Let’s talk dog dog breeds! Not the iconic “You’re Nothing But…” dog from the song Elvis made famous but the various breeds that fall under the term “hound”.
While all hound breeds were originally bred to hunt or hunt, many dogs today have found their true calling—a companion animal—chasing off nothing more than a errant treat under the couch or the family cat. This is not to say that these bright boys are out of work, in fact the physical traits that make them ideally suited to work in the field such as an enhanced sense of smell, excellent long range vision, and physical dexterity are still very much intact and need to be taken into consideration. By new pet parents thinking of adopting a dog breed dog.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular dog breeds.
bloodhound
Delicate, this ambidextrous dog has an astonishing tenacity and over 230 million scent receptors (40 times that of humans) that allow him to pick up a scent for weeks and track it on land and water for miles and miles. Something to keep in mind if you plan to let him off leash on the trails. (Image credit: NSC Photography/Shutterstock)
Hunting dog
Next is! This dog is the hunting dog most often associated with British fox hunting, and for good reason. This little guy has an exceptional sense of smell and his easy-going nature makes him not only a great hunting companion but an ideal pet. You might also see him climbing into luggage to clear out drugs at airports! (Image credit: Alexei Androsov/Shutterstock)
Whippet is a small tank
This light and elongated head endows the sighthound with a greater degree of binocular vision which allows it to locate and follow quarry from a distance. One of the fastest dogs in the world, he can run a short distance to catch small prey, but his favorite place in the world is a comfortable sofa. Once settled, he couldn’t just chase the family cat. (Image credit: The Images/Shutterstock)
dachshund
This little guy is one to reckon with. He is the only breed approved for hunting both above and below ground and his miniature attitude, tenacious nature and keen sense of smell make him the ideal dog to drive off small animals that burrow and follow a scent long distances. Although not aggressive, prospective pet parents with smaller animals may want to take note! (photo credit: otsphoto/Shutterstock)
basset hound
While this pooch with his hanging dog expression and super long ears is short in stature he makes up for that with a great stature with an innate sense of smell that is second only to that of the Bloodhound. Its shorter legs made it easy to keep up on foot and perfect for hunting small game. Today, this weak, degraded dog is perfect for discovering all those missing items and pieces of food on the floor. (Image credit: Grigorita Ko/Shutterstock)
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Named for the swarm of fur that runs down his back and grows in the opposite direction to the rest of his coat, this big boy was born in Africa to protect hunters’ fresh kills from hungry lions. Yes, this dog is one brave dog who bonds quickly with his human prey and although highly protective, is actually quite great with children and other animals. (Image credit: dezy/Shutterstock)
Basenji
This super alert, ultra-sharp dog is one of the few hounds that excels at both sight and scent. Often compared to a cat due to its impeccable grooming habits, insatiable curiosity and lack of barking, this ancient breed originated in Africa and was used to track down and chase small game into nets. Today, he’s a big family pet that does well with other animals—both large and small. (Image credit: Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock)
Irish Wolfhound
Bigger than sight hounds, this tall boy, part of the Emerald Isle was born to hunt, you guessed it – wolves! Today, this sweet dog with an easy-going personality is a great family pet who needs only moderate exercise to keep him happy and fit. Naturally, potential pet parents will need to crank up the grocery budget… (Photo credit: Jana Oudova/Shutterstock)
Afghan Hound
Isn’t this elegant dog just a shout out diva? Despite the flowing locks, this side view was tamed for action, and the long hood helped protect it from the cooler mountain climates of Afghanistan. His high Frisian drive means he chases off squirrels and small animals once he’s on a leash, so early socialization is a must. (Image credit: David Raihelgauz/Shutterstock)
Borzoi
Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, this tall sighthound was originally bred to bring down wolves and my country, how times have changed. Today, this gentle, long-haired greyhound-like dog isn’t particularly territorial, and doesn’t make much of a watchdog, yet he lives up to the Russian meaning of his name which is “quick” as he will be the first to claim space on a couch or easy chair. (Image credit: Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock)
