K9s, K9s, and more K9s! part two - The Hound Group

Hi my friends,

as promised, here is the second part of the K9 blog where I talk about the dogs of the Hound Group. I will tell you all about their history, temperament, and what they look like. So, sit back and enjoy!

THE HOUND GROUP

Afghan Hound

History: They originated during the 19th century in Afghanistan and were used hunting.

Temperament: Afghan hounds are elegant and dignified but also a little aloof. They need lots of exercise and their coat needs lots of grooming.

Appearance: Afghans have an elegant, strong, and powerful body. They weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. Their head is long and refined with a long muzzle. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown. Their ears are long and covered with silky hair. When pulled forward, the ears reach past the nose. Their legs are long, straight, and very strong. The tail is long and thin with a curve. The coat of the Afghan is thick, long, and silky except for the saddle which is covered with short hair. They are very well feathered on the legs, ears, legs, sides and chest.

Colors: Afghans come in all colors and combinations of colors.

American Fox Hound

History: The American Fox Hound originated in the early 1700s in Virginia and Maryland. George Washington ran the breeding program. They were used in packs to hunt fox.

Temperament: They love to run and therefore, need lots of exercise. They are mild tempered and get along well with children and other dogs. However, they are a little on the independent side and can be stubborn. Their coat needs minimal maintenance.

Appearance: Their body is of medium length and strong with a deep chest. The head is long and domed with a straight and square muzzle. The eyes are large and brown or hazel. The ears are short and set high. The legs are straight, muscular, and well-boned. The tail is of medium length with a slight upward curve. Their coat is of medium length, close, and hard.

Colors: They come in any variety of the typical hound colors which are tan, white, and black.

Basenji

History: They originated in central Africa and were given to Pharaohs as presents. In 1941 they became a recognised breed in the U.S.

Temperament: Basenjis are active and playful. They can be a little on the independent and aloof side. Their coat requires minimal grooming and has no odor to it.

Appearance: They weigh between 22 and 24 pounds and have a medium size body with a deep chest and a short back. The head is proudly carried and has wrinkles on the forehead. The muzzle is slightly shorter than the skull. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown. The ears are small and erect. Their legs are strong and muscular and the tail is set high, curled, and folded over to either side. The coat is short and fine.

Color: They come in chestnut red, black, brindle, and tri-color.

Basset

History: The Basset hound originated in France around 1880. Napoleon used Basset hounds on his hunts.

Temperament: Bassets are sweet, gentle, and devoted dogs. They have great endurance and follow scent. Their coat needs minimal maintenance.

Appearance: Bassets have a long and smooth body with a deep chest. The head is large and well proportioned with a domed skull and a deep and heavy muzzle. The eyes are soft, sad, and brown. The ears are extremely long, of velvet texture, and hanging loose. Bassets have short, powerful, and heavy-boned legs and their tail is medium long with a slight upward curve. Their coat is hard, smooth, and short with a lot of loose skin.

Colors: They come in the typical hound colors.

Beagle

History: The Beagle was first bred during the early 1500s in England and was used in the hunt with a pack. The name comes from the French "be'geule" and most likely refers to the Beagle's howl.

Temperament: Beagles are happy and friendly family dogs. They like other dogs, are curious, and can be great comedians.

Appearance: Beagles have a compact, strong, and muscular body with a broad chest. Their head is slightly longer than the well domed skull and has a square, medium length muzzle. The eyes are large, brown, and set towards the front of the head which gives them a very intense look. The ears are long, rounded at the tip, fine, and low set. They have strong and muscular legs and the tail is high set, of medium length, and has a slight curve. The coat is a typical hound coat. It is close, hard, and of medium length. Beagles come in two sizes, 13 inch and 15 inch high.

Colors: They come in any true hound color which is black, white, and tan.

Blue and Tan Coon Hound

History: They originated during the 11th century in England and were brought over here in the 1700s. Indian scouts owned them because of their excellent scenting ability.

Temperament: They are outgoing and friendly. They love their family and are laid back in the house. However, they do need lots of exercise when out in the field. They should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area because they like to chase anything that moves up a tree and bark at it.

Appearance: They have a well-boned and muscular body that is as long as it is tall. The head is cleanly molded with a square and medium length muzzle. The eyes are almost round and hazel to dark brown. The ears are very long and hanging loosely. The legs are well-boned, straight, and long and the tail is long and straight. Their coat is short but not dense.

Colors: They come in black with rich tan markings above the eyes, side of muzzle, chest, legs, and toes.

Bloodhound

History: They originated in Europe during the Crusades and were first bred in Constantinople. Now they are used often in Law Enforcement and are accepted by the court of law because of their accuracy.

Temperament: They are extremely affectionate and a little sensitive. They like to take charge when they are on a trail and it is best to establish leadership early. Their coat needs minimal maintenance but they drool an awful lot.

Appearance: They weigh between 90 and 119 pounds and have a powerful body with a deep, and narrow chest. Their head is narrow and long with a pronounced break and a long and deep muzzle. They have lots of lose skin around the head and neck area. The eyes are deeply sunken, diamond-shaped, and hazel to yellow. The ears are thin, soft, and extremely long. Their legs are large-boned, straight, strong, and muscular. The tail is long and thick. They have a short, thick, and coarse coat with a thick undercoat and lots of lose skin around the head and neck area.

Colors: They come in black and tan, liver and tan, and red and tan.

