Hound Dog Breeds
36 hound breeds to explore. Scent and sight hunters.
Afghan Hound
Hound · Large
The Afghan Hound is a breed of stunning beauty and ancient lineage, known for its long, silky coat and unique ring-curled tail. Originally bred to hunt large prey in the mountains of Afghanistan, these 'Aristocrats of Dogs' are famously independent and carry themselves with a dignified, aloof air.
American English Coonhound
Hound · Large
The American English Coonhound is a sleek, athletic hunter known for its speed and endurance. Descended from European foxhounds, they are famous for their musical 'bay' and excel at tracking game across varied terrain. While affectionate at home, their high energy and strong prey drive make them best suited for active families with plenty of space.
American Foxhound
Hound · Large
The American Foxhound is a sleek, long-legged scent hound known for its speed and musical baying. Bred originally by George Washington and other founding fathers for fox hunting, they are gentle at home but require significant exercise and space to run.
Azawakh
Hound · Large
The Azawakh is an elegant and slender sighthound from the Sahel region of Africa, known for its remarkable speed and lean physique. Originally bred by nomadic tribes to guard camps and hunt gazelle, these dogs are deeply loyal to their families while remaining aloof and protective around strangers.
Basenji
Hound · Small
The Basenji is an ancient African hunting breed famous for being the 'barkless dog,' producing a unique yodel-like sound instead of a typical bark. Highly intelligent and cat-like in their grooming habits, they are known for their independent spirit, athletic build, and intense curiosity.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Hound · Small
A small, sturdy, and wire-haired hound from Brittany, France, known for its cheerful and courageous personality. Originally bred for hunting small game, they are energetic and determined workers but also affectionate family companions. Their distinctive harsh coat and lively spirit make them a unique and adaptable addition to many homes.
Basset Hound
Hound · Medium
Known for their mournful eyes and long, velvety ears, the Basset Hound is a scent hound originally bred for hunting small game. Despite their low-slung stature, they possess incredible strength and a sense of smell second only to the Bloodhound. They are charmingly stubborn but make incredibly affectionate and easygoing family companions.
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Hound · Medium
Developed in the 19th century to track wounded game in the German Alps, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a specialized hunter with an incredible 'cold nose.' They are deeply devoted to their families and possess a calm, steady temperament, though they require significant physical and mental stimulation.
Beagle
Hound · Small
The Beagle is a sturdy, compact scent hound known for its merry personality and exceptional sense of smell. Originally developed in England for hunting rabbits, they are highly social animals that bond closely with their families. Their gentle nature and manageable size make them one of the most beloved family companions globally.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Hound · Large
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a resilient and dedicated working dog, known for its distinctive coal-black coat with rich tan markings. Developed in the United States, they are famous for their musical 'bawl' while tracking and their exceptionally calm, easygoing nature at home.
Bloodhound
Hound · Large
The Bloodhound is a world-class trailer, famous for an unmatched sense of smell and long, wrinkled ears that help sweep scents toward its nose. Though they are gentle and affectionate companions at home, their single-minded determination when following a trail makes them powerful and sometimes stubborn working dogs. Their noble and slightly mournful expression belies a friendly, easygoing nature.
Bluetick Coonhound
Hound · Large
A smart and soulful scent hound, the Bluetick Coonhound is famous for its distinctive 'blue' ticked coat and melodic bay. Originally bred in the United States for hunting raccoons, they are devoted companions that require plenty of outdoor activity and mental stimulation.
Borzoi
Hound · Large
The Borzoi, once known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a regal and aristocratic sighthound known for its graceful silhouette and lightning-fast speed. These elegant dogs are calm and affectionate indoors, often described as 'couch potatoes,' but they retain a strong prey drive and a love for sprinting in wide-open spaces.
Dachshund
Hound · Small
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, the Dachshund is famously known for its long body and short legs, earning the nickname 'wiener dog.' They are courageous and curious companions with a big personality that far outweighs their small stature.
English Foxhound
Hound · Large
The English Foxhound is a quintessential pack hound, known for its incredible stamina and melodious bay. Historically bred for long days of hunting, they are sociable, gentle, and happiest when they have plenty of room to run and other dogs for company.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Hound · Medium
The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a rugged, shaggy hound from France, known for its happy-go-lucky demeanor and impressive stamina. Originally bred to hunt rabbits and hare in packs over rough terrain, they possess a strong prey drive and an independent spirit. Despite their somewhat scruffy appearance, they are affectionate family companions that thrive on activity and companionship.
Greyhound
Hound · Large
Known as the 45-mph couch potato, the Greyhound is the fastest dog breed and one of the most ancient. While they are world-class sprinters, they are incredibly gentle and calm companions who love to lounge at home. Their sleek physique and noble temperament make them elegant pets that adapt surprisingly well to urban life.
Hamiltonstovare
Hound · Large
The Hamiltonstovare is a handsome, tri-colored scent hound developed in Sweden for hunting fox and hare. Known for their endurance and calm demeanor indoors, they are skilled solo hunters with a distinguished, athletic build. They are devoted family companions but require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their keen noses occupied.
Hanoverian Scenthound
Hound · Large
The Hanoverian Scenthound is a prestigious German tracking dog with roots in medieval hunting hounds. Renowned for its exceptional nose and methodical persistence, this breed forms a deep, singular bond with its handler. While calm and composed at home, they are tireless workers that thrive when given a challenging trail to follow.
