Hounds, Hound Dog Group

Hounds have been around for thousands of years. The word "hound" used to mean any dog that hunted quarry. Hounds, such as beagles and whippets, were developed to track large game. Some hounds rely on scent, others on sight. Hounds are smart and independent. During a hunt, a hound doesn't wait for the hunter to tell it what to do. But hounds do have strong connections with their owners. Most are happiest being part of a pack.

Sight hounds are better at chasing fast animals, while scent hounds are good at slow tracking and hunting prey that climbs trees. Some scent hounds, such as the coonhound, see well at night. Scent hounds also bark loudly.