The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. These breeds were developed to follow the game either by sight or smell. Sighthounds include the fast and streamlined Afghan hounds, greyhounds, and salukis. Sighthounds need plenty of exercise, but some breeds like the Borzoi, Greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, and Saluki can adjust to being left alone during the day if they get plenty of exercise before and after work. Bloodhounds include Bloodhounds, Bassets, and Beagles, which are slower. Dogs in this group vary greatly in size and range from the diminutive Miniature Dachshund to the extremely tall Irish Wolfhound. The ten most popular hunting dogs in the US are as follows. The number in parentheses is the breed’s rank among 154 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club in 2005.
1.Beagle
The very popular (#5) Beagle is one of the oldest hound dog breeds. The small-sized Beagle is calm, loyal, and excellent with children and other dogs. The breed is cheerful and happy and makes good family pets except for the nose. Once a Beagle detects a scent, he will follow it to the exclusion of everything else. Beagles are quite difficult to obedience train due to their independent or stubborn streak.
2. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small dog breeds with a long body, short, crooked legs, and large, floppy ears. The very popular Dachshund (#6) comes in two sizes: Miniature and Standard and three coat varieties: Shorthair, Longhair, and Wirehair. Dachshunds or Doxies are playful, funny, and curious. Doxies get along well with older children, but they don’t like the rough treatment they may receive from a small child. Dachshunds can be independent and stubborn and are difficult to educate and train.
3. Basset Hound
The medium to large-sized Basset Hound is a short-legged, loose-skinned, powerfully built dog with a keen sense of smell. Bassets are one of the calmest and most characterful dog breeds. The Popular Basset (#27) is very gentle, friendly, and trustworthy. These hounds adore their masters and children and get along well with other animals and strangers. Bassets can be stubborn, especially when they are investigating an intriguing scent.
4. bloodhound
The very large and powerful Bloodhound is known for its acute sense of smell, which is the most acute of all dog breeds. The Bloodhound is a kind, gentle and lovable dog. The breed is quite popular (#50) and is gentle and affectionate with its family and children. The Bloody should be supervised around small children and pets, as he can be possessive of their food and his toys. Bloodhounds are prodigious droolers.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, lean, muscular, and magnificent breed of dog. The Ridgeback gets its name from a characteristic crest that runs down its back, where the stiff hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. The Ridgeback is quite popular (#54) and is dignified, trustworthy, loyal, intelligent and makes a great family pet. He is extremely protective of his immediate family and wary of strangers and other animals. Ridgebacks are good with children if raised with them, but young Ridgebacks can be too boisterous for toddlers and young children.
6. greyhound
The Whippet (#61) is a medium-sized hound that closely resembles a small greyhound. The Whippet gets along well with children and makes a good family dog. This breed is affable, gentle and very playful. Also, this dog is easily trainable, sheds very little, and is a great size for an apartment. Although it’s important to know that Whippets like and even expect to sit on furniture, so that shouldn’t be a concern if you’re considering this breed.
7.Basenji
The Basenji (#81) is an unusually small, graceful, and athletic dog that trots like a horse and keeps itself clean by meticulous licking like a cat. Basenjis do not bark, but do make other unusual sounds such as a yodel, howl, or cackle, depending on their mood. The Basenji is cheerful, affectionate, demanding and almost feline in its cleanliness, absence of barking, graceful movement and inexhaustible curiosity. This breed needs an experienced owner and plenty of walks and playtime to keep it out of trouble.
8. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound (#87) is the largest sighthound and one of the largest and strongest giant dog breeds. This breed makes a wonderful family dog, being reliable, patient, sweet-tempered, intelligent, and good with older children. The Wolfhound adores his family and is not aggressive towards strangers or family pets. Young children should be carefully supervised around young Wolfhounds, as they are in danger of being accidentally knocked over. Fully grown Wolfhounds can be left alone during the day as long as they get some moderate exercise before and after work.
9. Borzoi
The Borzoi (#94) or Russian Wolfhound is a tall, lean, aristocratic-looking dog of large to very large size that belongs to the hunting dog group of breeds. Borzois are friendly, gentle, and well-behaved indoors. This breed likes a lot of attention and loves to lie on a soft bed, lap, or even a sofa. Borzois enjoy the company of other sighthounds, but the breed is not good with small pets and young children unless raised with them. Borzois do not need an excessive amount of exercise and should not be let off the leash because they still retain a high prey drive.
10. Afghan Hound
The Large Afghan Hound (#95) has a dignified and somewhat aloof disposition, but is also a very loyal and affectionate dog. Afghan puppies and adolescents require a lot of knowledge and patience to train and need firm and gentle handling. This breed can be difficult to tame and train, so professional training may be advisable. The Afghan needs a lot of exercise, but still has a high prey drive and will run away if you let go. The Afghan is wary of strangers but can adjust to older children if raised with the family. However, the Afghan should be watched around young children, as this dog can be short-tempered in adolescence.