What makes hound dogs such exceptional team players in the hunting world? These breeds were developed to work closely with other dogs, following scent trails or flushing game with instinctive coordination and focus.
Whether chasing rabbits, tracking deer, or treeing raccoons, hunting hounds rely on communication, patience, and cooperation to succeed. Their pack-oriented nature also makes them surprisingly good companions for households with multiple pets.
While each hound has its own style, some using sight, others their incredible sense of smell, they share a calm, social temperament that helps them get along with fellow dogs.
In this article, we’ll explore nine hunting hound dog breeds known not only for their tracking skills and endurance but also for their ability to live harmoniously with other dogs, making them both capable hunting partners and easygoing companions at home.
Hunting Hound Dog Breeds That Are Good With Other Dogs
1. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a loyal and independent breed, originally bred for hunting foxes across the United States. Known for its endurance and speed, it excels in trailing scents for long distances, making it a reliable hunting partner. With a sleek, short coat and a calm demeanor, the American Foxhound is well-suited for both outdoor activities and family life.
According to the AKC, this breed is known for its sociable nature, not just with people but also with other dogs. The American Foxhound thrives in multi-dog households, where it can interact with its pack in a friendly and cooperative way. However, its strong prey drive means it requires supervision around smaller animals.
While intelligent, the American Foxhound can be a bit stubborn, making consistent training essential. Early socialization and obedience training are key to ensuring a well-mannered companion.
As a medium-sized dog, the American Foxhound requires regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Its active nature means it enjoys daily walks, runs, or even time in the field hunting.
Despite being bred for hunting, the American Foxhound adapts well to home life. It is a calm dog when indoors and makes a good companion for owners with active lifestyles.
Fun Fact
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest native American breeds and was developed in the 18th century. It’s one of the few hound breeds that has a consistently friendly temperament toward other dogs.
2. Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a highly skilled hunting dog known for its distinctive blue-spotted coat. Bred in the southern United States, this breed is prized for its excellent scenting ability and its ability to track and tree game. The Bluetick is an energetic and hardworking dog that thrives on outdoor activities and is best suited for active owners.
This breed is highly social and tends to get along well with other dogs, making it a good choice for households with multiple pets. Bluetick Coonhounds are gentle and friendly but can be a bit independent at times, so consistent training and early socialization are essential.
The Bluetick Coonhound’s strong hunting instincts can be channeled into a productive and fun training routine. As per WebMD, these dogs are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, although they may need some patience due to their independent nature.
As a medium-to-large breed, Blueticks need regular exercise to maintain their health and energy levels. They enjoy long walks, runs, and the opportunity to explore their surroundings, which helps them stay mentally and physically stimulated.
Though they are serious working dogs, Blueticks can also be loving family pets. Their friendly demeanor and loyalty make them excellent companions, but they require an owner who can provide both structure and space for their high energy.
Fun Fact
The Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from the blue spots on its coat, which are a result of its unique coloring pattern, a trait that sets it apart from other coonhounds.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a versatile, hardworking breed known for its incredible ability to track and hunt both on land and in water. Originating from the southern United States, this breed is highly prized for its stamina, strength, and natural hunting skills. The Black and Tan Coonhound’s distinctive black and tan coat, along with its alert expression, makes it instantly recognizable.
This breed is known for its easygoing temperament and its ability to coexist well with other dogs. The Black and Tan Coonhound is social, affectionate, and enjoys being part of a pack, making it a great choice for multi-dog households. However, it can be somewhat independent, so patience and consistent training are needed to ensure it listens and follows commands.
The Black and Tan Coonhound’s independent nature is a result of its hunting background. Training this breed may take time, but they are intelligent and willing to learn when given the right amount of attention and positive reinforcement.
Hill’s Pet states that regular exercise is essential to keep this breed in peak physical condition. Black and Tan Coonhounds enjoy long walks, runs, and hunts, and they thrive when they have an outlet for their energy.
Though bred for hunting, this breed makes an excellent family pet due to its calm demeanor and affectionate nature. It does well in a home with plenty of space and is especially well-suited for active owners.
