Hound Dog Group

Tenacious, focused, and born to chase.

The Hound Group includes dogs originally bred for hunting — either by scent (like the Bloodhound) or sight (like the Greyhound). These breeds are independent thinkers with a powerful drive to pursue, track, and chase. Their lineage goes back centuries, and many still retain those strong instincts today.

While hounds are incredibly diverse in size, coat, and personality, they all share a deep-rooted desire to follow their noses (or eyes). Some are calm and regal; others are relentless explorers. What unites them is a strong prey drive, persistence, and a tendency to tune out distractions when they’re on a mission.

Training & Lifestyle Tips

Training a hound takes patience and creativity. These dogs aren’t disobedient — they’re selectively focused. Once they catch a scent or spot something of interest, they may seem deaf to commands. Use reward-based training, reinforce recall constantly, and avoid off-leash areas unless securely fenced.

Mental stimulation is key. Scent games, long sniffing walks, and puzzle feeders help satisfy their instincts without driving you c

Are They For You?

This group might be a great fit if:

  • ✅ You enjoy long walks, hikes, or outdoor exploring
  • ✅ You can provide structured training and secure exercise
  • ✅ You respect a dog with a mind of its own
  • ✅ You don’t mind a little howling now and then
  • ❌ You need off-leash recall in busy areas
  • ❌ You want a dog that’s easy to train or super clingy

Traits

  • Strong hunting and tracking instincts
  • Independent and sometimes stubborn
  • Loyal but not always eager to please
  • High prey drive — may not be off-leash safe
  • Can be vocal (especially scent hounds)
  • May require patience during training
  • Excellent companions for outdoorsy people

Learn About Other AKC Dog Groups