Hound Dog Breed Guide: 28 Popular Types of Hounds

Hounds are a type of hunting dog originally bred to track prey and recover shot quarry. They are noted for their speed and keen sense of smell. There are three types of hound dogs: sighthounds, scenthounds, and a third category that is a mixture of both. Sighthounds, or gazehounds, are quick and keep their eyes on their prey. Scenthounds are bred for tracking prey or targets based on smell. Today hounds may serve as herding dogs or as working dogs, and they also make beloved family pets.

The hound group includes hundreds of breeds, from short-legged Basset Hounds to massive hunting breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. When choosing a hound dog, consider the following breeds:

1. 1. Afghan Hound: These hounds are noted for their flowing manes of hair. They don’t shed much and live an average of twelve to eighteen years.
2. 2. American Foxhound: A bit taller than English Foxhounds, this breed is just as athletic. Their tracking sensibilities are strong, and they’re good with children.
3. 3. American English Coonhound: This adorable, energetic breed has strong hunting instincts and benefits from an outlet for their desire to chase.
   
4. 4. Basenji: These Congolese hounds have lots of energy, intelligence, and loyalty to their owners. They’re known for their sharp features and expressive faces.
5. 5. Basset Hound: Famous for their droopy face and ears, this French breed tends to be mellow and loyal.
6. 6. Beagle: The most popular breed among American hound owners, this scenthound is affectionate and plays well with other pets.
7. 7. Bloodhound: On the larger side in the hound group, this breed was initially bred in the Middle Ages to hunt larger animals with their keen sense of smell.
   
8. 8. Bluetick Coonhound: Bluetick Coonhounds are named for their raccoon hunting origins. Today, proper training can make this breed a perfect family dog.
   
9. 9. Black and Tan Coonhound: These dogs are especially social and also know how to relax in their homes. This is the most popular breed among coonhounds.
10. 10. Borzoi: Originally bred in Russia for wolf hunting, this sleek and speedy breed is also known as the Russian Wolfhound. They love frequent activity and the chance to show affection.
11. 11. Cirneco Dell’Etna: Similar to the Basenji, this breed has an expressive face. Supposedly an ancient breed, they were popularized in Italy in the 1930s.
12. 12. Dachshund: These German hounds are bold and affectionate in temperament. They were initially bred to help hunt badgers out of their burrows.
13. 13. English Foxhound: Good-natured and energetic, these dogs make excellent hunting dogs. One of four official foxhound breeds, they thrive when their life resembles that of a pack hunting dog—lots of socialization and exercise.
14. 14. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen: Bred in France for hunters who could only move on foot, this breed can also be a sweet family dog that loves both group activities and its own independent time.
15. 15. Greyhound: The iconic lean faces and bodies of this racing hound are unmistakable. They require proper exercise and care but can adapt to a household well if given adequate activity and attention.
16. 16. Harrier: Looking like a larger version of a Beagle, Harriers are active hounds that love outdoor time. Perfect for families or owners who spend lots of time in nature.
17. 17. Ibizan Hound: Bred initially for rabbit hunting on Ibiza island, this breed is sporty and obedient. They’re also good team players and can adapt well to other family members and pets.
18. 18. Irish Wolfhound: This shaggy breed was used in hunting and even warfare, but today they make for loving and obedient family pets. Make sure you have lots of room to house this dog’s tall frame.
19. 19. Norwegian Elkhound: Capable of thriving in the Norwegian cold, this hound looks similar to other cold-weather dogs like Huskies. They are eager to be trained and get outside activity.
20. 20. Otterhound: This hound is rare, especially since otter hunting is against the law in most places where they were initially bred. Today they make for great pets and water dogs.
    
21. 21. Pharaoh Hound: Pharaoh Hounds bear a striking family resemblance to their cousin the Cirneco dell’Etna. They are friendly dogs that require lots of time to run around.
22. 22. Portuguese Podengo Pequeno: Also known as a Portuguese Warren Hound, this purebred is the smallest of three kinds of Podengo. They’re an ancient breed that’s been used as a rabbit hunter for about two millennia and, like other Mediterranean breeds, hunts using three senses: sight, smell, and hearing.
23. 23. Redbone Coonhound: These dogs have fiery mahogany coats and fine hunting instincts, yet can be very mellow and mild-mannered companions.
    
24. 24. Rhodesian Ridgeback: Originally bred to track lions, these are strong, loyal dogs with a protective instinct. Proper training is required for this breed.
25. 25. Saluki: This breed is also known as the Persian Greyhound and has a long history of thriving in deserts as a hunting dog with nomadic tribes. Salukis are a very adaptable breed as long as they have open spaces and time to run.
26. 26. Scottish Deerhound: Tall like the Irish Wolfhound, this scruffy breed is affectionate and loves the outdoors. They are social animals and do well roaming with other animals outside.
27. 27. Treeing Walker Coonhound: Their name comes from their tendency to chase prey into trees for hunters to recover. This complex task hints at this breed’s trainability and intelligence.
28. 28. Whippet: This speedy breed looks like a smaller version of a Greyhound. Whippets sometimes behave like cats, and they make for great apartment dogs if given proper attention.

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