- Hound, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate
dogs bred to hunt animals.
- Most of the dogs in this group hunt by scent, their quarry ranging
from such large game as bear or elk to small game and vermin; ground
scenters trail slowly with the head low, and air scenters hunt with
head breast-high.
- Also classified as hounds are several long-legged breeds that hunt
mainly by sight.
- A third variety, called treeing hounds, also track by scent; these
dogs pursue tree-climbing animals, such as raccoons and opossums.
- Many scent hounds have a coat characteristically patterned in "hound
colors": black, white, and tan.
- The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed
- Developed to hunt a variety of animals by following their prey's
scent.
- Short, smooth coats are worn by most hounds
- General Temperament: Independent, stubborn, pack oriented, intelligent,
friendly, tolerant, happy-go-lucky, escape oriented, docile.
- The hounds with low activity levels tend to be the least inclined
to destructive behavior
- Scent hounds are independent
- A secure fence is necessary for any hound, as they cannot be trusted
not to wander.
- Most scent hounds also like to "bay".
- Most scent hounds are fairly tolerant to humans and their behavior.
- However, if the dog's main role is to be a child's companion, the
hound's low need for affection and human interaction may make for an
uneven match.
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