For centuries, hunters have relied on these remarkable dogs to chase down game, whether it’s rabbits, deer, or even mountain lions. With their incredible sense of smell and unwavering stamina, hounds stand out as some of the best hunting dogs in the world.
Hounds differ from flushing dogs, which drive prey out of hiding; instead, hounds excel at tracking and pursuing with remarkable accuracy.
From the tenacious Beagle to the fearless Plott Hound, each breed has its own strengths. Whether you’re a bird hunter, a big-game tracker, or looking for a devoted hunting companion, there’s a hound perfectly suited for the job.
Hunting Hound Dog Breeds
1. Beagle
Beagles have a long history dating back to ancient Greece, though the breed as we know it was developed in England during the 1800s. Originally bred for hunting rabbits and hares, they quickly earned a reputation for their stamina, sharp nose, and persistence when tracking prey.
Compact yet muscular, Beagles stand about 13 to 16 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 30 pounds. Their short, dense coat, long floppy ears, and warm brown or hazel eyes give them a distinctive and charming look.
The Beagle’s primary hunting talent is its extraordinary sense of smell, which is among the best in the canine world. Classified as scent hounds, they follow their noses rather than their eyes to find game, as Britannica notes. Their loud and melodious baying helps hunters locate them, while their endurance and determination make them outstanding companions in the field.
2. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is celebrated for its speed, stamina, and excellent hunting skills. Its origins trace back to the early 1700s when settlers brought English, French, and Irish hounds to America, selectively breeding dogs fit for hunting foxes in the varied North American landscapes. This breed remains a popular hunting partner and outdoor companion. Medium-sized, these dogs generally weigh 60 to 70 pounds and stand 21 to 25 inches tall.
American Foxhounds are friendly, social, and affectionate, often getting along well with other dogs and making them excellent pack hunters. Their independent streak sometimes appears as stubbornness, but their playful and adventurous nature makes them delightful pets. Consistent training is essential to manage their high energy levels effectively.
3. Bluetick Coonhound
Known for its distinctive mottled blue coat, the Bluetick Coonhound is a strong and agile hunting dog with a remarkable nose and stamina. It was bred mainly to track and tree raccoons, earning a reputation among hunters for its dedication and scent-tracking skill. This breed is medium to large, with males standing 22 to 27 inches tall and females slightly smaller at 21 to 25 inches. Weight varies from 45 to 80 pounds depending on gender and activity.
Though focused and driven during hunts, Bluetick Coonhounds also show deep affection for their families, as noted by PetMD. Their strong hunting instincts may make them less suitable for homes with small pets unless socialized early.
4. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a robust and versatile breed prized for its strong tracking skills, endurance, and keen sense of smell. Famous for its striking black-and-tan coat and deep, melodious bay, this dog is favored by hunters tracking raccoons and larger prey such as deer and bears. Large and muscular, males stand 25 to 27 inches tall, females 23 to 25 inches, and they weigh between 65 and 110 pounds. This high-energy breed requires 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise for optimum health and happiness.
WebMD recommends long walks, jogging, and hiking for physical fitness, alongside scent-based activities like tracking games or search-and-rescue training to engage their natural instincts and keep their minds sharp.
5. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is one of the most famous scent hounds worldwide, renowned for its unmatched ability to follow scents over long distances and even trails that are days old. With droopy ears, a wrinkled face, and soulful eyes, the Bloodhound has a distinctive appearance matching its extraordinary tracking talents. This breed has been used for centuries to track both game and humans, making it invaluable to hunters, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue teams.
Bloodhounds are large and powerful, built for stamina rather than speed. Males typically measure 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder, females 23 to 25 inches, and their weight ranges from 80 to 110 pounds. They need a protein-rich diet to maintain muscle strength and energy. Known for their gentle and affectionate temperament, Bloodhounds bond deeply with families and are patient and tolerant, which makes them excellent pets beyond their hunting abilities.
6. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds have a unique build that distinguishes them from other hunting breeds. Though medium-sized, their heavy bones and solid frame make them appear larger. Standing only 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, they have short, dense coats that come in colors such as tricolor (black, white, and tan), red and white, and lemon and white. Despite their short legs, Bassets are strong and capable of covering long distances while following scent trails.
These dogs are known for their mild, friendly, and affectionate personalities but can be stubborn and independent like many scent hounds. Calm and laid-back indoors, their determination ignites when they catch a scent outside.
7. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a sleek and athletic breed, recognized for its striking red coat, endurance, and persistent nature in the field. It is an excellent hunting companion, especially for tracking and treeing game such as raccoons, upland birds, and even mountain lions. Agile and energetic, the Redbone is a reliable tracker suited to various terrains, from thick forests to open fields. Unlike sighthounds that rely on sight, this breed follows scent trails with remarkable precision.
Its webbed feet help navigate wet or swampy areas, making it valuable for hunters in diverse environments. Redbones are friendly and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners while maintaining the drive of a skilled gun dog. They have a natural instinct for rabbit hunting and can also be trained for bird retrieval.
8. Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small but fearless hunting breed originally bred to pursue small game like badgers and rabbits. Its elongated body and sturdy legs allow it to dig into dens and tunnels to flush out prey, which is especially valued by rabbit and otter hunters. Recognized by major kennel clubs, Dachshunds come in two sizes: standard (16 to 32 pounds) and miniature (under 11 pounds).
They have three coat types—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired—with the long-haired having a double coat for extra warmth. Their expressive eyes, long ears, and strong jaws enhance their tracking ability. Though bred for hunting, Dachshunds are also beloved family pets known for their affectionate and playful nature. Their intelligence makes them trainable, but their independent streak requires firm, consistent guidance. Regular exercise is necessary to avoid obesity and back problems. Their strong prey drive calls for obedience training to control chasing behavior.
9. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are strong, athletic scent hounds, standing 20 to 25 inches tall and weighing 40 to 75 pounds. As North Carolina’s state dog, they have a rich hunting background and are prized for their exceptional scenting ability and relentless drive. These high-energy dogs need rigorous exercise and mental challenges. Early obedience training using positive reinforcement works best because they can be independent thinkers.
Plott Hounds excel at tracking rather than flushing game but can complement bird hunters as well. They adapt well to different hunting styles and remain trusted companions for hunters.
Conclusion
Hound breeds are more than just hunting partners—they are tireless trackers, loyal friends, and living links to ancient hunting traditions. Their skill at following scents over long distances, navigating difficult landscapes, and working tirelessly alongside hunters makes them among the best hunting dogs available. Beyond their hunting talents, these dogs bring steadfast loyalty and affection to their owners. Their strong instincts mean they need training and exercise, but their devotion makes them as cherished at home as in the wild.
FAQ
Q1: What makes hounds such effective hunting dogs?
Hounds have an exceptional sense of smell and strong endurance, allowing them to track scents over long distances with great precision. Their stamina and focus make them excellent for hunting various types of game.
Q2: Are hounds good family pets?
Many hound breeds are affectionate and loyal, making them wonderful family companions. However, they do require regular exercise and consistent training due to their high energy and hunting instincts.
Q3: Do all hound breeds hunt the same way?
No, hounds specialize differently—some track scents to pursue game, while others may flush prey out of hiding. Their hunting techniques vary based on breed traits and intended game.
Q4: How much exercise do hunting hounds need?
Most hunting hounds need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. Mental stimulation, like scent tracking games, is also important to keep them engaged.
Aaron is a dedicated pet enthusiast and writer with a special passion for dog breeds and animal care. With years of hands-on experience and research, he shares practical advice, fun facts, and heartwarming stories to help pet owners better understand and care for their furry companions. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a lifelong dog lover, Aaron’s insights are here to guide and inspire.