Did you know that, according to APPA, nearly 68 million households in the US own a dog for their loyalty and companionship? Many of these loving homes have hound dog breeds as pets. These dogs are not just smart.
They are loyal and full of charm! For centuries, most hounds have helped people track prey and follow scents. But today, they are more than just mere hunters. Many people keep them as friends, cuddle buddies, and part of the family.
Each of these breeds has a special place in people’s hearts. Some do great in big homes. Others fit perfectly into smaller living spaces. Whether you enjoy long walks or a cozy lifestyle, there’s a hound dog just for you!
Let’s take a look at some of the best hound dog breeds that steal the spotlight and become amazing family dogs!
Hound Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
The first hound dog to top our list is… You guessed it! The Afghan Hound. This is one of the most elegant and eye-catching dog breeds in the world. It looks fancy and walks with pride. But this breed is not all about beauty and looks. It also has a gentle nature.
Afghan Hounds enjoy a peaceful home and gentle routines. At first, they may be distant, but once they trust you, they will form strong bonds with you. They love open areas and daily walks. Their glorious, long coats need daily brushing. It can get tangled easily.
But they are clean dogs and don’t have many health concerns. This breed is perfect for pet parents who want a calm, beautiful dog that loves the quiet life.
Originally bred in the Middle East for hunting small and large game, including antelopes
Known for its keen eyesight and fast running (can reach 40 mph!)
Has a long and silky coat that needs frequent grooming
Independent but loving when bonded with owners
2. Basset Hound
Basset hounds are charming at first glance. Their big ears and short legs make them stand out. Hill’s Pet states that they are slowly maturing dogs and reach their full size at about two years of age. Basset Hounds may be low to the ground, but they are big on love! They enjoy cuddles and are great with kids. They also get along with cats and other small animals.
They do not need much exercise. Short walks of one to two hours a day are enough. But they love to sniff and explore their surroundings. Their bark is deep, and they use it when they smell something new.
They are perfect for relaxed homes. Older adults and family members love them for their mellow nature. They are loving and loyal dogs. And they make amazing couch companions!
Known for floppy ears and a powerful nose
Bred to hunt small animals
Have a tendency to gain weight, so it is important to supervise them while feeding
Needs minimal grooming but benefits from regular brushing
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and tan coonhounds are excellent hunting dogs that were developed by crossing the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound with the Bloodhound. They are bold and full of energy. This breed is meant for the outdoors. If you love hiking or exploring, this dog will match your pace.
They do not like to sit still for too long. They love running through the fields and going on scent walks. Apartment life can feel too small for them. They are happy when they get fresh air and time to explore.
They are definitely great for active pet parents! But as much as they are active outside, they can be quite lazy around the house and love to relax.
Originally bred in the US to hunt raccoons and small animals
Ranked among some of the largest dog breeds
Has a sensitive nose and a deep voice
The American Kennel Club mentions that some Black and Tan Coonhounds have the Guinness World Record for having the longest ears
4. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds have a distinctive wrinkled skin and droopy jowls. They are known for their amazing nose and can track scents for miles. This dog may be large, but it is very loving. Bloodhounds bond deeply with their owners. They like calm environments but need regular exercise.
These pooches drool a lot and have loose skin around the face. You will need to clean their ears and folds often. At home, these dogs have a friendly disposition that makes them wonderful companions. If you don’t mind a little mess, this dog will fill your home with love.
Frequently work on police K9 units or with rescue teams to track over long distances
Their tracking is so reliable that it can be presented in the court of law
Can be stubborn, which makes them challenging to train
Are vocal and produce a loud, deep “bay” when they have something to communicate
5. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick coonhounds are alert, sociable, and smart dogs. They can be differentiated from the hound group due to their striking spotted coat pattern with blue/gray spots.
These dogs are loyal and protective. They love to run and chase and can be relentless while pursuing their prey. This makes them a little difficult to manage.
Blueticks are great companions for active people. They enjoy long walks and outdoor play. But at the end of the day, they love curling up near you. These dogs commonly bark, bay, and bawl. This makes them unsuitable for small homes and crowded neighbourhoods.
Originally bred to hunt raccoons
Pet Mojo states that they are generally healthy dogs, but can catch a rare disease known as “coonhound paralysis.”
Has a distinct ability to produce a unique sound called “baying”
Short and smooth coat that needs minimal grooming
Best for rural homes and outdoor-loving owners
6. English Foxhound
The English Foxhounds are pack-oriented scent hounds. They were initially bred in Medieval England to hunt foxes by scent. They are strong, active, and full of stamina. They are energetic dogs that love to run and explore. They are sociable and get along with other dogs as well.
This dog is not for lazy people. They need plenty of exercise and long walks to maintain their mental and physical wellness. These dogs also have difficulty focusing on work other than hunting, including basic obedience training. This is why they are not so suitable as an ideal family pet.
Commonly used in the sport of foxhunting
They are more stout and have longer and leaner legs compared to the American Foxhounds
Requires weekly brushing and lots of exercise
They are happiest around other English Foxhounds
7. Irish Wolfhound
Ireland was highly populated with wolves in the 1400s, and so Irish Wolfhounds were bred to specifically hunt wolves. According to Purina, they are the tallest of all dog breeds.
But despite their giant sizes, they are not aggressive at all. They are calm and loving with a soft, quiet heart. They enjoy lying near you and being part of the family.
Due to their big and tall size, they need room to stretch and walk. Small apartments are not the best fit. They also have a shaggy coat that needs care and grooming. These pooches are best for families who have space and want a big dog with a gentle heart.
This breed dates back to ancient Rome, where they were used as hunters and in the arena
Can reach heights up to 32 inches
Have a shorter lifespan of just 6 to 10 years
They are also used as guard dogs and war dogs
Conclusion
Hound dog breeds are full of love and personality. These dogs are smart, kind, and made to be a part of the family (excluding some!). It can be the fancy Afghan Hound, the gentle Irish Wolfhound, or other amazing hound breeds such as the Pharaoh Hound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Russian Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound. With so many options, you can find the perfect hound dog for yourself!
Hounds are not just hunters anymore. They are cuddle buddies. They are trail partners. And they are ideal for older adults, families, and everyone in between. So if you are a current or future pet parent, a hound dog might be just what you need. Bring one home and you will get a friend for life!