Fun Fact
The Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the oldest coonhound breeds in the United States and was originally used to track large game such as raccoons, bears, and wild boars.
4. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a strong, energetic breed with an excellent sense of smell and an ability to track and hunt a variety of game. Known for its beautiful red coat and deep, soulful eyes, this breed is highly valued for its speed and endurance in the field. Originally bred in the southeastern United States, the Redbone excels at treeing game such as raccoons and squirrels.
This breed is friendly, affectionate, and highly sociable, making it a great fit for multi-dog households. Redbone Coonhounds have a natural tendency to get along with other dogs, and they thrive in homes where they can interact and play. Early socialization and training help ensure a well-mannered companion.
As per Purina, the Redbone Coonhound has a high prey drive, which makes training important from an early age. With proper guidance and consistent reinforcement, this breed can be a great working partner in the field and an obedient pet at home.
A medium-sized breed, the Redbone Coonhound requires plenty of exercise to keep it in shape. Long daily walks, hikes, and some hunting sessions provide the physical and mental stimulation this breed needs to remain content and well-adjusted.
Despite being a strong working dog, the Redbone Coonhound adapts well to family life. Its loving nature and calm demeanor make it a gentle companion in the home, provided its energy needs are met.
Fun Fact
The Redbone Coonhound’s stunning red coat is often a sign of its deep connection to its American hunting heritage.
5. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a highly skilled hunting dog known for its ability to track and tree game with precision. This breed was developed in the United States to hunt large game, particularly raccoons. With its sleek, tan and white coat and striking black markings, the Treeing Walker is easily recognizable in the field.
This breed is social, intelligent, and friendly, making it a great addition to homes with other dogs. It tends to get along well with its canine companions and thrives in a pack. Early socialization helps ensure a balanced, well-mannered dog that can handle both the field and the home.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are incredibly energetic and require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long runs and active play, and their natural hunting instincts make them eager participants in outdoor activities.
Training the Treeing Walker Coonhound requires patience, as it can sometimes be independent. However, with consistent, positive reinforcement, this breed learns quickly and excels in tracking and retrieving game.
Despite being bred for hunting, the Treeing Walker Coonhound adapts well to family life, especially if given ample space and exercise. It’s an affectionate dog that thrives on human interaction and teamwork.
Fun Fact
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was originally bred to be a versatile hunting dog, capable of tracking and treeing game like squirrels, raccoons, and even larger prey such as boar.
6. English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a medium-sized, highly athletic breed with a rich history rooted in hunting. It was originally developed in England for fox hunting, prized for its stamina and ability to chase down prey over long distances. The breed is known for its balanced, muscular build, designed for endurance rather than speed.
With a short, dense coat, the English Foxhound requires minimal grooming, but its exercise needs are considerable. These dogs are energetic and thrive when they have space to run, making them a good fit for active owners or those with large yards.
Socially, the English Foxhound gets along well with other dogs, thanks to its pack mentality. It enjoys the company of its canine companions and is happiest when interacting with others. However, due to its strong prey drive, it may chase smaller animals without proper supervision.
Training the English Foxhound can be a challenge due to its independent nature. While they are intelligent, they are also quite stubborn, making consistent, positive reinforcement important in order to keep them focused.
Despite their strong hunting background, these dogs make great family pets when their physical and mental needs are met. Their calm demeanor at home is a sharp contrast to their intensity in the field, making them excellent companions for active families.
Fun Fact
English Foxhounds were once owned by George Washington, who imported them from England to help with fox hunting in early America.
7. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant, ancient breed known for its speed and agility. Originating from Malta, it was bred to hunt small game like rabbits in harsh, rocky terrains. This breed is athletic, with a sleek body and a short, glossy coat that requires minimal grooming.
Pharaoh Hounds are known for their friendly, affectionate temperament, both with people and other dogs. Their sociable nature makes them well-suited for families, but their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
These dogs are incredibly fast, capable of sprinting long distances to catch prey. Though they are excellent hunters, they also make great pets, as they tend to be laid-back at home. However, they can be stubborn and require firm, consistent training to help manage their independent nature.
