Hound breeds are among the oldest dog breeds in the world, having been used by humans since almost the dawn of time to help them track prey. And while their acute sight and scenting powers still see them being used on hunting trails, they’ve also become beloved companion animals.
There are two distinct types of hound breeds: sighthounds, who use their impressive vision to help them locate their prey, and scent hounds, who rely on their noses to locate what they’re after.
Hound breeds tend to be active, alert and highly intelligent, and most make for wonderful companions and playmates. You’ll also find some scent hounds, like the beagle, pounding the airport beat as drug detection dogs as they make the best tracking dogs, while others are now used as emotional support animals.
While they often make great family dogs and generally have fantastic personalities and temperaments, hound breeds require diligent training and socialization from an early age to help them learn how to focus their attention and not run off in pursuit of anything they consider to be prey.
There are more than 100 different hound breeds and below we explore 19 of the most popular to help you find the right hound for your home. Plus, our expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan shares her advice on owning and training hound breeds. Let’s take a look…
Popular hound breeds
1. Afghan Hound
There’s something ever so regal looking about the Afghan Hound and it’s by far the most beautiful and dignified of all the hound dog breeds. But what is perhaps most endearing about this breed is that it still has the ability to have moments of being silly and playful, which is bound to make you love it all the more. Not to mention they are one of the fastest dog breeds with speeds topping at 40mph!
Incredibly sweet natured and with an almost always happy disposition around their family, the Afghan Hound can be aloof and standoffish with strangers but is very loyal and loving when it comes to its owners. Bear in mind though that this is a high maintenance dog who is stubborn and sensitive to harsh correction, so gentle guidance coupled with firm discipline will be necessary to keep them on track.
2. American Foxhound
Good-natured and easygoing, the American Foxhound is one dog that can roll with the punches, getting on well with everyone from kids to cats. Up for anything and tons of fun, they are charming and rather shameless in their pursuit of attention and affection. Always in high spirits, the American Foxhound truly is a joy to be around.
But this lovable canine is not without the odd drawback or two. Firstly, they need a lot of exercise and if they don’t get it they can become depressed and destructive. Their loud bawling can be excessive and could result in complaints from the neighbors, so that’s another factor worth considering.
3. Basset Hound
With its long drooping ears and wrinkled skin, the Basset Hound appears old and wise, and in many ways, it really is. This is a dog that has the patience many of us wish we had, able to tolerate the shenanigans of children with a gentle grace that has quickly cemented them as one of the most beloved family pets.
Loyal and friendly, this is an easygoing breed with real charm. But that’s not to say they don’t have their faults. Like a lot of hounds, they can be super stubborn, prone to drooling excessively, and they bark a lot – so if you’re after a quiet and clean home, this probably isn’t the dog for you!
4. Beagle
If you’ve ever waited at baggage claim, chances are you’ve come across this little guy as you’ve been pulling your luggage off the carousel or getting ready to head through customs. Beagles have an outstanding ability to sniff out contraband, so they’re a popular choice to assist law enforcement officers.
But they’re also incredibly funny, lovable, merry, curious, and charming, and they thrive on social interaction, which makes them wonderful companion animals. They are active in both mind and body, so you’ll want to make sure they stay challenged and stimulated – which will avoid them getting into mischief!
Here are some more Beagle facts – and did you know there is a National Beagle Day?
5. Bloodhound
Solemn looking but very mild-mannered, the bloodhound is a gentle giant who is known for being wonderful with children and will quite happily put up with being clambered all over without making a fuss.
While they may be incredibly tolerant creatures, the bloodhound is very independent and with that comes a determined streak that can take some managing. This is a dog that has a mind of its own and their tenacity requires an owner who is strong in both patience and consistency.
6. Dachshund
They may look like little sausages, but boy are these guys full of determination! Bold and vivacious, dachshunds are small and yet possess a bravery and confidence you’d usually associate with a far bigger breed.
Endlessly endearing, their little hearts overflow with loyalty for their humans and they’re smart problem solvers, which may or may not be a good thing – it depends on whether or not you want them to find that bag of kibble you’ve hidden away!
