The Hound Group
Marlene Corey
From the largest breed, the Irish Wolfhound, to the Miniature Dachshund that is
comparable in size to a toy breed the Hound Group spans the complete range of dog size.
This group also contains some of the oldest as well as some of the newest breeds known
to man. However despite their difference in size and origin they all have one thing in
common, they hunt.
Some such as the Borzoi and Greyhound use their eyes, some such as the Bloodhound
and Basset use their nose and others such as the Basenji use either depending on the
terrain. Moreover some take their prey down and others merely lead their masters to the
quarry whatever it is.
The Hound breeds have been a hunting companion to man since the beginning of canine
domestication. Pariah like drawings in caves as well as figurines, writings and
hieroglyphics, indicates their existence with humans. There are many modern breeds
which can trace their origins to some type of ancient hound.
Irish Wolfhound
Wire-Haired Dachshund
The Sight Hounds are exactly what their name implies, hounds that hunt using their sight.
They include the Afghan , the Basenji, the Borzoi, the Scottish Deerhound, the Saluki,
the Irish Wolfhound, the Pharaoh Hound, the Ibizan Hound, the Greyhound, theWhippet
and the most recent addition to the miscellaneous hound breeds the Japanese Shikoku.
The speed, up to 45 mph, and agility of the greyhound has made it the “race car” of the
dog world. However, the number of retired greyhounds looking for homes has proven
that this renown has not been advantageous to the breed.
Scottish Deerhound
The Scent Hounds are also exactly what their name implies, hounds that hunt using their
sense of smell. They include the Basset Hound, the Beagle, then Bloodhound, the
Dachshund( standard size and miniature with 3 coats types: smooth, wire and longhaired), the Black & Tan Coonhound, the Drever, the Finnish Spitz, The American &
English Foxhound, the Harrier, the Norrbottenspets, the Norwegian Elkhound, the
Norwegian Lundehund, the Otterhound, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen and the
Rhodesian Ridgeback which also was used as a guard dog by the Boer farmers. Their
scenting ability is probably best epitomized by the Bloodhound which under optimum
conditions can detect as few as one or two skin cells and excels at scent discrimination.
Bloodhound
Borzoi
Most hounds are considered to be independent thinkers, in other words obedience is not
their forte. However, this trait of working independently has often been mistaken for
stupidity when the definition of intelligence is based on tractability. If intelligence is
based on innate ability to survive most of these breeds are at the head of the class.
Nevertheless, it is true that a lot of hounds are not ideal for families with small children.
People who expect obedient companions and those who are unable or unwilling to
provide the exercise requirements that these canine athletes require. The majority of
hounds attach to their owners with a loyalty that surpasses all understanding. Sir Walter
Scott called his Deerhound the “most perfect creature” and to most dedicated hound
aficionados this is an accurate statement.
Beagle
While hounds love the outdoors they are as comfortable in their owners homes as any
other dogs provided their exercise needs are met. I have seen Greyhounds as at home in
Condos as Miniature Dachshunds on farms. It really depends on the owners desire to
accommodate the occasional frolic in the park or walk around town.
Greyhound
Grooming for hounds also covers the full spectrum of coat care of dogdom. The Afghan’s
and Borzoi’s silky coats come with a daily brushing requirement just as the wire-haired
Dachshund must be hand-stripped in the manner of the broken-coated terriers. However,
the majority of hounds fall somewhere in the middle with a weekly brushing and an
occasional bath. The Basenji is ideal for folks who wish a low maintenance dog. The
have minimal shedding, no doggy odour and wash themselves like cats. In fact bathing a
Basenji is an effort akin to giving the neighbourhood tomcat a yearly wash.
Basenji
Afghan
Regardless of breed if a person is not prepared to do some grooming and exercising they
should get a stuffed dog.
Short-Haired Dachshunds
My hound breed for almost 25 years was the Basenji. All my dogs were pets first and
foremost and while a hound presents unique challenges I can attest to the rewards of
devotion and companionship that make the effort worthwhile.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Rowena Claydon was probably the foremost Hound owner and breeder in the Halifax
Kennel Club. A life member of the HKC when she was tragically killed in a car accident,
she owned and bred several BIS Basset Hounds. Her efforts in educating the public on
the unique traits of her breed as well as other hound breeds benefited everyone but in
particular the dogs.
Basset Hounds
Mrs. Eleanor Foley another Halifax Kennel Club member known primarily for her
Boxers owned and successfully showed Whippets for many years winning multiple Best
in Shows.
Whippets
Norwegian Elkhound
I have only included a few pictures since most of the hound fanciers in the Halifax
Kennel Club have passed on or are no longer involved in Hounds but hopefully that will
change in the near future.