Hound Breeds

This is the hound group of dog breeds as classified by the American Kennel Club.

Hounds are a diverse group of dogs, at least when it comes to appearance! From the low-riding Dachshund to the exotic looks of the Borzoi, hounds share a common ancestry as hunting dogs. Some have acute senses of smell and can follow a trail endlessly while others were bred to run down prey. Many hounds have loud "baying" voices and are often not shy about sharing their feelings with you!

Hound Group is the name of a breed group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds, and does not necessarily include all hound-type dogs. Most major English-language kennel clubs include a Hound Group (including The Kennel Club (UK), the American Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Australian National Kennel Council, the United Kennel Club, the Professional Kennel Club, the American Coon Hunters Association, and the New Zealand Kennel Club) although different kennel clubs may not include the same breeds in their Hound Group.

A hound is a type of dog that assists hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. It can be contrasted with the gun dog, which assists hunters by identifying the location of prey and/or recovers shot quarry. The hound breeds were the first hunting dogs. They have a powerful sense of smell, and speed.

A list of all the dogs in the hound group with general information and photos.

Are you looking for a Hound dog? Learn everything about Hound dogs and compare them based on size, personality, and more.

Hound dog breeds have many unique characteristics. Learn more about hound dog breeds at Animal Planet's Dog Breed Selector.

Hound Dogs, also referred to as a hunter's assistant, are best known for their heightened sense of smell, ability to see objects far away, and high level of endurance.

Hounds come in many shapes and sizes and are excellent hunters. They include Beagles, Afghan Hounds, coonhounds, Dachshunds & more. The American Kennel Club has more on each breed.

Hounds are perhaps the oldest type of hunting dog. Two types exist: those who hunt by sight, or sight hounds, and those who hunt by scent-scent hounds.