Hound dogs are known for their keen senses, agility, and unwavering loyalty. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs have evolved into versatile companions retaining strong hunting instincts.
This article explores the following:
Whether chasing a scent or guarding their family, hound dogs are a unique and dedicated breed group with a rich history and distinct traits.
What is a Hound Dog?
The Hound Dog Group is one of the American Kennel Club (AKC) classifications, encompassing breeds originally developed for hunting either on horseback (long-legged) or on foot (short-legged).
They accomplish this in two unique ways - either through their acute vision or by tracking scents. Some of these hounds hunt in packs, while others work alone.
“Sighthounds originated from native dogs and were admixed among breeds, with different genes in the same pathway contributing to their similar phenotype,” according to the 2023 study by Li, W., Liu, Y., Li, J., Ding, M., Adeola, A., Isakova, J., Aldashev, A., Peng, M., Huang, X., Xie, G., Chen, X., Yang, W., Zhou, W., Ghanatsaman, Z., Olaogun, S., Sanke, O., Dawuda, P., Hytönen, M., Lohi, H., Esmailizadeh, A., Poyarkov, A., Savolainen, P., Wang, G., & Zhang, Y.
Hound dogs are divided into two primary categories: scent hounds and sight hounds. Despite their different hunting methods, both types share a common purpose: assisting humans in hunting.
Scent Hounds: These dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and track a scent over long distances. Examples include the Bloodhound and the Beagle.
Sight Hounds: These dogs rely on their sharp vision and speed to spot and chase prey. Examples include the Greyhound and the Whippet.
Where Did Hound Dogs Originate?
Hound dogs have a lineage that dates back thousands of years. They were initially bred in ancient civilizations for hunting purposes, with their primary role being to track and chase game animals.
“Istrian shorthaired hounds have a preserved genetic diversity and are related to Italian hunting dogs, suggesting they may have been used for the development of other breeds,” according to the 2020 study by Kušec, I., Bošković, I., Zorc, M., Gvozdanović, K., Škorput, D., Dovč, P., & Kušec, G.
Hound breeds were refined over centuries to enhance their hunting abilities, with some specializing in following scents and others in sighting prey. Their origins trace back to regions such as Egypt, Greece, and the Middle East, where they were valued for their ability to assist humans in hunting and gathering.
“Hunting dogs played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian daily life and were considered a religious symbol,” according to the 2019 study by Mosleh, S.
What Makes a Dog a Hound Dog?
Hound dogs exhibit a range of sizes, coat types, and colors, determined by their specific breeds. These physical attributes are intricately connected to their roles in hunting.
Size: Hounds vary widely, from the small Dachshund to the large Irish Wolfhound.
Color: Coat colors range from solid colors like black and brown to multicolored patterns like brindle and tri-color.
Coat Type: Their coats are short and smooth, like the Greyhound, or long and wiry, like the Otterhound.
Special Characteristics: Many hounds possess long, droopy ears, which help trap scent particles and strong, muscular builds designed for endurance or speed.
Behavior: Hound dogs are known for their independent nature, intelligence, and strong prey drive reflecting their hunting heritage, often making them determined and sometimes stubborn. Hounds are generally alert and agile which serves them well in the field. However, they are also loyal and affectionate with their families, making them excellent companions.
What are Some Common Terminologies Used for Hound Dogs?
Baying: A loud, prolonged bark typical of some hounds, especially scent hounds.
Coursing: The act of hunting by sight, used to describe the behavior of sight hounds.
Trailing: Following a scent trail, commonly used about scent hounds.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Hound Dog
Pros:
Loyal Companionship: Hounds are devoted to their families and form strong bonds.
Intelligence: Many hound breeds are highly intelligent and trained to perform different tasks.
Versatility: While originally bred for hunting, hounds excel in various roles, from family pets to therapy dogs.
Cons:
Strong Prey Drive: Hounds chase after small animals, requiring careful supervision or secure fencing.
Independence: Their independent nature sometimes makes training challenging.
Baying: The loud baying of some hounds, particularly scent hounds, is a concern for those living in close quarters.
What Diseases Are Hound Dogs Prone To?
Hound dogs are prone to certain health issues such as Tuberculosis, Leishmaniasis, and skin diseases.
Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis in dogs is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis, occasionally Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium fortuitum. It is a zoonotic bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but also spreads to other organs.
