Did you know that the Irish Wolfhound, one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, can stand up to 7 feet tall on its hind legs? Or that the Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so precise that its tracking evidence is admissible in court?
Large hound breeds aren’t just impressive in size—they bring centuries of history, skill, and loyalty to the table. Whether bred for hunting, tracking, or companionship, these dogs are known for their sharp senses, endurance, and deep bonds with their human families.
From the sleek and swift Greyhound, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph, to the devoted and determined Redbone Coonhound, large hound breeds are as diverse as they are fascinating.
Some were bred to chase down game across vast landscapes, while others are expert scent trackers with an uncanny ability to follow a trail for miles. Their intelligence and strong-willed nature make them incredible companions—but are they the right fit for you?
Large Hound Dog Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
With its silky soft coat and regal appearance, the Afghan Hound is a sight to behold. Originally bred in the Middle East, this hound dog breed was used for hunting in rugged terrains, relying on its sharp eyesight and remarkable speed.
Despite their aristocratic demeanor, Afghan Hounds are affectionate with their human companions, though they tend to be independent and somewhat aloof around strangers. As one of the most energetic dogs in the hound group, Afghan Hounds require plenty of long walks and open space to stretch their legs.
They are incredibly fast and capable of reaching speeds up to 40 mph, making them exceptional in lure coursing. Their high prey drive means they may not be the best fit for homes with small pets, but they thrive in active households where they can showcase their athleticism.
Hillspet claims that the silky coat of this dog breed is both striking and high-maintenance. Regular grooming is a must to prevent tangles and maintain their luxurious fur. Despite their independent nature, Afghan Hounds form deep bonds with their household members and can be surprisingly playful at home.
While they are affectionate with their owners, Afghan Hounds are known for their dignified and somewhat stubborn temperament. They respond best to patient, positive reinforcement training. Early socialization is key to ensuring they develop into well-adjusted companions.
For those seeking a blend of elegance, history, and adventure, the Afghan Hound is a perfect choice. Whether as a loyal companion or a sporting athlete, this breed continues to captivate pet owners with its unique combination of beauty and skill.
2. American Foxhound
Bred in colonial America, the American Foxhound is a friendly hound with an unmatched work ethic. Initially bred to hunt foxes, this breed is known for its keen sense of smell and impressive endurance. A member of the hound group, American Foxhounds are skilled at tracking scents, making them excellent hunting dogs and loyal companions for active households.
With their slender build and long legs, these hound dogs are built for speed and stamina. They require long walks and plenty of outdoor exercise to stay happy and healthy. While their gentle and affectionate nature makes them great family members, they can be quite vocal—American Foxhounds are known for their distinctive sound, a melodious baying that carries over long distances.
American Foxhounds are social and generally get along well with other dogs. However, their high prey drive means they may chase small game like rabbits or squirrels if given the chance. Early training is crucial to help them develop good recall and leash manners.
One of the low-maintenance breeds in terms of grooming, the American Foxhound has a short, sleek coat that requires minimal care. Their droopy ears should be checked regularly for infections, especially after outdoor adventures.
For those looking for a playful personality, boundless energy, and a loyal companion, the American Foxhound is a wonderful choice. Whether as a hunting partner or a devoted family pet, this dog breed thrives in active households that can meet its need for exercise and companionship.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
With their velvety ears and striking black and tan coats, Black and Tan Coonhounds are both hardworking hunting dogs and affectionate household members. Originally bred in medieval England, these scent hounds were prized for their keen sense of smell and endurance in tracking small game like raccoons. Today, they are known for their friendly disposition and adaptability, making them great companions for active households.
Despite their strong prey drive, Black and Tan Coonhounds are social dogs that generally get along well with other dogs and enjoy being part of a pack. However, they have a unique sound—a deep, baying howl—that they use to communicate, which can be charming or a challenge depending on the setting. They thrive in homes with ample space where they can roam freely and follow scents to their heart’s content.
This hound dog breed is highly energetic and needs long walks or hikes to stay happy. Their sensitive noses can sometimes lead them astray, so leash training and early recall training are essential. While they are affectionate with their human companions, they also have an independent streak, requiring patience and consistent training.
Their short coat is easy to care for, but their floppy ears should be checked regularly for infections. Given the right amount of exercise and attention, these energetic dogs make excellent companions for pet owners who enjoy outdoor adventures.
For those looking for a loyal and hardworking scent hound, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a perfect choice. Whether tracking a scent trail or curling up at home, this breed brings both skill and warmth to any family.
4. Bloodhound
Few hound dog breeds are as iconic as the Bloodhound, as per Britannica, this breed is renowned for its extraordinary sense of smell. Often used in search-and-rescue missions, this tracking scent hound can follow a scent trail for miles, making it one of the best hunting dogs and detection breeds in the world. Their deep bonds with their owners and their gentle nature make them just as lovable at home as they are skilled in the field.
With their wrinkled skin, long, droopy ears, and soulful eyes, Bloodhounds have an unmistakable look. Despite their large size, they have a friendly disposition and get along well with household members, including children. However, their sharp sense of smell means they are easily distracted by scents, which can make training a challenge.
This large dog breed requires long walks and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. If left alone for too long, they may wander off in search of interesting smells. They are best suited for homes with a secure yard where they can explore safely. While they are gentle giants, they can be stubborn, so pet parents should use positive reinforcement training to keep them engaged.
