“Happiness is a hound dog in the sun. We aren’t on Earth to be happy, but to experience incredible things.” – Hannah Schneider
And if you are hankering for some more hound dog happiness in your life, you have come to the right place. Here you will find a list with heaps of hounds – in fact, all the best hound dog breeds on the planet.
Hounds are the original hunting dogs and are some of the oldest breeds of dog in the world.
Human history is full of stories and images of some of the courageous, proud, and ancient breeds that fall into the hound dog category.
- Images of dogs closely resembling Pharoah Hounds can be found on the walls of the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs.
- The Afghan Hound and Salukis are two of the ancient breeds of dog that are closest to the wolf. With a lineage going back around 6,000 years, they are some of the original purebred dogs that weren’t ‘created’ in the nineteenth century by crossbreeding.
- The bloodhound may be the oldest existing scent hound, developed from the St. Hubert Hound that was originally bred by monks in Belgium around 1000 A.D.
Today, the American Kennel Club recognizes 32 different breeds of hound dogs, although up to 100 different breeds can be found around the world.
They might share a history of being used for hunting but hound dogs come in a surprising variety of shapes and sizes – from the tall, kind and dignified Irish Wolfhound to the mellow Coonhound, and the happy Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, to the low-slung and iconic Dachshund.
Within the hound category, scenthounds use their acute sense of smell and scenting powers to follow a trail. While sighthounds were bred to hunt primarily by sight and speed. They have the speed, stamina, and agility to keep their prey in sight. Sighthounds remain the fastest dogs alive.
Of course, most hounds today don’t have anything to do with hunting. But you will be happy to know that they aren’t limited by their heritage. Today, hound dogs make great companions and pets for all ages, exhibiting loyalty and genuinely friendly temperaments.
And if you want to participate in activities like lure coursing, hound trials or track trials, a hound is a must have.
Some breeds can be on the stubborn and independent side, so you may need to get creative with your training, and show lots of love, persistence and positive reinforcement.
If you are looking for a happy hound or a hound to make you happy, you are sure to find it on our list. So, happy hunting!