Harrier
Hound · Medium
The Harrier is a cheerful and outgoing pack hound, originally bred for hunting hares in England. Often mistaken for a larger Beagle or a smaller English Foxhound, they are known for their exceptional stamina, keen sense of smell, and sociable nature.
Ibizan Hound
Hound · Large
The Ibizan Hound is a sleek, agile hunter from the Balearic Islands, known for its incredible jumping ability and large, upright ears. Originally bred to hunt rabbits, these 'Beezers' are elegant and fast, possessing a quiet and affectionate nature that makes them wonderful family companions.
Irish Wolfhound
Hound · Giant
Known as the 'Gentle Giant' of the dog world, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of all AKC breeds. Historically bred to hunt wolves and elk, these sight-hounds are now cherished as calm, dignified companions that form exceptionally deep bonds with their families.
Norwegian Elkhound
Hound · Medium
An ancient Nordic spitz breed, the Norwegian Elkhound is a bold and energetic hunter known for its thick silver-gray coat and curled tail. Originally bred to track moose and other large game in harsh Scandinavian winters, they are fiercely loyal and protective companions that thrive on activity. While independent and sometimes stubborn, their affectionate nature makes them excellent family dogs for active households.
Otterhound
Hound · Large
The Otterhound is a rare, lovable British scent hound originally bred to track otters in rivers and marshes. They are cheerful, social, and full of personality, with a big voice and an even bigger sense of adventure. Their rough, water-resistant coat and powerful nose make them stand out as one of the most distinctive hound breeds.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Hound · Small
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a vivacious and confident scent hound from France, originally bred to trail rabbits over the rough terrain of the Vendée district. Known as the 'Happy Breed' due to their wagging tails and expressive faces, they are extroverted, active, and independent dogs that thrive in a pack environment. While their rough, tousled appearance adds to their charm, they are hardy hunters at heart with a surprising amount of stamina and a loud, hound-like voice.
Pharaoh Hound
Hound · Medium
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant and athletic breed originally from Malta, where it was traditionally used for hunting rabbits. Known for its sleek lines and noble bearing, this ancient breed is highly affectionate and possesses a unique 'blushing' trait when excited.
Plott Hound
Hound · Large
The Plott Hound is a powerful, courageous hunting dog and the only coonhound breed not descended from English Foxhounds. Developed in the mountains of North Carolina for hunting bears and wild boars, they are famous for their stamina, distinct brindle coats, and unwavering loyalty to their families.
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Hound · Small
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a spirited little rabbit hound known for its athleticism, sharp mind, and playful personality. Bred in Portugal, this ancient breed worked in packs and even traveled on ships as a vermin hunter during the Age of Exploration. Today, they are charming companions with a big-dog attitude in a compact, rustic body.
Redbone Coonhound
Hound · Large
The Redbone Coonhound is a sleek, all-American scenthound known for its rich red coat, big voice, and enthusiastic hunting drive. Originally developed in the American South for tracking raccoons and larger game, this breed combines stamina, courage, and a sociable nature at home. Redbones are affectionate with family but thrive best with active owners who can provide daily exercise and consistent training.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Hound · Large
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful, elegant scenthound known for the distinctive ridge of hair growing in reverse along its back. Developed in southern Africa, the breed was prized for endurance and bravery, including tracking large game such as lions. At home, Ridgebacks are affectionate and devoted to their family, but they are also independent thinkers who need consistent training and plenty of exercise.
Saluki
Hound · Large
Known as the Royal Dog of Egypt, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds, prized for its incredible speed and elegant, slender build. They are independent and sensitive sight-hounds that form deep bonds with their families but remain reserved with strangers.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound · Giant
The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound once bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands. Known as the 'Royal Dog of Scotland,' they combine a majestic, rugged appearance with a deeply gentle and polite personality. They are quiet and laid-back indoors but require significant space to stretch their long legs outside.
Segugio Italiano
Hound · Medium
The Segugio Italiano is an ancient Italian scent hound prized for its stamina, sharp nose, and relentless tracking drive. Calm and affectionate at home, this breed transforms into a focused, determined hunter when working a scent trail. Its elegant build, rich history, and strong partnership with hunters make it one of Italy’s most distinctive native hounds.
Sloughi
Hound · Large
The Sloughi is an ancient North African sighthound known for its grace, speed, and noble demeanor. Often called the 'Arabian Greyhound,' this breed is deeply loyal to its family while maintaining a dignified and reserved attitude toward strangers. Their lean, muscular build and incredible stamina reflect their history as elite hunters of the desert.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Hound · Large
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a sleek, muscular working dog originally bred to hunt raccoons. Known for their incredible endurance and distinctive baying bark, they are intelligent and confident hunters in the field but affectionate and relaxed companions at home. Their high energy levels and strong prey drive mean they require plenty of exercise and are best suited for active families.
Whippet
Hound · Medium
The Whippet is a sleek English sighthound developed for speed, originally known as the "poor man's racehorse." At home, they are calm, affectionate, and famously fond of curling up in warm spots, but outdoors they are fast and agile sprinters. Their blend of elegance, quiet companionship, and athletic ability makes them especially unique.