Specialized Hunting Companions
↓ Skip directly to Hound BreedsHound breeds were developed for their exceptional tracking abilities and are traditionally divided into scent hounds, which follow odors, and sighthounds, which pursue prey by vision and speed. Known for their determination and specialized skills, these dogs excel in hunting and make unique companions.
Key Hound Characteristics
- Remarkable scenting or sight-tracking ability
- Independent nature with strong prey drive
- Energy levels ranging from laid-back to highly active
Ideal For
These specialized dogs suit owners who appreciate their hunting heritage. While some can adapt to family life, their strong instincts make them especially rewarding for experienced owners who understand their unique needs.
Understanding Popularity Rankings
A breed’s popularity ranking often reflects its availability. More common hounds like Beagles (#7) typically have more breeders than rare breeds like Otterhounds (#196).
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Dachshund
Miniature | Standard
Smooth | Wire-haired | Long-haired
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Hunt Badgers
Height: 5-6" | 8-9"
Weight: >11 | 16-32 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #6
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Beagle
Origin: England
Purpose: Hunt small game
Height: < 13" | 13-17"
Weight: < 20 | 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #7
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Basset Hound
Origin: France
Purpose: Track small game
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 2/5
AKC Popularity: #34
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Origin: Southern Africa
Purpose: Hunt lions/Protection
Height: 24-27"
Weight: 70-80 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #43
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Whippet
Origin: England
Purpose: Rabbit Coursing
Height: 18-22"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #50
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Blood Hound
Origin: Belgium
Purpose: Tracking Dog
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 80-110 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #58
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Irish Wolfhound
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Hunt wolves
Height: 30-34"
Weight: 105-140 | 120-180 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #76
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Basenji
Origin: Congo
Purpose: Flush game
Height: 15-17"
Weight: 20-24 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #80
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Borzoi
Origin: Russia
Purpose: Hunt wolves
Height: 26-32"
Weight: 60-105 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #102
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Afghan Hound
Origin: Afghanistan
Purpose: Hunt gazelle
Height: 25-27"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #110
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Greyhound
Origin: Egypt
Purpose: Hunting companion
Height: 27-30"
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #118
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Norwegian Elkhound
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Hunt moose
Height: 19.5-20.5"
Weight: 48-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #124
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Bluetick Coonhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Hunt raccoons, bears...
Height: 21-27"
Weight: 45-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #137
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Saluki
Origin: Middle East
Purpose: Gazelle hunter
Height: 23-28"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #141
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Redbone Coonhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Track bears, cougars...
Height: 21-27"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #144
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Black & Tan Coonhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Hunt raccoons & other game
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 65-110 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #151
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Hunt raccoons
Height: 20-27"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #152
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Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Origin: France
Purpose: Hunt small game
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #155
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Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
Origin: Portugal
Purpose: Flush rabbits
Height: 8-12"
Weight: 9-13 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #157
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Scottish Deerhound
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Hunt deer
Height: 28-32+"
Weight: 75-95 | 85-110 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #165
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American English Coonhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Raccoon hunting
Height: 23-26"
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #171
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Plott Hound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Big game hunting
Height: 20-25"
Weight: 40-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #173
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Ibizan Hound
Origin: Spain
Purpose: Rabbit hunting
Height: 22.5-27.5"
Weight: 45-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #174
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Harrier
Origin: England
Purpose: Hare hunting
Height: 19-21"
Weight: 45-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #183
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Pharaoh Hound
Origin: Malta
Purpose: Rabbit hunting
Height: 21-25"
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #185
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Cirneco dell'Etna
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Rabbit hunting
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 18-26 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #191
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Azawakh
Origin: West Africa
Purpose: Sight hunting
Height: 24-29"
Weight: 33-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #192
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American Foxhound
Origin: United States
Purpose: Fox hunting, scent work
Height: 21-25"
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #193
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Finnish Spitz
Origin: Finland
Purpose: Hunting
Height: 15.5-20"
Weight: 20-33 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #194
CKC classified as 'Hound'
AKC classified in 'Non-Sporting'
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Otterhound
Origin: England
Purpose: Otter hunting
Height: 24-27"
Weight: 80-115 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #196
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Sloughi
Origin: North Africa
Purpose: Gazelle hunting
Height: 24-29"
Weight: 40-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #197
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Norwegian Lundehund
Origin: Norway
Purpose: Hunting puffins
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 12-18 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #198
CKC classified as 'Hound'
AKC classified in 'Non-Sporting'
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Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Origin: France
Purpose: Small game hunting
Height: 15-18"
Weight: 40-45 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #199
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English Foxhound
Origin: England
Purpose: Traditional fox hunting
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 65-75 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #201
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Drever
Origin: Sweden
Purpose: Deer tracking
Height: 12-15"
Weight: 35-40 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Norrbottenspets
Origin: Sweden/Finland
Purpose: Hunting small game
Height: 16.5-18"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Peruvian Inca Orchid (Viringo)
Small | Medium | Large
Origin: Peru
Purpose: Companion, hunting
Height: 10-16" | 16-26" | 20-26"
Weight: 9-18 | 18-27 | 27-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Shikoku
Origin: Japan
Purpose: Boar hunting
Height: 17-22"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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