Independence and Intelligence: This breed is known for its independence and intelligence, qualities that were important for a dog that might need to make decisions and work semi-autonomously during hunts. Like all working breeds, hound dogs utilise their natural canine behaviours to do the jobs that we humans have developed them for. Hounds are specialists in locating their prey with either their keen eyesight or their incredible noses, then stalking/chasing them, often at high speed before catching and killing them (or holding them until they can be killed). Take a deep dive into the hound dog breeds world and discover the behaviour and personality that makes them such beloved family members. From giants to dainty dogs, this group has got them all. Adaptation to Rough Terrain: Bred to hunt in the Highlands of Scotland, Scottish Deerhounds needed to be hardy and capable of handling rough, mountainous terrain. Their wiry coat provided protection against harsh weather conditions.

Loyalty and Trainability: Shikokus are known for their loyalty and trainability, traits that are crucial for working closely with hunters. They are known to be dedicated and focused when on the hunt, yet gentle and loyal with their families.The Saluki’s breeding was influenced by the needs of nomadic cultures and the environment of the Middle East, where hunting for food was a necessity. Their elegant appearance, combined with their hunting prowess, made them highly esteemed by their owners. Today, while they are less commonly used for hunting, Salukis are appreciated as gentle and affectionate companions, known for their grace and dignity. Their physical and behavioral traits still reflect their heritage as skilled hunters of the ancient world. In the case of scenthounds, expect an excellent sense of smell and a joy of following a scent. Hounds need space for free running or to indulge their love of scent work. Scenthounds can be happy with long on-lead, nose-down walks in the countryside. Not always fastidiously clean Today, while they are no longer widely used for hunting, Scottish Deerhounds are cherished for their noble appearance, gentle nature, and affectionate disposition. They require regular exercise and space to roam, and their calm temperament makes them well-suited to family life. Their size and need for space, however, mean they are best suited to homes with ample room and access to open areas for exercise. Adaptation to American Landscapes: The breed was developed to suit the larger, more varied landscapes of rural America compared to the more manicured hunting grounds of England. This adaptation required a more independent and versatile hunting style. The Basset Hound is an easily recognizable breed with the distinctive long ears of a trail hound and the shorter body of a dog that would be followed by hunters on foot. This breed is known to love children and make a good family pet. Although Basset Hounds do require exercise, they are better suited to walks than more energetic activities, and they are considered good pets for novice owners.

Greyhounds, for example, are sometimes known as the ‘60kph couch potato’ as their short, intense bursts of running are broken up by hours of content snoozing! Two 20-minute walks a day can be enough for these dogs, provided they can run free in a safe, flat area with no nearby roads to pose danger. Maureen Richardson ’s Dunkery Wigeon, a 15-year-old by Dunkery Godwit out of Dunkery Corn Bunting and shown by Hayley Reynolds, is top Exmoor. 9. New Forest Versatility in Hunting Smaller Game: Although they were primarily used for deer, Drevers were also adept at hunting smaller game like foxes and hares. Their versatility made them valuable to hunters in various environments. Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points. Hunting Skills: The Norrbottenspets was primarily used for hunting small game, such as squirrels and birds. Their keen sense of smell, agility, and endurance made them excellent hunters in the dense forests and challenging landscapes of northern Sweden.Reserve up to 5% for use as rewards when training, especially if you're training your scent hound to 'come', as it's particularly important to motivate a Scent Hound. The remaining amount should be fed in two meals every day (morning and evening) so that your dog will always see you as a provider of food. The American Foxhound tends to be well-behaved and gentle. It will get along with people of all ages, including children and even other domesticated pets. Like many of the breeds on this list, the American Foxhound does require a lot of exercise and if you fail to provide this, they can become destructive or they can suffer from depression. In 14th-century England, hound was the general word for all domestic canines, and dog referred to a subtype resembling the modern mastiff and bulldog. [1] By the 16th century, dog had become the general word, and hound had begun to refer only to breeds used for hunting. [2] A basset hound. Noun [ edit ]

Independence and Intelligence: Pharaoh Hounds are known for their intelligence and independence, traits that were important for a dog that might need to hunt semi-autonomously and make decisions during the chase.Fox Hunting: The primary purpose of the English Foxhound was to hunt foxes. They were used in organized fox hunts, which were a popular sport among the British upper class. Their keen sense of smell, stamina, and determination made them excellent at this task.

Thistledown Red Rain, a seven-year-old mare by Mintfield Sandpiper, out of Thistledown Summer Rain and owned by her breeder Sandy Anderson, clinches the Welsh section B accolade, handled by Beth Simons. Racing and Competitive Sports: In modern times, Greyhounds became well-known for their role in dog racing, where their speed is showcased. They have also been involved in other canine sports such as lure coursing. Robust and Athletic Build: The breed’s physical attributes, including a muscular build, strong legs, and deep chest, were developed for the rigors of hunting and long periods of running. Alertness and Independence: The breed is known for being alert and independent, qualities that were prized in a hunting dog that might need to work at a distance from its human companions.

Word History

The Finnish Spitz’s development as a breed has deep roots in the hunting traditions of Finland’s early settlers and indigenous Sami people. Over time, they have become a symbol of Finnish heritage.