As a group, hounds are associated with hunting of both small fur-bearing animals and large game, from rabbits and raccoons to wild boars and bears. They were bred to excel at locating, tracking, and containing or treeing their prey, and sometimes they even kill the animals, freeing the human hunter from all tasks.
Scenthounds track their prey with their nose. Most breeds have long, droopy ears; long noses with large nasal passages; and loose, drooling lips. These traits are said to help them detect scents. The incredible olfactory abilities of these dogs are difficult to comprehend.
Most scenthounds have a deep baying they utter while tracking and a different vocalization once they have their prey cornered or treed. This enables the hunters to follow the pack, either literally on foot or horseback or auditorily from a central waiting location, from which they proceed to the hounds once the quarry is treed.
Descended from mastiff-type dogs, scenthounds are rugged and strong, not especially fast runners but able to keep tracking for long periods. In some cases sighthounds were used in breeding programs to increase the speed and agility of these breeds.
A hunt often continues for a couple of hours or more, and the pack performs tirelessly, running and baying continuously until the quarry is obtained.
Scenthounds as Pets
The ability of scenthounds to socialize with humans and with other dogs makes them a good choice as a family pet. They are generally kind and loving, and they usually get along well with other animals, children, and strangers.
They often loyally follow their owners wherever they go. Scenthounds tend to take naturally to the hunt, but teaching basic obedience can be a struggle for their owners, as they prefer to follow their noses than repeat training commands.
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