoors. Early socialization and training are necessary for all hounds, because they tend to roam and investigate new places. Hound puppies are often a challenge even for an experienced owner. They tend to follow their nose and often get into trouble. Most Hound puppies like to chew and test everything they find. Hounds make excellent companions for active people. They are not indoor dogs, but they should have an opportunity to be around the family. If left alone in the yard, a hound will try to escape or entertain itself by digging, chewing or playing with everything it finds. Untrained hounds become dominating, hyperactive, and difficult to live with.

Hounds are happiest when used for their original task. If not given an opportunity to hunt, a hound should be given much exercise and mental stimulation. Hound breeds are good at agility, tracking, and conformation, but don’t excel in obedience. Hound dogs make poor guards and protectors, because they are friendly and communicative with everyone.