Regular grooming is essential due to their floppy ears, which need frequent cleaning to prevent infections. Their loose skin can also trap moisture, so routine checks are necessary to maintain their health. While they rarely bark, Bloodhounds can be quite vocal when excited, using their distinctive baying voice to announce their discoveries.
For those looking for an affectionate, intelligent, and highly skilled tracking scent hound, the Bloodhound is an excellent choice. Whether as a working dog or a loyal companion, this breed is a testament to the power of a hound’s nose and the depth of its devotion.
5. Borzoi
Often referred to as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is a breed of both elegance and power. Originally bred to hunt wolves in Russia, these large hound dogs are renowned for their slender build, sharp eyesight, and silky soft coat. With a long history as the favored hunting companions of Russian nobility, Borzois embodies both grace and endurance.
Despite their aristocratic appearance, Borzois form deep bonds with their human companions and can be affectionate household members. However, they have an independent nature, often displaying a quiet and reserved demeanor. They are not known for excessive barking, but their high prey drive means they may instinctively chase small animals, making them better suited for homes without cats or other small pets.
As one of the fastest hound dog breeds, the Borzoi can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, making them exceptional at lure coursing and other athletic activities. However, they are surprisingly laid-back indoors, often content to lounge like gentle giants after a good run. They thrive in homes where they have space to stretch their legs, but they also enjoy relaxing alongside their household members.
Grooming a Borzoi’s long coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. They shed seasonally, so pet owners should be prepared for some upkeep. Due to their independent streak, early training and socialization are essential to ensure they develop good recall skills.
For those seeking a blend of speed, elegance, and loyalty, the Borzoi is a captivating companion. Whether in the field or at home, this hound group breed carries itself with a quiet dignity that makes it truly unique.
6. Greyhound
One of the most iconic hound dogs, the Greyhound is known for its aerodynamic build and incredible speed. Originally bred for hunting and racing, According to this Britannica, this dog breed can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, making it one of the fastest land animals. However, despite their athleticism, Greyhounds are famously laid-back and often referred to as “couch potatoes” due to their love for lounging.
Part of the hound group, Greyhounds have been used for lure coursing and hunting small game for centuries. Their keen eyesight allows them to spot movement from long distances, and their slim, muscular frame helps them cover ground effortlessly. While they have a friendly disposition, their high prey drive means they may instinctively chase small animals, so caution is needed in multi-pet households.
Despite their reputation as sprinters, Greyhounds do not require excessive exercise. A few daily long walks and the occasional sprint in a secure area are usually enough to keep them happy. They are known to be gentle giants, forming deep bonds with their human companions and enjoying quiet moments at home.
Greyhounds have short coats, but they are sensitive to cold weather due to their thin skin and lack of body fat. Pet owners should provide them with warm bedding and coats in colder climates. While generally low maintenance, their floppy ears should be checked regularly, and their nails need routine trimming due to their long, slender legs.
For those looking for a calm, affectionate, and athletic companion, the Greyhound is a fantastic choice. Whether as a retired racer or a family pet, this breed brings a unique mix of speed and serenity to any home.
7. Irish Wolfhound
Towering over most hound dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a true gentle giant with a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally bred to hunt wolves and large game, this large hound dog breed combines strength, speed, and an affectionate nature.
Despite their imposing size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their friendly disposition and deep loyalty to their human companions. As one of the tallest dog breeds in the world, some Irish Wolfhounds can reach up to 7 feet tall when standing on their hind legs.
Their keen eyesight and impressive stature made them valuable hunting dogs in medieval England, where they were prized by the nobility. Today, they are known more for their gentle nature than their hunting skills, making them excellent household members for those with enough space to accommodate their size.
While they enjoy long walks, Irish Wolfhounds are not overly energetic dogs. They prefer short bursts of activity followed by plenty of relaxation. However, due to their slender build and deep chest, they are prone to bloat, a serious condition common in large breeds, so pet owners should monitor their feeding schedule carefully.
Their shaggy coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, but they are generally low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Despite their deep bonds with their families, they can be independent thinkers, so early training and socialization are important. While they are not known for excessive barking, their sheer presence alone is often enough to deter intruders.
For those seeking a majestic yet affectionate companion, the Irish Wolfhound is an extraordinary choice. Whether as a loyal protector or a cuddly giant, this hound group breed brings a rare mix of history, strength, and tenderness into any home.
Conclusion
From the silky-coated Afghan Hound to the towering Irish Wolfhound, large-hound dog breeds are as diverse as they are magnificent. Each breed carries a unique history, whether it’s tracking scents across vast landscapes, sprinting at breathtaking speeds, or forming deep bonds with their human companions.
Whether you seek a regal companion, a loyal hunting partner, or an easygoing giant, there’s a hound to match every lifestyle. Despite their impressive size and strong prey drive, most hound dogs share a deep-rooted gentleness and devotion to their families.
While some excel in lure coursing or tracking scents, others are content curling up beside their owners after a day of adventure. Their intelligence, athleticism, and affectionate nature make them excellent companions—as long as they get the exercise, training, and space they need.
If you’re considering adding a large hound dog to your family, be sure to choose a breed that aligns with your energy levels and living space. These gentle giants thrive in homes where they can roam, explore, and be part of the pack.
And if you already have one of these incredible breeds, you know firsthand the joy of having a loyal, noble companion by your side. No matter which hound breed captures your heart, one thing is certain—life with a hound is never dull.
Whether they’re leading you on an unexpected chase or snoozing peacefully at your feet, their charm, grace, and companionship are truly unmatched.
