Hounds dogs: description and characteristics

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Hounds are one of the most numerous groups of modern hunting dogs that can follow the trail of a wild beast for a long time. They have stamina, perseverance, a keen sense of smell and high running speed. Unlike greyhounds, hounds can follow game, focusing only on the trail left by it. In today's article you will find a description of the most popular breeds of these animals.

American Foxhound

These independent, independent dogs, driven by inner instincts, have a very long history. Their ancestor is the French Foxhound, brought to America and crossed with local hounds.

Representatives of this breed are medium in size. Their weight ranges from 30-35 kg, and their height does not exceed 60 cm. The American Foxhound is a dog with an elongated oval head, round dark amber eyes, long floppy ears and a melancholy expression of the muzzle. The entire body of the animal is covered with a short, smooth, silkycream, white, red, brown and tan, or tricolor.

American Foxhounds are calm, reserved and independent dogs that do not show unreasonable aggression. They are capable of coordinated teamwork, but prefer to pursue game alone. Like any other hounds, dogs of this breed are endowed with a melodious voice that helps in hunting wild boars, foxes and other inhabitants of the forest. They need frequent walks and active play, which makes them unsuitable for apartment keeping. These animals are ideal for people who have enough free time, funds and desire for daily training and honing the already learned skills of the dog.

English Foxhound

This British breed was bred in the 15th century and was originally intended for horse hunting by the local nobility. Due to the fact that different hounds and greyhounds were used to obtain it, the foxhound population was heterogeneous and differed greatly in appearance. The final formation of the breed was completed only in the XIX century.

English Foxhounds are large hounds that range between 53-66 cm in height and 29-34 kg in weight. On an elongated high cheekbones head with a flat forehead and a poorly defined occiput, there are long drooping ears and small oval brown eyes. Under a lean, sinewy body with well-developed muscle tissue are long, straight limbs, ideally suited for fast running. The entire body of representatives of this breed is covered with a hard smoothawn with sparse undercoat. Color can be the most diverse. In addition, white, black, reddish or reddish-brown spots are allowed on the main background.

The English Foxhound is a hound breed of dog with an inquisitive nature. He gets along well with children and loves outdoor games. This savvy, attentive and loyal dog can become not only an excellent hunter, but also a decent guard. He has a strong hunting instinct and needs an active lifestyle.

Bloodhound

This is one of the oldest hounds (photo below). Experts have not yet been able to pinpoint either the origin of the breed or the variety of dogs used to breed it.

Bloodhound is a fairly large animal, whose height is at least 62-68 cm. As for body weight, it depends on the sex of the dog and varies between 40-70 kg. On a long, narrow-faced head covered with a lot of loose skin, there are deep-set eyes, the color of which matches the color of the coat, and thin, soft hanging ears. Under the proportional body with a deep keeled sternum are strong straight limbs with paws gathered into a ball. The entire body of a typical representative of this breed is covered with brown-red hair. In addition, the standard allows the presence of small white spots localized in the chest, paws and tail tip.

Bloodhound is a hunting hound with a shy andsensitive nature. But despite her inherent timidity, under certain circumstances she becomes stubborn and wayward. In view of the highly developed hunting instinct, the dog is able to become interested in any trace and may get lost. Therefore, you need to walk him only on a leash.

Poatwe Hound

The birthplace of representatives of this breed is France. Presumably, she was bred by crossing the Normans and sentozhs. Over time, foxhound blood began to flow to the resulting mestizos.

The Poatvin Hound is a fairly tall dog, whose height is 60-72 cm, and its weight does not exceed 35 kg. On a long, not too wide head with a flattened forehead, there are large expressive eyes framed by the so-called “glasses”, and thin hanging ears. Pouatvins are reddish-piebald hounds with short, shiny coats. But the breed standard allows the existence of wolf or tricolor individuals with black saddle and tan.

These are very active, persistent and playful animals, easily getting along with other pets. They are incredibly energetic and need constant contact with the owner. They do not tolerate loneliness well and are not suitable for keeping in cramped city apartments. Hunting with hounds of this breed is a very exciting experience. Despite the inability to develop high speeds, puatwen are very hardy and can pursue prey for a long time in any terrain. They are incredibly restless and impatient, and therefore not suitable for beginner dog breeders.

Otterhound

On the origin of these dogs, called otter hounds, there is very little information. In all likelihood, the blood of the Welsh Harrier and water spaniels flows in their veins. And the resemblance to the Vendée Basset Griffin suggests that its roots should be sought in France.

The Otter Hound is an athletic dog. Its height is 60-65 cm, and its weight ranges from 30-52 kg. The elongated stocky body of the Otterhound is covered with a rough, rigid awn that protects the animal from prickly vegetation. Fluffy and soft undercoat, which prevents the dog from hypothermia while in the water, is saturated with fat.

Representatives of this breed are born hunters. They love to hunt down and capture small game, but they never kill the prey they have caught. Otterhounds are not aggressive towards their relatives and are very fond of swimming. These mobile and incredibly energetic dogs have a friendly disposition and get along well with children. They cannot be called clean. That is why he needs constant care. You can keep Otterhounds both in the house and in the insulated booth.