7. Greyhound
Athletic, quiet and gentle, the greyhound has a sleek, streamlined body that was built for speed. They were originally bred to hunt in groups and because that required them to be highly cooperative, they have almost no aggression in them.
While they may look like they’d need a lot of exercise, the Greyhound is content to spend most of their day asleep, which makes them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time indoors.
Here are some more greyhound facts you might not know.
8. Irish Wolfhound
Big of size and of heart, the kindly and sensitive Irish Wolfhound is the gentlest of giants and possesses a noble and easygoing nature. While they can run at great speeds, they move surprisingly slowly around the house, which is good news as they could easily cause some damage if they wanted to!
One of the model citizens of the dog world, they get along beautifully with children and other pets and while their size makes them look rather imposing, they’re true pacifists who wouldn’t harm a fly. At nearly 3ft tall (one of the largest dog breeds) and weighing anywhere up to 180 pounds, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of room if you’re wanting to welcome this sweetie into your home.
9. Otterhound
This adorably shaggy dog was bred for, yep, you guessed it, otter hunting and their webbed feet make them great swimmers. Big, bouncy, and boisterous, you’ll certainly know you’ve got an otterhound in the house – this is a big dog with an even bigger personality.
In high demand, but actually quite hard to come by, otterhounds are a ray of sunshine, which is probably why so many people are clambering to get their hands on one. They’re friendly, playful and easy to train, which makes a nice change from other hound breeds who tend to be quite stubborn.
10. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback has earned itself a long list of admirers and for good reason – this gregarious and gentle dog are heart-meltingly affectionate with their owners and make the most protective and faithful of friends.
Known for being quiet and rarely barking, this is a canine that you’ll find easy to train, and train them you must as their natural guardian instincts mean they need to learn how to engage appropriately with strangers.
11. Saluki
Happy to sit by your side for hours and known to be quite the couch potato, the Saluki still needs daily exercise but is a great choice if you’re wanting a hound who is on the less active end of the spectrum.
Lovey-dovey and affectionate, Salukis can be quite shy and aloof with strangers but they are very devoted to their owners and are very gentle with children. Highly adaptable, they’ll live happily just about anywhere, but don’t let their ethereal looks and innocent eyes fool you – they are serious hunters at heart and need to be well trained.
13. Bluetick Coonhound
This sleek, muscular dog has a gentle, playful energy. Tall and strong, Blueticks are relentless in their pursuit of a scent but sweet and affectionate in a family setting – they absolutely love affection!
They are best known for their striking mottled patterning and their loud, deep and throaty baying, which sounds somewhere between a bark and a howl that sounds quite mournful!
When left to their own devices, the Bluetick’s strong instincts can come to the fore and you may find you have a dog who’s always looking for pray and making noise. As such, Bluetick parents would benefit from sticking to a dedicated training regimen.
Other types of coonhound include black and tan, redbone, treeing walker, and American English.
14. Basenji
Hailing from Africa, the Basenji is often touted ‘the barkless dog’, but that doesn’t mean they’re quiet! Rather than a quintessential dog’s bark, they have a very distinctive lynx-like purr but can also yodel and chatter away a bit like the Husky. They are sleek and svelte with a curled tail a short coat, and always exhibit and inquisitive expression.
Basenjis are almost catlike in their attributes and mannerisms; they spend much time cleaning themselves and are agile and athletic. While a docile enough family pet, their high energy levels make them best suited to an active owner who’ll take the time to exercise and train them thoroughly.
Basenji are inquisitive and outgoing with their families but can be aloof or unsure around new people and dogs, so plenty of socialization is a must from a young age.
15. Borzoi
Tall, long-legged and shaggy coated, the long-nosed Borzoi is also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound or Russian Wolfhound. Originally bred for wolf hunting, these elegant dogs are absolute speed demons and are known to zoom around at up to 40mph.
Underneath their luxuriant coats Borzois are slim and athletic, rather like a Greyhound. Calm and gentle, they form close familial bonds and love nothing more than to quietly curl up next to their favorite humans; they aren’t big fans of rough play.
True to their origins, the sight of a small mammal will see them switch into hunting mode – so make sure you puppy-proof your yard before bringing a Borzoi home!
