As we discussed in Part 1 of this series, this group of dogs was originally bred for hunting. Yes, I know this sounds very similar to the Sporting Group dogs, but there is a difference. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt closely with their human companions - so they would hardly go hunting without their owners. Hunting dogs, on the other hand, were bred to hunt unattended. They hunt in packs without the help of humans, and some breeds, such as B. Beagles were bred to have the endurance to exhaust their prey through hours of hunting.
Based on their hunting history, hounds are divided into two groups: trackers and sighthounds. Tracker dogs, as their name suggests, rely on their strong noses when hunting. They can follow a trail for miles and have impressive stamina. This trait carries over into the home as well, as they enjoy fun games involving finding a hidden object. However, due to their hunting instinct, they sometimes get lost in their surroundings and can ignore their owners, for example when following a scent. Therefore, hunting dogs must be well trained and the owner must have a good recall.
Dogs make great family pets when kept in the right environment. They can be very distant and aloof at times, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It means they don't bother strangers easily. They still love their owners dearly, only sometimes prefer to do so from a distance. They are very independent dogs who would rather follow their own instincts than be obedient, which while can be frustrating, also makes them ideal dogs for people who spend a lot of time away from the home. As mentioned earlier, gun dogs were bred to be pack dogs, so one of the best ways to have a happy gun dog is to keep two of them.
Daily grooming is necessary with Hound Dogs as they love to wallow in all kinds of dirt. Interestingly, hounds enjoy daily brushing, and this can be a form of bonding. Managing Expectations - Hounds aren't overly clingy, so you need to actively find ways to bond with them. Exercise and exercise are also great ways to bond with them.
A few quick facts about hunting dogs:
Oldest known purebred dog breed: Afghan Hound.
Not only is it the oldest hunting dog, but it is also believed to be the oldest purebred dog breed.
Oldest known beagle: Bloodhound, first mentioned in the 14th century. Their name derives from the belief that they have royal blood.
Fastest Hound: Greyhound. Greyhounds can reach a speed of 70 km/h when racing.
Smallest hunting dog: dachshund. As tiny as they are, these dogs were bred to hunt! They fall into the hunting dog category, but also share many traits with terriers.
Best Beagle: Basset Hound. They are famous for their impressive noses and hardworking nature.
Favorite hunting dog: Beagle. Currently ranked 6th/197th among the most popular dog breeds (Dachshunds are close behind at 11th), this loyal companion is known for being lovable, smart and energetic. He was immortalized in various figures, such as B. Snoopy.
Want to learn more about the different groups of dog breeds? Head over to our blog and read our article about the Sporting Group.
