The dog breeds in the hound group all share a common ancestor trait that is used for hunting, with an acute scent power to follow a trail. Here are 10 most popular hound dog breeds.
#1 – Beagle
Height: 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches
Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
The Beagle is a small hunting dog originating from England. They have large ears, a cute face, and a tail often erect. The Beagle is friendly, fun, gentle, and also a bit curious. Because of the dog’s excessive friendliness, so they are not a good guard dog. In addition, the Beagle is also easy to take care of and requires almost no grooming, but they also require exercise to avoid obesity. What you need to pay attention to is that their long, soft ears can become infected by being moist and not well ventilated.
#2 – Dachshund
Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)
The Dachshund is a very famous small breed and is called with many other names such as: Doxie, Weenie Dog, Wiener Dog, Sausage, Teckel, Dackel. They come in two sizes: standard-sized (usually 16 to 32 pounds) or miniature (11 pounds or under), and they can have one of three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. Dachshunds are friendly, emotional, energetic, but sometimes stubborn dogs. They always tend to want to be touched, cuddled, sit on their owner lap. This breed is increasingly appearing in families around the world.
#3 – Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female)
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a hunting dog native to Southern Africa. They are also known by other names like: African Lion Dog or African Lion Hound. Many believe that they were once used to hunt lions. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat. Rhodesian Ridgeback is a loyal, intelligent, less barking dog, always want to please their owner but typically somewhat aloof to strangers.
#4 – Basset Hound
Height: up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog originating from France. Basset Hound has a large, domed head with very long soft ears, loose skin and sad eyes. The Basset Hound is a friendly, playful and outgoing dog, tolerant of other pets and great companion for children. Basset Hounds spend a lot of time on sleeping, they can sleep anywhere, and whenever.
#5 – Bloodhound
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female)
The Bloodhound is a large scent hound, famous for its ability to distinguish human scents in great distances, even days later. With a keen sense of smell and strong tracking ability this breed is often used to find missing people and lost pets. The Bloodhound has a long, wrinkled face with loose skin, huge, drooping ears. The Bloodhound is gentle, friendly, affectionate, independent, inquisitive, easygoing dog and they are usually not tired of following the scent.
#6 – Whippet
Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
Weight: 25-40 pounds
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog originating from England. They are a healthy, low-maintenance dog, they rarely get sick or need the help of a veterinarian. However, Whippet also needs to be exercised regularly. The Whippet is a playful, affectionate dog, less barking, but slightly sensitive to unexpected actions.
#7 – Italian Greyhound
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
The Italian Greyhound, also known as Italian Sighthound, is a small breed native to Italy. The Italian Greyhound is a miniature Greyhound. They are playful, affectionate, alert, sensitive, always want to be around and inextricably linked with their owners and carers, and they are also prone to having separation anxiety.
#8 – Irish Wolfhound
Height: 32 inches minimum (male), 30 inches minimum (female)
Weight: 120 pounds (male), 105 pounds (female)
The Irish Wolfhound is a talented hunting dog originating from Ireland. Previously, they were used as a wolf hunter, and their names also originated from here. Nowadays, Irish Wolfhounds are often favored for their loyalty, affection, patience, calm and devotion. in addition, they are generally introverted, intelligent, and reserved in character, not barking nor too aggressive.
#9 – Basenji
Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female)
Weight: 24 pounds (male), 22 pounds (female)
The Basenji is a small hunting breed, native to Democratic Republic of the Congo. Basenji does not bark, they express their feelings by an odd sound described as something between a chortle and a yodel. And because of that Basenji is also known by the other name “African barkless dog”. The Basenji is an intelligent, energetic dog, alert, quite reserved with strangers, and may not get along with non-canine pets. They also don’t need too much affection from their owners, making them suitable for people who want to have a dog friend but value their personal space.
#10 – Borzoi
Height: 28 inches & up (male), 26 inches & up (female)
Weight: 75-105 pounds (male), 60-85 pounds (female)
The Borzoi is a Russian breed and their name comes from an old Russian word meaning fast. it is similar in shape to a greyhound, and is also a member of the sighthound family. In addition, Borzoi has also been called the Russian Wolfhound, but they are very calm and pleasant. The Borzoi is an affectionate, loyal, independent, gentle and highly sensitive dog. Most Borzois rarely bark and are quite reserved with strangers.