16. Norwegian Elkhound
If ever there was a hound built to thrive in freezing conditions, it’s this one. The bold and courageous Norwegian Elkhound is a spitz breed with a prolific double coat that can withstand Scandinavian winters.
Originally Viking hunting dogs, Norwegian Elkhounds have excellent strength and stamina to withstand several hours of pursuit. Naturally protective of their territory, they make vocal watchdogs, too. They have independent natures, but despite this are very affectionate with their families.
As you might imagine, Norwegian Elkhounds are best suited to an active family who can furnish them with plentiful exercise.
17. Pharaoh Hound
With a regal look to match its regal name, this delicate sighthound looks as if chiseled from marble. Pharaoh Hounds hail from Malta and have spent centuries as farm and hunting dogs, perfecting the art of chasing small prey over rugged terrain. They have expressive eyes and ears with elegant features. Their short-distance sprinting speed coupled with their long-distance staying power makes them the ultimate all-round athlete.
A super sociable dog, the Pharaoh Hound is a great family pet. They are also more vocal than most sighthounds, so that’s something to bear in mind! Their ideal owner has sighthound experience and knows how to engage the active brain of a hunting breed.
18. Plott Hound
This US breed has German ancestors and is the state dog of North Carolina. The intelligent Plott Hound falls into the scent hound category and is recognized for its distinctive short, sharp and somewhat musical bark.
Muscular and streamlined, Plotts are born athletic performers. You’ll need to be ready to keep up with these ultra-sporty hounds and provide them with plenty of mental stimulation; a bored Plott may become a destructive one! Between walks, why not try one of the best dog puzzle toys?
Generally loyal and loving, Plotts make wonderful additions to the family.
19. Scottish Deerhound
Similar in look to the Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound is a tall, shaggy sighthound and was originally bred to hunt wolves, but as numbers depleted deer became the main game.
Gentle and friendly, Scottish Deerhounds became popular as pets in the Victorian era. While they have quiet natures, they’ll let you know how much they love you. They love to run free – two hours of exercise a day is ideal – and keeping training sessions short, engaging and fun will get the best results.
What's it like to own a hound breed?
What can you expect when you welcome one of the best hound breeds into your life?
"Hound dogs were the first of the working breeds, bred for tracking or chasing prey,” says companion animal vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “They have excellent eyesight, a brilliant sense of smell, or sometimes both. These dogs are usually categorized into slower scent hounds that were bred to track prey by smell over long distances such as Bloodhounds and Bassett Hounds, or fast-running sighthounds who keep their prey in sight like the Greyhound or Saluki.”
Unlike gundogs, hound dogs are not bred to retrieve fallen game.
“Instead, they tend to work independently from their human owner,” explains Dr MacMillan, “which might be what gives them their stubborn streak!”
Bred for hunting, you might think that all hound breeds are very high-energy. As Dr MacMillan says, this isn’t necessarily the case.
“Sighthounds are not as high energy as many people might think,” says Dr MacMillan. “They have very short bursts of intense activity and can happily spend the rest of their time asleep on the sofa.
“This is different from scent hounds. They are built for endurance and will do better with much longer walks. So, you may need to consider this when deciding on what type of hound would suit your family.”
How do you train a hound breed?
Hound breeds love doing their own thing, which can make training a challenge.
“Training can be tricky for all hound dogs, thanks to their independent nature,” says Dr MacMillan. “I therefore think they would best suit an owner who has plenty of time and patience to put into their training. This could be tricky to achieve with a busy young family, so they may be more suited to an adult home or one with older children or teenagers instead.
“Also, many of these dogs can be a bit aloof so don’t tend to join in with children’s play, which is another reason a young family might want to look elsewhere,” she continues. “A home in a rural location would suit most of these dogs best so that they have plenty of safe space to exercise freely off the lead. Given their selective hearing and variable recall, most owners will find this less stressful than walking them in the local city park.”
A thorough understanding of positive reinforcement training for dogs could be useful. “Hounds don’t need specialist care as such, just as an understanding owner that can provide for their exercise and training needs.”
Want to learn more about dog breeds? Here are the best hunting dogs
Dr MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. She works in the South West and loves complex medical cases.
Bethany is an experienced writer who has been writing across the pets and equestrian sector for eight years.