“Disseminated Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis infection in a Basset Hound dog from an American lineage suggests a potential predisposition for this infection in this breed,” according to the 2011 study by Campora, L., Corazza, M., Zullino, C., Ebani, V., & Abramo, F.
Leishmaniasis: Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania protozoa, is a parasitic disease that is spread through the bite of infected sandflies. This disease is prevalent in specific areas such as Southern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
“Hound dogs are common carriers of canine visceral leishmaniasis, which can be transmitted through sandflies,” according to the 2015 study by Schaut, R., Robles-Murguia, M., Juelsgaard, R., Esch, K., Bartholomay, L., Ramalho-Ortigao, M., & Petersen, C.
Skin Conditions: Hound dogs are prone to various skin conditions, including allergies (atopy), dermatitis, mange, and bacterial or fungal infections.
“Certain breeds, like basset hounds, are predisposed to developing elevated cutaneous Malassezia pachydermatis populations, which can lead to pruritic skin disease,” according to the 1996 study by Bond, R., Ferguson, E., Curtis, C., Craig, J., & Lloyd, D.
Five Popular Hound Breeds
Shown below are the Top 5 Most Popular Hound Dog Breeds.
Beagle
Description: The Beagle is a small to medium-sized scent hound known for its friendly and curious nature. With its keen sense of smell, it excels in tracking and is often used in detection work.
Traits: Compact and muscular, with a short coat and distinctive tri-color pattern.
Behavior: Loyal, intelligent, and good with families but stubborn.
Dachshund
Description: The Dachshund is a small, long-bodied scent hound originally bred for hunting badgers. Its unique shape allows it to burrow into narrow tunnels.
Traits: Short legs, long body, and a variety of coat types and colors.
Behavior: Playful and courageous, but independent and strong-willed.
Greyhound
Description: The Greyhound is a tall, slender sight hound known for its incredible speed. Originally bred for the coursing game, it is now a popular racing dog and companion.
Traits: Elegant and aerodynamic, with a short, smooth coat.
Behavior: Gentle and reserved, often referred to as a "couch potato" despite its racing background.
Bloodhound
Description: The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its tracking abilities. It has been used in law enforcement to track missing persons and criminals.
Traits: Long ears, loose skin, and a powerful build with a short coat.
Behavior: Persistent, determined, and gentle with a strong sense of smell.
Basset Hound
Description: The Basset Hound is a scent hound with a low-slung body and long ears. It was originally bred for hunting small game-like rabbits.
Traits: Short legs, long ears, and a droopy face with a smooth coat.
Behavior: Affectionate and loyal, with a strong sense of smell but a tendency to be stubborn.
Hound breeds, with their varied origins and distinct characteristics, provide something special for every dog enthusiast. Either in search of a committed hunting ally or a faithful family friend, there is a hound breed that meets the criteria.
List of Hound Dog Breeds
The table below shows the 32 hound dog breeds according to AKC.
Table 1. List of Hound Dog Breeds.
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References:
American Kennel Club. Hound Group. Accessed 2024.
Bond, R., et al. Factors associated with elevated cutaneous Malassezia pachydermatis populations in dogs with pruritic skin disease. 1996.
Campora, L.,et al. Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis disseminated infection in a Basset Hound dog. 2011.
DogTime. Hound Dogs. Accessed 2024.
Henthorn, PS., et al. IL-2R gamma gene microdeletion demonstrates that canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency is a homologue of the human disease. 1994.
Houndsong Rescue. Hound Health. Accessed 2024.
Jahns, H., et al. Post-mortem findings in Irish culled hounds. 2011.
Kušec, I., et al. Genomic Characterization of the Istrian Shorthaired Hound. 2020.
Li, W., et al. Multiple Origins and Genomic Basis of Complex Traits in Sighthounds. 2023.
Menteith, C. Hound Dogs: Everything You Need to Know. Accessed 2024.
Mosleh, S. A study on the portrayal of hunting dogs in the Old Kingdom. 2019.
Paw Print Genetics. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disease, X-Linked (Basset Hound Type). Accessed 2024.
Purina US. Hound Dog Breeds. Accessed 2024.
Saylor, A. & Morrison, B. 30 Hound Dog Breeds Every Dog-Lover Should Know. 2024.
Schaut, R., et al. Vectorborne Transmission of Leishmania infantum from Hounds, United States. 2015.
Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Hound. Accessed 2024.
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