11 of the Most Popular Hound Dog Breeds Both Big and Small

Hounds are a diverse variety of dogs . They encompass some of the most iconic breeds in the world , including some of the orotund dog breeds on the major planet as well as some of the smallest . Hounds occur from a wide orbit of geographic regions and cultures . But one affair they all have in common is their love of the hunt .

spawn to be track and trace dogs by virtually every culture that has raised them , hounds possess excellent noses and eminent amounts of stamen . Tracking scent , chasing biz , and form deep trammel with their human comrade are all stylemark of this diverse mathematical group of dogs .

However , because of the incredible diversity within the grouping , one blackguard does not , in fact , equip all . Every individual dog is unique ! With that in mind , here is a list of hound dog breeds that exemplify the steadfast , levelheaded , wonderful blackguard that can fit out a variety of needs or berth .

afghan hound with shorter hair lying on ground

Pierre Aden / Getty

Afghan Hound

It ’s gruelling to beat theAfghan houndin damage of pedigree . Dogs resemble the modern Afghan have been traced back through thou of years of middle eastern history . Native to Afghanistan and bless with stabbing , bird’s-eye sight , Afghans are gymnastic hunters who rely on their super - strong sense of ken to visually haunt fair game over large distances . Underneath those excellently long locks lies the tall , slender body of a aloofness runner .

Basset Hound

One of those iconic Canis familiaris stock that are instantly recognizable to just about anyone , Basset houndshave been popular among Hunter and families alike for decades . Long prized by cony hunter , Bassets have one of the keenest noses in the dog kingdom , equal only by the Bloodhound in accuracy and power . At home , their relatively low exercising penury and willingness to cuddle up on the couch have long endeared them to families and elder owners . Keep in nous , however , that because they tend to have strongly independent personalities , it can sometimes take some extra love and solitaire to train them . Plus , every individual frankfurter is different !

Bloodhound

It ’s uncommon for any creature to be able-bodied to claim to do something better than anyone else in the world , but here we are : The nobleBloodhound ’s sense of smell is 2d to none . Long prized by constabulary enforcement agencies around the world for their unparalleled trailing power , once a Bloodhound lock chamber on to a scent , their quarry is as skillful as found .

Irish Wolfhound

One of the grandiloquent breeds recognized by the AKC , Irish wolfhoundsare gentle giants in the heel world . And we really do stand for gargantuan ! These pups are the size of a small pony — commonly found in excess of 30 inches marvelous . As their name suggests , these massively brawny blackguard were primitively bred to give chase and hunt Wolf . In more modern clip , however , the strain has been cultivated to have a sweet , easy - going disposition that makes them surprise favorites among masses with children .

Basenji

bring together the Afghan as one of the oldest hound breed , theBasenjiwas lever in its aboriginal Africa as a versatile , adept hunter . The hunting inherent aptitude remains impregnable in the breed even today , make afenced yarda must . For pet parents who have active lifestyles and want a running companion or a partner to occupy in agility or flyball contender , few dogs can match the Basenji ’s motor and staying power .

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally bred for hunting Lion , Rhodesian ridgebacksare another well - built , incredibly strong breed of hound . Modern Rhodesians keep a muscular prey ride , making fenced yards and firm leashes a must , but the breed is also mention for their unbelievable patience with small children and their adaptability to a diversity of family life style .

Beagle

Another iconic breed , thebeagleis now recognisable to even casual dog lover . Noted hunters of dodger and lapin even today , beagles are sighthounds blessed with Brobdingnagian reserves of stamen . This makes them advantageously suited to human companions that live more active lifestyle , but beagles can be happy with a great yard and some spirited games of fetch . They are also splendid competitors in agility , flyball , and retrieval rival . Just ensure that you — and your neighbors — are prepared for the famed " beagle embayment " before you bring one into your home .

Dachshund

Dachshund translate from German as " badger dog , " belie these lilliputian dogs ' Orion origins . Now almost exclusively family firedog , Dachshundsmake excellentcompanions for apartment sustenance , as well as for older owners . Their humiliated - slung bodies require less exercise than most of their larger hound cousins , but great care must be taken to ensure they do n’t become overweight , and put safety measuring stick in place around your home so as not to put too much strain on their retentive prickle .

Scottish Deerhound

Closely related to the Irish wolfhound , the Scottish deerhound is another very tall , fantastically powerful breed . Sighthounds that were originally used for stalking 400 - pound cerise cervid across the rocky Highlands , the deerhound is equal to of run for extended periods of time at almost greyhound speeds .

Whippet

An excellent choice for urban dwellers , whippetsare small , slim dog who seldom bark and call for astonishingly little exercise , outside of a few unruly game of fetch per calendar week . Bearing a unattackable resemblance tosmall greyhounds , the whippet is every bit as fast as you ’d think , which has made them champion flyball and lure course competitors .

Saluki

Another ancient strain , the Saluki is theoldest know domesticate dogon record . Dogs resembling Salukis can be meet in nontextual matter date back 4,000 days and they ’ve been love as the royal dog of Egypt . A comparatively uncommon breed , Salukis come with their own unique challenges to ownership . gazelle hound are some of the profligate dogs in the world and are also bless with unbelievable stamen , meaning that any possible Saluki owners should have plenty of way for them to roam , or several outlets for them to work off those prodigious reticence of energy .

three Basset Hounds running in a park