Russian Pinto Hound

Representatives of this breed have a fairly long history. Foxhounds brought to Russia by Count S altykov are considered their ancestors. Russian hounds were especially valued by hunters not only for their excellent sense of smell, but also for their special musicality of voice.

Representatives of this breed are fairly tall animals. Their height ranges from 54-67.5 cm, andweight reaches 21-31 kg. Under a rectangular body with powerful muscles and a wide chest, there are strong, even limbs with curved, tightly connected fingers. On a proportional head with a rounded occiput and flat cheekbones, there are small, slightly slanting eyes and long hanging ears with elastic, not thickened cartilages. The whole body of the animal is covered with a short awn with a well-developed undercoat.

Russian hounds are hunting dogs with a calm, balanced disposition. They are great with pets, but show aggression and assertiveness towards wild animals. They are impulsive, assertive and tireless in their work, but phlegmatic when communicating with a person. These dogs allocate one owner for themselves, but are equally correct with all family members. To get a purebred dog endowed with all the described characteristics, you need to contact specialized kennels that breed Russian hounds. On Avito, out of inexperience, you can run into scammers selling puppies that only outwardly resemble representatives of this hunting breed.

Austrian Hound

The history of these dogs begins in the 19th century. Their homeland is the mountainous regions of Austria, and among their ancestors are the Tyrolean Brakk and the Slovak Kopov.

The Austrian Hound or Brandl Brakk is a medium sized dog. Its height reaches 48-56 cm, and its weight varies between 22-32 kg. On a not too large head with a slightly pointed muzzle, there are medium-sized oval eyes and elongated hanging ears with rounded ends. Undera wide, bony body with a voluminous chest, moderately convex ribs are dry strong limbs with pronounced angles. The whole body is covered with short, smooth black hair with small, well-defined tan markings that vary in color from dark red to light fawn.

Brandl-brakk is an energetic and hardy dog. He is very good-natured when interacting with people and aggressive towards prey. He is very much appreciated among professional hunters for his obedience and excellent working qualities. These are very rare hounds. On "Avito" there is not a single advertisement for the sale of such puppies. You can only buy them from professional breeders.

Anglo-French Lesser Hound

The history of these dogs began in the 16th century. But finally the breed, which has another name - small veneri, was formed only in the first half of the 20th century. The homeland of these hunting dogs is France, and among the ancestors are puatvins, porselins, blue gascon hounds and harriers. The breed received official recognition in 1978.

The Anglo-French Lesser Hound is a compact, graceful animal with a strong build and well-developed muscle tissue. The height of the dog is 48-56 cm, and the weight does not exceed 20 kg. On an elongated, narrow head with a poorly defined occiput and a barely visible stop, there are large brown eyes and elastic, curled inward ears. The entire body of the animal is covered with short, thick, smooth hair. With regard to the permissible color, the standardthe existence of two- or three-color individuals is envisaged. The most common white dogs with orange, black, pale fawn or bright red tan.

Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a very stubborn character, inherent in all hounds. A small venus puppy needs to be trained from a very early age. Training must be consistent and systematic. It is extremely important that the entire educational process is built on the basis of positive reinforcement. Physical coercion or excessively harsh treatment will cause the dog to become even more willful and out of control.

Ariège Hound

This is a relatively young breed. Its first representatives were born in 1912 in the province of Ariejoie, located in the southern part of France. It is believed that these animals were obtained as a result of crossing a large blue Gascon hound, a Gascon-sentage and a small bracque.

Ariejois are medium-sized animals, whose height is 50-58 cm, and their weight does not exceed 30 kg. Relatively small dimensions do not prevent them from being excellent hunters, able to work in almost any terrain. They are very devoted to their owners and do not tolerate loneliness. These energetic dogs are not suitable for the role of a companion for inactive people who constantly disappear at work. A bored animal may begin to show signs of destructive behavior, which will result in considerable problems.

Ariegeois is not a very common beagle. On "Avito" you will hardly see an advertisement for the sale of such puppies. Because those who wantto purchase just such a pet, you need to look for a specialized nursery.

Estonian Hound

This breed appeared in 1959. She was bred by crossing beagles, foxhounds and Russian hounds. Despite the fact that the breed has its own, officially approved standard, it has not yet received full recognition.

The Estonian Hound is a dog very similar to the Beagle, but larger in size. Her height varies between 50-53 cm, and her weight reaches 15-20 kg. Under a strong, muscular body with strong bones and a flat top line, there are dry, long limbs adapted for long running. The whole body of the animal is covered with short hair of black, brown, crimson or black and piebald color.

Estonian hounds are very adventurous, courageous, persistent and smart dogs, endowed with excellent working qualities. They show aggression towards the beast, but are incredibly affectionate and calm in dealing with humans. It is also important that they are easy to train and quickly memorize new commands. You also need to understand that Estonian hounds living in city apartments must be fully socialized.