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Popular Hound Dog Breeds: Types, Traits, & Sizes

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Basset hound dog laying in grass

19 Dog Breeds

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Black and white Greyhound dog breed standing against a white background

Greyhound

Known as “the world’s fastest couch potato,” the Greyhound breed is quiet, calm, and extremely well-mannered indoors. They are good with other dogs, other pets, and children if raised with them. They still have hunting instincts and might chase things outdoors. They are reserved with strangers, very sensitive, and sometimes timid. Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please those they trust.

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gray and white Italian grayhound dog breed standing looking up against a white background

Italian Greyhound

A sighthound in a small package, the Italian Greyhound shares the characteristics of the larger versions. This little dog loves to run and chase but has a super sensitive disposition. They are clean, gentle, and shy, and love to snuggle because they are affectionate and trying to keep warm. They can be shy around strangers to the point of disinterest but are devoted to their families and get along well with kids, other dogs, and pets in their familial unit. Since they're so small, they can easily get hurt by rough play with kids or bigger dogs. 

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Bloodhound dog breed laying with paws outstretched and mouth open against a white background

Bloodhound

While calm companions in a home, Bloodhounds are tireless once on a scent. Tough, stubborn, and independent, they can also be gentle, placid, and trustworthy, especially around children, although they might be too serious and not playful enough for some kids. They are not lazy hound dogs by any stretch of the imagination, but rather active, instinctual hard workers. They aren’t the easiest dogs to train for obedience but pick up trailing tasks easily and with gusto. 

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Side view of an Irish Wolfhound dog breed against a white background

Irish Wolfhound

Looking for a gentle giant whose heart is as big as their body? You’ve found them in the Irish Wolfhound. Their friendly, graceful disposition allows them to get along with just about anyone. They love to be around their humans and will crave quality time with their loved ones. They enjoy being around other dogs (though, it should be known that some other breeds may be intimidated by their size). As puppies, Wolfhounds can be overly energetic, and boisterous, and require a lot of metaphorical hand-holding. However, it’s absolutely worth it when they reward you with their devoted love and companionship in return. 

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Sitting English Redtick Coonhound dog breed against a white background

American English Coonhound

The embodiment of the American work ethic and spirit, the American English Coonhound is playful, fun-loving, and slightly mischievous. They can be headstrong, especially when they find a scent they like. Independent thinkers, they’re used to following their noses and might completely ignore their owners when they’re on the trail of something. Mellow at home, they get along with other animals.

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Black and Tan Coonhound dog breed trotting with tail up side view at a dog show

Black and Tan Coonhound

Easygoing and affable, the Black and Tan Coonhound is calm indoors. Outside, though, once on a scent, these pups can become strong-willed and stubborn as they chase it down. They are gentle and tolerant with children, although perhaps a little too independent and serious to be playful with a child. Reserved with strangers, they bay and howl to alert in a deep voice. 

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Sitting side view of a Bluetick Coonhound dog breed panting face forward against a white background

Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is friendly and full of gusto, ready for any adventure. They can be headstrong and independent, especially when focused on a scent. They are known to jump and to weasel their way through gates and fences, all in pursuit of chasing a scent down. Affable and easygoing, there’s no such thing as a stranger to them. When excited they bay—loudly.

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Close up of a Redbone Coonhound dog breed with paws stretched forward against a white background

Redbone Coonhound

Affable dogs, the Redbone Coonhound is the embodiment of the phrase “no worries.” They love to be with their families but aren’t the type to climb into your lap or follow you around like a shadow. They love to please their owners but might not be thrilled to train just for training’s sake. If you involve them in scent work, however, they’ll be thrilled. 

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Close up of a standing Treeing Walker Coonhound dog breed outdoors

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Energetic and lively, the Treeing Walker Coonhound loves to be outdoors using their noses to suss things out. They are smart and steady companions—until they find a scent they need to investigate. Then, they might fall deaf to your commands as many Coonhounds do. Well-mannered and calm indoors, they are good family pets that have loving, affectionate, and open personalities. Their bark is more of a bray and can be loud.