Pharaoh Hounds can get along well with other dogs, especially when socialized early. However, their hunting instincts are strong, so it’s important to keep them on a leash during walks, as they may try to chase smaller animals.
Although they have high energy, the Pharaoh Hound is often content to relax at home after a good run or play session. Their calm demeanor at home makes them a good fit for owners who can provide regular exercise and attention.
Fun Fact
The Pharaoh Hound is known for blushing when excited, a rare trait that gives its face a reddish hue, which is a fun characteristic that sets it apart from other breeds.
8. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a low, sturdy breed that’s primarily known for its exceptional scenting ability. Developed in France and Belgium, this breed is a scent hound used to track small game such as rabbits and hares. Its long ears and droopy eyes give it a unique, gentle expression.
While Basset Hounds are known for their calm demeanor, they also possess a strong hunting instinct. They are independent thinkers, making them a bit stubborn during training. However, with consistent and patient training, they can be well-behaved companions.
Their scenting ability is unmatched, and they are often used in tracking work due to their powerful noses. Basset Hounds are happiest when they have a task to complete, whether it’s hunting or simply exploring the outdoors.
Socially, Basset Hounds get along well with other dogs, thanks to their friendly, laid-back nature. They are known to form strong bonds with their family, but they can be quite vocal, especially when they catch a scent they’re interested in.
This breed does well in both homes with other pets and larger spaces, as they need to be active and mentally stimulated. Despite their lower energy compared to other hunting dogs, Basset Hounds still require daily walks and play to stay healthy and happy.
Fun Fact
Despite their short legs, Basset Hounds have one of the strongest noses in the dog world, with over 220 million scent receptors, second only to the Bloodhound.
9. Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a robust, muscular breed known for its strength and determination. This breed is typically used for hunting large game, including boars, and is highly prized for its tracking ability. The Plott Hound’s brindle coat and confident, alert expression make it easy to spot in the field.
Although they are independent and sometimes stubborn, Plott Hounds are intelligent and eager to please when given the right amount of guidance. Early training and socialization help bring out their best qualities. They are loyal, protective, and form strong bonds with their family.
This breed has a high energy level and requires ample physical activity to stay fit and healthy. The Plott Hound enjoys long walks, hikes, and any activity that allows it to explore its surroundings and use its natural hunting instincts.
When it comes to other dogs, the Plott Hound is typically friendly, especially if raised with them from a young age. Their pack-oriented nature makes them a good fit for households with multiple pets, though supervision may be necessary around smaller animals.
Plott Hounds are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide structured exercise and training. When properly cared for, they are not only excellent hunters but also loyal companions in the home.
Fun Fact
The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s official state dog, reflecting its long history as a prized hunting companion in the region.
FAQs
Can hunting hound dogs live peacefully with non-hunting companion dogs?
Yes, many hunting hound dogs, especially those bred for pack work, tend to get along well with non-hunting companion dogs. Early socialization and consistent training can help manage their instincts while allowing them to peacefully coexist.
How can hunting hound dogs get along well with other dogs in a pack?
Hunting hound dogs, like the English Foxhound and Plott Hound, are naturally pack-oriented and thrive in groups. Proper socialization from a young age helps them bond with other dogs, making them more likely to cooperate in a multi-dog environment.
How does hunting in a group influence a hound dog’s social behavior?
Hunting hound dogs are often accustomed to working in packs, which fosters a cooperative and social nature. They tend to respect their fellow pack members, making them easier to integrate into households with multiple pets.
Conclusion
Hunting hound dogs are naturally inclined to work well in packs, which makes them adaptable companions in homes with other dogs. These energetic dogs are often friendly and sociable, as seen in breeds like the Plott Hound, Basset Hound, and Pharaoh Hound. Their ability to work together as a team translates into their relationships at home, where they typically get along well with other pets.
In addition to these breeds, other dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, such as the Beagle, Irish Wolfhound, and Greyhound, known for their keen eyesight and tenacious hunting ability, also make excellent companions for active households. With proper care and training, these loyal dogs can live harmoniously with family members and other animals, offering both hunting proficiency and loving companionship.
