Embrace 14 Hound Dog Breeds on National Hug Your Hound Day

You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog
Crying all the time

“Release the hounds!” 

Elvis captivated the nation with his then-risque dance moves and catchy tunes, and plenty of pivotal moments on the Big Screen have called for an exciting chase involving baying hound dogs hot on the trail.

“Hounds” is sometimes used as an interchangeable general word for “Dog,” but not all dogs are true hounds. While we could write a book on the 30+ types of hounds, we’ll focus on 14 hound dog breeds to introduce you to this versatile, diverse group of canines.  

Hounds are independent, loyal dogs with incredible smelling and hunting abilities. Learn about the wide variety of Hound group dog breeds to celebrate National Hug Your Hound Day on September 8. 

Meet These 14 Hound Dog Breeds

While there’s a huge diversity among the hound breeds, all hounds share an innate prey drive, an independent nature, a hard-working attitude, and extreme persistence. Hounds are built differently depending on their purpose and hunting abilities with some being long and low to the ground while others have dainty yet strong long limbs for speed. Scenthounds have a keen sense of smell and long ears to trap scents. Sighthounds are built for speed and have excellent eyesight. Regardless of which hound you choose, knowing about various types of hound dog breeds delight their owners in their own unique ways. 

1. Afghan Hound

With their silky, striking flowing hair, narrow frames, long muzzles, and proud demeanor, an Afghan Hound is one of the most recognizable, glamorous dog breeds in the world. Afghan Hounds used to hunt quail, hares, antelope, jackals, and more in Persia and Afghanistan for local tribes. Today, Afghan Hounds are a favorite at dog shows and showstoppers on the street. These sighthounds can sprint as fast as a racehorse! While independent, Afghan Hounds have a comical side and do well with a devoted owner equipped to maintain an intense grooming routine. 

2. Basset Hound

With their iconic long, droopy ears, short, sturdy legs, wrinkly skin, and large, mournful eyes, Basset Hounds are easy-going dogs loyal to their families. Their velvety ears aren’t just for show – they trap smells and help these hounds sniff out prey like rabbits and other small game. One might assume they are fast due to their hunting abilities, but Basset Hounds can be couch potatoes and are downright lazy sometimes. Their vocalizations of howling, barking, and baying are not for the person expecting a quiet dog! Basset Hounds have represented companies and have appeared in cartoons for years including Droopy Dog and the mascot for the Hush Puppies brand. 

3. Beagle 

One of the most versatile hound dogs is the Beagle. These sweet, adorable dogs do well in apartment settings as long as they get plenty of exercise and are friendly to children, making them popular family companions. Beagles are incredibly social and get along well with other dogs, as they traditionally ran in packs hunting foxes, stags, and other game for aristocrats. Beagles come in a huge variety of 25 colors and 6 different marking possibilities. Owners swear Beagles understand what you are saying to them when they look at you with their sweet expressions, soulful eyes, and soft, velvety ears attentively listening. 

4. Bloodhound

“Take a bite out of crime!” You may remember McGruff the Crime Dog, a cartoon Bloodhound wearing a Sherlock Holmes outfit ready to investigate crimes. Bloodhounds are considered the top super sniffers of the canine world with up to 300,000 olfactory receptors (humans only have around 6 million). They are a force to be reckoned with out on the trail following a scent, but at home, they are gentle, sociable, and affectionate dogs. Bloodhounds need lots of space to roam and shouldn’t be left off-leash in open areas due to their nature to wander off pursuing an interesting scent trail.

5. Coonhounds

While you may hear “coonhound” as a general term, there are actually 6 types of Coonhounds: American English Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound. All Coonhounds love to run small prey like raccoons up trees and are trained not to harm the animal, baying instead at the base of the tree until hunters arrive. Coonhounds originated in specific geographical locations in pockets of America that relied on hunting for sustenance. Coonhounds are intelligent pack members needing lots of exercise to stay happy and make friendly, easy-going companions. Notable Coonhounds include the Plott Hound, the state dog of North Carolina, and Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound, the beloved mascot of the University of Tennessee. 

6. Dachshund 

You never “sausage” a dog! Affectionately called wiener dogs, Dachshunds are one of the most recognizable dogs with their long bodies, short legs, and confident demeanor. These lively dogs come in three sizes (standard, tweenie, or mini) and with three different coat types (long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired). Dachshunds are hilarious little dogs that delight their owners with their silly antics. A Dachshund will boldly “tell” you all about any perceived threats, even if it’s just the leaves blowing down the street. If you like a spunky dog that is always looking out for its family, a Dachshund is a good choice. 

