Are you a history buff or just curious about humanity’s ancient roots? Then get ready for a fascinating journey back to a time when real stone-age humans roamed the earth, surviving with only the simplest tools about 2.5 million years ago.
Long before agriculture, around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, people lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on hunting and foraging to stay alive. In those harsh conditions, early humans formed a life-changing partnership with well-socialized wolves, using their tracking skills and agility to hunt prey.
This early bond between man and canine marked the beginning of domestication and shaped our shared history. So, let’s step into the shoes of our ancestors, where strong, agile hunting dogs helped them not just survive, but thrive. Ready to relive this primal connection? Let’s dive in!
Hound Dog Breeds for Hunting
1. American Foxhound
Temperament: Polite, Tolerant, Gentle, and Sweet with a smidge of Stubbornness, and a pinch of independence
Origin: Maryland, Virginia, United States of America
These direct descendants of English hounds were brought to America in 1650 by a Maryland-bound settler named Robert Brooke, who had a sporting passion for hunting foxes on Horseback. But the English foxhound with its heavy bone structure was built for a hedgerow-dotted countryside and not the vast and limitless vistas that America had to offer.
Hence, these hounds were bred together a century later with the French hound dog breeds. That was sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington to create this magnificently active and smart American foxhound to hunt foxes.
These beautiful tri-colored pups are the State dog of Virginia and are generally easygoing and sociable. They get along well with children and other animals, yet they are shy and reserved around strangers. These immaculate scent hounds have a strong prey drive and an innate desire to follow trails.
American Foxhounds are the ideal dogs for folks seeking a firecracker or adventurer that can keep up with an active lifestyle and accompany them on their hiking and camping trips.
Fun Facts:
The Founding Father George Washington was a huge fan and avid breeder of the early American foxhound in the 18th century.
2. Plott Hound
Temperament: Intelligent, Alert, and Confident
Origin: Smoky Mountains of Bute County, North Carolina, United States of America & Germany.
These large scent hounds descended from the five German Hanoverian Hounds that were brought in by a German immigrant named Johannes George Plott to America in 1750. He started breeding these dogs with other dogs to create a breed that excels in tracking and hunting large predators of the wild, like bears.
Soon, the pups gained popularity and were eventually designated as the state dog of North Carolina in 1989. Plott Hounds were bred to sort out complicated scent trails over challenging terrain and tend to bolt when they detect the scent of a small animal. These hounds have a distinctive, high-pitched, shrill bark, which comes in handy when it is out in the field doing their duties.
Plott hounds are typically loyal companions that are even-tempered and protective of their families. They form strong bonds with loved ones, especially children, and are quite wary of strangers. These pooches also have a goofy side, which is quite amusing and entertaining.
Friendly and playful at home, these brindle dogs work well with other dogs but see smaller pets as prey. Hence, proper socialization and obedience training are necessary for these family pets.
Fun Facts:
These hounds are a very rare dog breed in America; only a few lucky people have ever met one.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
Temperament: Strong, Stubborn, and Independent
Origin: Southern United States of America
These dogs are the descendants of the ancient talbot hound from the 11th century, Medieval England, and are a cross between the Bloodhounds and the Black and tan Virginia foxhounds.
These Black and Tan Coonhounds were originally bred for tracking and trailing. These dogs come equipped with a loud baying howl and are quite famous for their distinct doggy odor.
Don’t panic just yet, and give this shiny pooch occasional baths and proper grooming to keep it smelling fresh like daisies. These puppers are famous for hunting raccoons.
However, these dogs are gentle and tolerant with children and can make good family pets, but are too aloof and independent to satisfy your playful toddler, not ideal for kiddos. These dogs detect and pursue their trace like nobody else and are quite skeptical of strangers. (Hence, approach this dog’s vicinity with caution!)
Fun Facts:
This dramatic hound dog breed will break into a mournful serenade when it’s feeling lonely. Hence, if you aren’t too keen to hear their sob story, make sure they don’t get separation anxiety.
4. Bloodhound
Temperament: Gentle, Patient, and Affectionate
Origin: Belgium, France & the United Kingdom
Famous for its nose, the Bloodhound might not have an attractive appeal due to its saggy, wrinkly skin and its sad droopy eyes. But these swift runners are a trailblazer in the scenting industry.
According to Purina, this majestic pooch is the most ancient breed that was recorded in Britain in the 1300s. Bloodhounds were used by noble men to track game in the ritual of hunting. They were originally bred to hunt deer, wild boars, and small game from the Middle Ages.
They are also exceptional rabbit hunters and search and rescue dogs due to their extraordinary sense of smell. These scent hounds have descended from the revered St. Hubert Hound that hails from the Abbey of Saint-Hubert in Belgium. Bred and developed by monks, these dogs are quite laid-back and calm.
But they are also equipped with a stubborn streak; hence, they can be challenging to train. Overall, bloodhounds are quite noble and mild-mannered and thrive in a social environment if well-socialized from a young age. These outstanding trackers are active pack dogs and need a lot of exercise.
Fun Facts:
Did you know? These bloodhounds can even pick up the scent dispersed in the air. But not only that, they can also pick up and follow cold scent trails that are several days old.
