Hound dogs have a rich history dating back centuries, and they were selectively bred for their exceptional tracking abilities and keen sense of smell. There are many different types of hound dog breeds, each with their own unique characteristics and origins.
Some hounds are scent hounds, which means they track prey with their keen sense of smell, while others are sighthounds, which use their keen eyesight to spot prey and then chase it down.
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In this article, we will explore 10 different types of hound dogs, including their characteristics and origins.
10 Types Of Hound Dogs
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a large and powerful hound dog breed that originated in France. They are known for their long, wrinkled faces, drooping ears, and deep-set eyes that give them a solemn and dignified expression.
Bloodhounds are gentle, patient, and mild-mannered dogs that are especially good with children and are known to be exceptionally tolerant. They were initially bred for trailing deer and boar, and their lineage dates back to medieval France.
Bloodhounds are highly active and intelligent dogs with a keen sense of smell, which has found them a special place in law enforcement agencies as a mantrailer or for search and rescue work. They are affectionate and eager to lounge with their families, but they are tenacious when following a trail.
Bloodhounds are exceptionally skilled trackers, especially when looking for people, and their scenting abilities are so accurate that their findings are even admissible in a court of law.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a beloved dog breed known for its distinctive features, including its long, droopy ears, wrinkled forehead, and sad-looking eyes. They are a scent hound breed that was originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits and hares.
Basset Hounds have a rectangular appearance due to their long bodies and short legs. Their long, low-set ears drag the ground and pick up scents, while the loose skin around their heads forms wrinkles that further capture the scent of whatever they are tracking.
Basset Hounds are mild-mannered, gentle dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They are highly social and make wonderful family dogs.
Bassets have a deep, resonant bark and aren’t afraid to assert themselves when tracking a scent. They are prone to certain health disorders, including glaucoma, blood disorders, and bloat, which can be avoided by buying from a reputable breeder.
The breed originated in France and descended from the St. Hubert Hound, an ancestor of the Bloodhound.
Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized breed of scent hound that is similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound. They were originally bred for hunting hare, an activity known as beagling.
Beagles are highly intelligent and possess a great sense of smell, which makes them the primary breed used as a detection dog for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine around the world. They are a popular pet due to their size, good temper, and lack of inherited health problems.
Beagles are gentle, sweet, and funny dogs that bond with everyone in the family, especially children. They are sociable, brave, and intelligent, but they have minds of their own and require patient, firm training.
Beagles are excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets unless socialized with cats and other household animals when young.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a sleek and rangy breed of hound dog known for its speed, endurance, and work ethic. They are a scent hound breed that was originally bred for hunting foxes.
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The breed was developed from a line of dogs brought to the American colonies from England by Robert Brooke in 1650. Descendants of those hounds were bred with other European hounds to develop a dog that was taller, lighter, and faster to suit the terrain of this new country.
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest, and may even be the first, dog breed developed in the United States. George Washington was known as a breeder and kept a pack of American Foxhounds at Mount Vernon.
American Foxhounds are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise and do best in habitats where they have room to run. They are gentle, easygoing, and get along well with children and other pets.
American Foxhounds are pack animals and crave companionship, whether human or animal, and do best in homes with people around for most of the day.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a unique and elegant breed of hound dog that is known for its long, silky coat, exotic face, and thin, fashion-model build. They are considered an aristocratic sighthound and are tall and slender with a long, narrow, refined head, silky topknot, and powerful jaws.
The breed is believed to date back to the pre-Christian era and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds. Afghan Hounds are independent, dignified, and aloof in general, but they are affectionate and extremely loyal to humans they have bonded with. They are courageous, dignified, spirited, very sweet, loyal, affectionate, and sensitive, with a low dominance level.
The Afghan Hound is strong-willed and independent, aloof, and self-confident. They are known for their independence and self-confidence as well as their sweet, fairly quiet, and humorous nature around humans they are comfortable with.
Afghan Hounds require daily brushing to maintain their long, thick coat. They are hypoallergenic dogs, which makes them a good choice for people with allergies.
Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium to large-sized breed of hound dog that originated in the United States. They are known for their distinctive blue and black coat, which is covered in black ticking on a white background, giving the impression of a navy blue color.
Bluetick Coonhounds are athletic, hardy, and bred to be hunting dogs, specifically for raccoons. They are muscular and speedy, with a moderately coarse and glossy coat. The breed has a friendly personality, cold nose, and deep bawl mouth.
Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent dogs that have a talent for problem-solving. They require a full-time job or activity such as hunting, obedience, or agility to stay happy. However, they can be challenging to train and should be monitored around cats or other small animals.
Here are some additional facts about the Bluetick Coonhound breed:
– The breed is named for the mottled black-and-blue pattern of their coat, which is referred to as “ticking”.
– Bluetick Coonhounds are nocturnal hunters that are known for their ability to track prey through scent.
– They are a medium-large breed that should have the appearance of a speedy and well-muscled hound.
– Bluetick Coonhounds are friendly and affectionate dogs that make great hunting companions and gentle best friends.
– The breed should be monitored around cats or other small animals due to their strong hunting instincts.
Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large-sized breed of hound dog that is known for its incredibly sensitive scent skills and a sweet, easy-going personality that makes it a great choice for families.
The breed is intelligent, affectionate, and devoted, but also has an independent streak. They are responsive, outgoing, and friendly dogs that are passionate about their work.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are athletic and strong, and they will fit right in with an active family lifestyle. They are gentle, lovable, trusting, adaptable, easy-going, and even-tempered dogs that are tolerant of children.