7. Greyhound

When you think of lure racing, a Greyhound instantly comes to mind. These aerodynamic, sleek, elegant dogs have a natural prey drive to chase small game like rabbits, foxes, and hares. Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world, but people unfortunately took advantage of their talents for cruel entertainment with lure racing. Today, lure racing has lost its popularity, and Greyhounds enjoy strong bonds with families who have fallen in love with their sensitive, calm nature.

8. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds are massive, shaggy dogs with an impressive presence. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dogs in the world standing up to 32 inches tall and even hold the world record for the longest tail in the world on a dog. These affectionate dogs have excellent eyesight and were used by monks to capture and kill deer, elk, boar, and wolves. They also appear heavily in folktales and myths, taking on supernatural properties. Irish Wolfhounds are great with children and do well indoors as long as they have plenty of space to accommodate their huge bodies. 

9. Italian Greyhound

Most people assume an Italian Greyhound is a smaller version of a standard Greyhound, but they are actually two distinct breeds. Italian Greyhounds originated in the Mediterranean and were a favorite of ancient pharaohs, Italian aristocracy, and even Catherine the Great of Russia. They have a diminutive, fragile build and get cold easily, so owners often dress them up in cute yet practical clothing. Italian Greyhounds are extremely sensitive and are often called “Velcro dogs” due to their nature to stick by their owner’s side. These dogs can have quirky personalities and often experience short bursts of energy when they get the zoomies, but they are otherwise calm and affectionate companions. 

10. Norwegian Elkhound 

The Norwegian Elkhound is built to hunt for days at a time with its weatherproof, sturdy coat and fearless nature. They thrive when given strenuous tasks and must be kept active to accommodate their high energy levels. Not only were Norwegian Elkhounds prized elk hunters as their namesake implies, but they also went after lynx, wolves, bears, reindeer, badgers, and more while protecting flocks from predators. Norwegian Elkhounds have a special place in Norway’s Viking history and are commonly found in several Norse myths and legends.

11. Otterhound 

You might not think you’ve seen an Otterhound before, but if you’re a fan of the musical Annie, her beloved sidekick Sandy was an Otterhound. They were bred to hunt otters (now outlawed) in medieval Europe with their waterproof coats, broad shoulders and chests, a love of swimming, and tireless nature. Their fierce demeanor served them well while going up against angry otters with sharp claws! While Otterhounds are rare dogs coming in at #189/200 on the most popular AKC dog breeds list of 2023, these boisterous, friendly dogs are generally kind canine companions and should be socialized early due to their large size and exuberant energy levels. 

12. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Hailing from the rugged west coast of France, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens worked in groups to roam the countryside looking for rabbits, hares, and other small game. Often shortened to PBGVs, their long name translates into a practical meaning: Petit (small), Basset (low), Griffon (shaggy), and Vendéen (from the Vendée region of France). A Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen has a friendly yet competitive spirit and a vivacious, proud personality. These dogs are among the cuter hounds with their happy spirit, button noses, and need for constant attention. 

13. Rhodesian Ridgeback

While several hounds share a love of hunting small game like rabbits and foxes, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the most impressive hunter, cornering and even tackling lions! They hail from Zimbabwe (known as Rhodesia at the time) and are descendants of Boer and Dutch colonists’ dogs. Known for the rough hair that grows in a line in the opposite direction down their backs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are excellent, loyal guardians whose coats blend in with the surrounding brush to sneak up on lions. When not hunting lions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with other dogs, love being warm and cozy, and are a great choice for families willing to address their exercise needs and independent nature. 

14. Saluki

Salukis are another rare hound dog breed you may not see alongside a Golden Retriever at the dog park. These elegant, graceful sighthounds are said to be the oldest dog breed in the world and have ancient roots in Egypt where nomadic tribes utilized their ability to hunt hares, gazelles, and other animals. They were revered in ancient cultures and even called the Royal Dog of Egypt. Salukis have beautiful coats coming in feathered and short varieties, long legs, and a dignified demeanor. Salukis also enjoy being the mascot for Southern Illinois University and were chosen to represent the school for their stamina, steadfastness, and speed. 

Hug a Pawrade Hound Dog 

Whether you want a small, medium, or large hound dog with short or long hair, we have a hound dog for you to hug at Pawrade every day. Check out our puppies for sale to find your forever friend through our scam-free, secure pet adoption process. You won’t be “crying all the time” with a hound dog from Pawrade!