5. Bluetick Coonhound
Temperament: Friendly, Sweet, and Loyal
Origin: Southern United States of America
This unique and astounding bluetick coonhound was born to be an adventurer and wanderer just like you. These versatile pooches can become your bodyguards on the steep hills and rocky terrains and can also keep predators like cougars and mountain lions at bay.
These trusty little adventure-seeking enthusiasts can even hunt bears. The bluetick coonhounds are ideal for both hunting and companionship. But they are also known for their distinctive baying sound and high opera vocals.
Despite their hunting background, Bluetick Coonhounds can make wonderful family pets if their size, exercise requirements, and tendency to be vocal are well managed.
However, while they’re generally friendly toward people, their strong prey drive means they shouldn’t be trusted around cats or other small animals.
Fun Facts:
These bluetick coonhounds have a unique mottled coat of black and blue, which makes it easier to identify them from a distance.
6. Redbone Coonhound
Temperament: Easy-going, Even-tempered, and Happy-go-lucky
Origin: Southern United States of America
Redbone Coonhounds are versatile hunting dogs known for their friendly demeanor. These pooches are uniquely gentle and docile, which belies their true hunting dog image. They thrive in active families that can provide them with interactive activities like trekking, hiking, jogging, and running.
Or else these dogs will get bored by staying in one place for a long time. The redbone coonhounds are hunters of small mammals like squirrels and opossums. Moreover, they are also experts at treeing raccoons and hunting large game like bears and cougars.
These redbone coonhounds are the best dogs for your hunting expeditions and nature trails. Their foundation stock derives from bloodhounds and foxhounds that were brought in by Scottish immigrants.
They have a distinct voice, a short attention span, and are a great contender for families with kids. These hunters have exceptional tracking abilities and a strong prey drive, but are also quite stubborn. Hence, these energetic hounds can be challenging to train.
Fun Fact:
These redbone coonhounds are excellent swimmers. Their webbed feet and muscular build enable them to navigate through lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water with ease.
7. Afghan Hound
Temperament: Strong-willed, Independent, Aloof, and Self-confident
Origin: Afghanistan
Whether it’s lure coursing or tracking small or large prey, this sight hound excels at everything wild and free. But the benefits of adopting this gazehound do not end here. Their gorgeous flowing coats make them seem like divas from fashion magazines.
Hence, these Afghan hounds are energetic dogs and loyal companions that are a combination of chic flair, endurance, athleticism, and a magnified prey drive.
Continental Kennel Club states that these agile hounds are the most stylish real hunting dogs that thrive in the roughest rocky terrain, hence are the perfect combination of beauty, brains, and brawn at the same time.
They have huge paw pads that act as shock absorbers, and a silky coat that isn’t just present for enhancing their looks. But also protects them in the harsh climate of the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. They are one of the fastest dog breeds that can reach the speed of 40 mph easily and can even keep leopards at bay.
Fun Facts:
You’ll have to use a strong leash and a slip or martingale lead for these seemingly dignified and elegant hounds. Because they are always intent on going where they want to go and can magically transport themselves far away in the blink of an eye. (Don’t let them out of your sight!)
8. American English Coonhound
Temperament: Active, loyal, and Intelligent
Origin: Southern United States of America
The American English Coonhound makes an excellent hunting partners who live to please their families. But if you don’t convert their high energy into productive activities, it will more likely convert into nervous energy.
These coon hunters were born to enjoy the thrill of the chase and won’t compromise on their outdoor playtime. These sweet-faced, deep-chested athletes are the beloved choice of sportsmen for their speed and endurance.
The American English coonhounds have a regal demeanor, which is quite different from the other hounds. They also make wonderful patient friends for children when not chasing small game and running behind raccoons.
Fun Facts:
Did you know? All hounds share a distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. But you’d better sample this sound before bringing in a hound of your own.
9. Borzoi
Temperament: Quiet, Gentle, Athletic, Attentive, and Intelligent
Origin: Russia
These elegant dogs are sighthounds that originated in 16th-century Russia and are quite affectionate and smart pups. VCA Animal Hospitals says they were originally bred to hunt running game like wolves, foxes, and hares. These highly esteemed dogs can become very stubborn if not properly motivated.
They are also selective learners who will become bored with repetitive and pointless activity, and are only ideal for owners who can understand their needs on a deeper level.
Hence, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners, not because they are a challenging breed. But because a few people deserve the company of this majestic pooch with a noble heritage.
If you are keen about owning a borzoi, make sure they get an ample amount of exercise and diverse creative outlets to expend their energy.
Fun Facts:
Their name translates to “swift” in Russian. These gentle giants eat a relatively small amount compared to their large size.
Conclusion
These hunting dogs have a keen eyesight, strong prey drive, exceptional retrieving skills, and a distinct ability to track prey. But it is important to understand that their purpose and instincts don’t define them completely. There is more to these hunting dogs than the eye can see. No two dogs are the same, as they have diverse and intricate backgrounds, origins, and temperaments.
Hence, it is important to have a keen sense of understanding to completely cater to the needs of these bird hunters/gun dogs, sight hounds, scent hounds, and mountain curs. Most of these hounds share a common passion for chasing furred game, like the Treeing Walker Coonhounds, which is a cherished American pastime. But should be given their due share of attention and care like any other dog breed.
However, if the ritual of hunting is quite loved by your family members, try this array of hunting dogs and hound breeds like the golden retriever, German shorthaired pointer, English Foxhounds, and Beagles for your next hunting trip.