However, they may be too independent to satisfy a playful child. The breed is generally healthy, but there is some risk of hip dysplasia, ear cancer, and other ear infections, and eye problems.
The Black and Tan Coonhound is descended from the Talbot Hound, found in medieval England after the 11th century. Its ancestry is also traced back to the Bloodhound. In this article, we have explored the characteristics and origins of the Black and Tan Coonhound breed.
Here are some additional facts about the Black and Tan Coonhound breed:
– GROUP: Hound
– HEIGHT: 23 to 27 inches
– WEIGHT: 65 to 110 pounds
– COAT: Short and dense
– COAT COLOR: Black with tan accents
– LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years
– HYPOALLERGENIC: No
– ORIGIN: United States
Greyhound
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The Greyhound is a large-sized breed of hound dog that is known for its incredible speed, streamlined body, and gentle, sweet-tempered personality.
Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Greyhound breed:
Appearance:
– Sleek and slender build
– Tapered head with a long, narrow muzzle
– Deep chest and muscular hindquarters
– Long legs designed for incredible speed
– Short and smooth coat that comes in various colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, white, and various shades of brindle
Personality:
– Gentle and quiet disposition
– Even-tempered, intelligent, and affectionate
– Athletic, quiet, and gentle
– Independent and may not be playful with children
History:
– One of the most ancient breeds, with origins in Egypt
– Prized throughout history and admired by figures such as Cleopatra, Queen Elizabeth I of England, and General Custer
– Used primarily for hunting in the open where their pursuit speed and keen eyesight were essential
– All modern pedigree Greyhounds derive from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered first in private studbooks in the 18th century
Health:
– Generally healthy breed, but may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear cancer, and other ear infections, and eye problems
– Lifespan of 10 to 13 years
In recent years, Greyhounds have become popular as family pets, especially as retired racing Greyhounds. They are affectionate and gentle dogs that make excellent companions for all kinds of people, including children.
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized breed of hound dog that originated in Norway as early as 5000 B.C. They were used to hunt elk, bear, and other wild animals.
The breed is fearless, reliable, energetic, and extremely loyal. Norwegian Elkhounds are alert, bold, loyal, and friendly dogs that are good child companions. They are docile, trustworthy, and energetic, making them great family pets. The breed is known for its friendly, loyal, and energetic demeanor.
Norwegian Elkhounds are highly intelligent dogs with an independent streak that would do best with an active owner and in a cooler climate. They are relatively clean compared to some other breeds.
Norwegian Elkhounds are generally healthy, but there is some risk of hip dysplasia, ear cancer, and other ear infections, and eye problems.
Here are some additional facts about the Norwegian Elkhound breed:
– GROUP: Hound
– HEIGHT: 19.5 to 20.5 inches
– WEIGHT: 48 to 55 pounds
– COAT: Medium-length double coat
– COAT COLOR: Black and gray; black and silver; black, white, and silver; gray, black, and silver
– LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
– TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, friendly, affectionate
– HYPOALLERGENIC: No
– ORIGIN: Norway
Norwegian Elkhounds generally have a loyal and dependable temperament. They can be quite protective and vocal watchdogs, treating strangers with natural suspicion. The breed is one of the most ancient breeds, and it is thousands of years old and has been around since the Stone Age. They worked as a hunting and guard dog for the Vikings. The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the Northern Spitz-type breeds of dog and is the National Dog of Norway.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a small breed of hound dog that originated in Portugal. Here are some key characteristics and facts about the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno breed:
Appearance:
– Small-sized breed
– Short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, including yellow, fawn, and black
– Pointed ears and a long, narrow muzzle
Personality:
– Lively, agile, and playful
– Alert, highly intelligent, and curious
– Independent yet loving with the family
History:
– One of Portugal’s most popular breeds
– The smallest of Portugal’s three Podengo breeds
– The lineage of the Portuguese Podengo can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Phoenicians, almost as far back as 600 B.C
Health:
– Generally healthy breed
– Lifespan of 12 to 15 years
Portuguese Podengo Pequenos are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are intelligent and curious dogs that can be independent and sometimes difficult to train.
They are friendly and can get along in any type of household, from single people to large families with children of all ages.They can handle living in apartments, but with their energy, they are best suited for homes with yards where they can run around.
FAQS
1. What is a hound dog?
A hound dog is a type of dog that is bred for hunting. They are known for their keen sense of smell and/or sight, which they use to track prey.
2. What are some common types of hound dogs?
Some common types of hound dogs include the Bloodhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, American Foxhound, Afghan Hound, Bluetick Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Greyhound, Norwegian Elkhound, and Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
3. What are the characteristics of hound dogs?
Hound dogs are generally known for their loyalty, intelligence, and hunting instincts. They are often highly active and require a lot of exercise. Many hound breeds are also known for their distinctive physical features, such as long ears and droopy faces.
4. Are hound dogs good family pets?
Many hound dogs can make great family pets, but it depends on the breed and individual dog. Some hounds are more independent and may not be as playful with children, while others are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities.
5. What health issues are common in hound dogs?
Like all breeds, hound dogs can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health issues in hound dogs include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems.
6. Can hound dogs be trained?
Yes, hound dogs can be trained, but they may require more patience and persistence than some other breeds. Hounds are often independent and may have a strong prey drive, which can make training more challenging.
7. What is the history of hound dogs?
Hound dogs have a long history dating back centuries. They were selectively bred for their exceptional tracking abilities and have been used for hunting and other purposes throughout history. Many hound breeds have interesting and unique origins, such as the Afghan Hound, which is believed to be one of the oldest dog breeds.
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