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Mostly black Dachshund dog breed standing side view with face forward against a white background

Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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Chocolate Dachshund Long Haired dog breed laying down with tongue out looking at the camera

Long-Haired Dachshund

Low to the ground with short legs and a long snout and an outsized personality, the Long-Haired Dachshund is game for just about anything. They are enthusiastic dogs with mighty personalities and a glamorous coat to match. They are loyal and good-tempered with an occasional stubborn streak and love the outdoors as much as they do being inside as a house dog. Vigilant watchdogs, they like to make everyone aware of threats through barking, but their endearing nature more than makes up for the noise. 

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Close up of a Miniature Dachshund dog breed looking up against a white background

Miniature Dachshund

The pint-sized Miniature Dachshund dog is bold and curious, always ready for an adventure. They enjoy chasing, digging, and engaging in scent-related games or activities. While they can be independent, they love to join in on family activities whenever possible. Dachshunds are generally good with children in their own families, though some may need careful introductions to unfamiliar children.  They tend to be reserved with strangers, and some are prone to barking. The long-haired variety is often quieter and less terrier-like, while the wire-haired variety tends to be more outgoing. Some miniatures may be more timid.

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Dark colored Dachshund Miniature Long Haired dog breed laying on a cushion looking at camera

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

Do not underestimate the Mini Long-Haired Dachshund! They are small in stature but have giant personalities. Strong-willed and independent as teenagers, they want to take on the world and have the confidence to do so. Mini Long-Haired Dachshunds are smart and fast learners but they can be stubborn. Patient, funny owners are a must. These pups need training, playtime, exercise, and socialization to thrive. Shy with strangers, they love their families and can bond with multiple people. 

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Dachshund Wire Haired dog breed laying with paws forward against a white background

Wire-Haired Dachshund

This bearded little buddy is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality. Bred as rugged workers, Wire-Haired Dachshunds retain the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed while loyal and good-tempered. They love nose work, so don’t be surprised if one takes off without you, ignoring commands until they find the source. Affectionate and enthusiastic, they also make good house dogs. There’s no need to hire a security system—these vigilant watchdogs like to make everyone aware of imminent threats through barking, but their endearing nature more than makes up for the noise. 

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Beagle dog breed sitting side view with head tilted and tongue out against a white background

Beagle

Beagles are bold dogs who pack a hefty punch of personality for their size. Their happy, go-lucky, adventurous demeanor makes them full of life and pizzazz. They are highly active, affectionate, and cheerful dogs who love being involved with their owners.  Developed as pack animals, Beagles love being around others and crave companionship from humans and other dogs. They are great watchdogs who are vocal and will bark or howl at anything unusual and let you know when something is off. However, if a stranger offers them food or playtime, this all goes out the window! They are extremely food-motivated and can get especially vocal around dinnertime.  A naturally curious breed that loves to explore the outdoors, Beagles have an enthusiastic way of approaching life making them entertaining and enjoyable to be around. 

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Basset Hound dog breed sitting against a white background

Basset Hound

While they might look serious on the surface, the Basset Hound is a social butterfly with the manners of an English gentleman. They are affectionate with their families and can be reserved with strangers, albeit always polite. They love children and get along with other dogs and animals. They crave companionship and cannot be left alone.

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Close up of an American Foxhound dog breed against a blurred green background

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a keen and outgoing dog that’s ready to work at the drop of a hat. They love their families and being part of a pack. They are tolerant, gentle, and affectionate without being overly fawning. Exercise is important to make them well-mannered dogs, as is training. They do have a typical hound mentality in that if they find a scent they like, they won’t shake it—not even if their owner asks them to. They can be reserved with strangers. 

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Standing English Foxhound dog breed on the grass panting

English Foxhound

Noble and driven, the English Foxhound gets along well with other dogs, pets, and people. They are generally adaptable –except when they find the scent of something they want to investigate. Then, they’re downright stubborn until they can complete their investigation. They are gentle and friendly, although not necessarily demonstrative in their affection. They bark instead of bay. 

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Side view of a Foxhound dog breed standing on the grass with iron fence in the background

Foxhound

Like an eager intern, the Foxhound does best when it has a job to do, especially one that involves endurance and speed, such as chasing or running. They are social, friendly, and generally happy dogs, except when they don’t have enough hard work. When their bodies and minds are exercised properly, they are content to be indoor family dogs. 

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