Understanding the Hound Groups

Dogs in this group loves to chase fast-moving objects, which makes them the number choice for a hunting companion. There's groups of canines that fall under the hound group the scenthounds, the sighthounds, & the large-game hounds.

Scent Hounds

Examples of scent hounds are: Beagle, Dachshund, Harrier, Otterhound, American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Black & Tan Coonhound, English Foxhound, Bloodhound, & Petit Basset Griffon Venden.

The scent hounds are canines that are bred to follow scent. They are trained to track down prey by using their excellent sense of smell. Their strong drive to follow a scent makes them hard to obedience-train because they can basically get distracted by any smell in their surroundings. They are affectionate to their relatives, great with children, & gets along well with strangers. They are active, energetic canines that require lots of exercise.

Sighthounds

Sighthounds use their eyesight to spot a prey before they go for the chase. The instinct to run after a prey or an object makes this breed difficult to obedience train. Early socialization, with little animals such as felines & birds, is mandatory in order to tame down this breed's prey instinct. They require every day exercise & proper obedience training.

Giant Game Hounds

Examples of sighthounds are: Saluki, Whippet, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Greyhound, Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Basenji, Irish Wolfhound, & Scottish Deerhound.

Giant game hounds were bred to have stamina, strength, & endurance. Their superior sense of smell makes them an excellent hunting companion. Originally bred to hunt elk & other game, this breed tends to be aggressive toward little animal. Early training & socialization is necessary to change this behavior. This breed makes a great watchdog. They are initially suspicious of strangers & does not tolerate roughhousing. Children ought to be taught to be gentle with breed. Owner of giant game hounds must have time to train & exercise this active breed.

Examples of giant game hounds are: Rhodesian Ridgeback & Norwegian Elkhound.