Blue Ticked Coon Hound

History: They originated as a crossbreed between a French Staghound and an English Fox Hound and were named after their coat pattern. They were often used for trailing and treeing raccoons.

Temperament: They are an athletic and hardy breed who love their families. Since they can be very speedy, they need lots of exercise and should have some kind of job to keep them happy. Their coat needs minimal care.

Appearance: They weigh between 50 and 80 pounds and are well muscled and compact with a moderate chest. Their head is broad and slightly domed with a long, broad, deep, and square muzzle. The eyes are large, round, and dark brown and the ears are thin, long, and set low. They have straight, muscular, and well-boned legs. Their tail is of moderate length and tapering with a half-moon curve. Their coat is smooth, glossy, medium coarse, and lying close to the body.

Colors: They come in dark blue with black mottled spots and black ears.

Borzoi

History: Borzois are a crossbreed between an Arab Greyhound and a thick-coated Russian breed. Originally from Russia, they were bred to hunt wolves and foxes. They used to go by the name of Russian Wolfhound.

Temperament: They make excellent house pets. They are independent and undemanding. Since they like to chase, they should be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area, and should have lots of exercise. Their coat needs lots of combing.

Appearance: They weigh between 75 and 105 pounds and have a graceful body with a deep and narrow chest. The head is long and narrow with a long and powerful muzzle. The eyes are oblique and dark and the ears are small, fine, and lying back. Their legs are long, muscular, and flat. The tail is long and carried low with a slight curve. Their coat is long and flat or wavy with feathering on the ears, legs, tail, and chest.

Colors: They come in any color or combination of colors.

Dachshund

History: They originated in the early 1600s in Germany. Bred to be a fearless and elongated dog, the Dachshund was used to dig up and fight Badgers.

Temperament: Dachshunds are lovable, playful, clever, lively, and courageous but can be a little stubborn.

Appearance: They weigh from 16 to 32 pounds and have a long and muscular body with an oval chest. The head tapers to the nose and the muzzle is long and slightly arched. The eyes are medium size, almond-shaped, and very dark. The ears are of moderate length and rounded. Their legs are short but very muscular and strong. The tail is long, rounded, and straight. The come in three different coat varieties, smooth, wire haired, and long haired. The smooth Dachshund has a short and shiny coat without feathering. The wire haired Dachshund has a short, thick, and rough coat without feathering. The long haired Dachshund has a long and sleek coat with feathering on the ears, legs, sides, chest, and tail.

Colors: The smooth Dachshund comes in red with creme markings and black with creme markings. The wire haired Dachshund comes in wild boar color. The long haired Dachshund comes in the same colors as the smooth Dachshund.

English Fox Hound

History: They originated in the early 1800s in England and have been used to hunt in packs. There are over 250 registered packs in England.

Temperament: They are independent and a little on the stubborn side. They need lots of exercise and since they are pack dogs, they get along well with other dogs but need lots of training to be a family dog.

Appearance: They are a little shorter than the American Fox Hound and they have a muscular body with a deep chest. The head is of good length and breadth with a long muzzle. The eyes are oval-shaped and dark and the ears are short, rounded, and hanging close to the head. The legs are straight, strong, and muscular and the tail is long, tapered, and at an 90 degree angle to the back. Their coat is short, dense, hard, and glossy.

Colors: They come in the typical hound colors, black, tan, white.

Greyhound

History: The Greyhound is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, dating back to 2900 B.C. Only Egyptian royalty was allowed to own Greyhounds. By the 1500s they made their way to England and were used as hunting dogs. The Greyhound was the first dog to be shown at a dog show in the U.S.

Temperament: They are loving but independent. They like people and other dogs. Since they are very fast and like to chase, it is important to keep them on a leash or in an enclosed area. They require an enormous amount of exercise or they will get restless.

Appearance: They weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and have a very lean and muscular body with a deep and wide chest. Their stomach is pulled up very high which gives them a very skinny appearance. The head is long and narrow with a very long muzzle. The eyes are bright, dark, and intelligent. The ears are small, fine, and thrown back in a fold. The legs are long, straight, and muscular. The tail is long, fine, and tapered with a slight upward curve but held very low or between the legs when active. The coat is short, smooth, and firm.

Colors: They come in any color or combination of colors, often times with brindle markings.

Harrier

History: The Harrier was bred down from the English Fox Hound. Because of their slower speed, they became a popular breed for hunters by foot.

Temperament: They are outgoing, friendly, and intelligent. Since they are pack dogs, they

enjoy the company of other dogs and are very people oriented. Even though they are highly trainable, they should be kept on a leash since they follow their nose and once on a trail, will pursue it. Their coat needs minimal care.

Appearance: Their body is short, wide, and well-muscled with a deep chest. The head is proportional to the rest of the body with a muzzle of the same length as the skull. The eyes are medium size and hazel to dark brown. The ears are set low, close to the cheeks, and rounded at the tips. Their legs are straight, well-boned, and toned. The tail is long and tapered with a brush on the end. The coat is short, dense, hard, and glossy.

Colors: They come in any color or variety of colors.

Ibiza Hound

History: They go all the way back to 3400 B.C. and were brought from Egypt to Ibiza by sea traders. They were used for hunting rabbits.

Temperament: Ibiza Hounds are gracious, kind-natured, and active but can be a little aloof with strangers. They can jump very high and can easily scale a six foot high fence.

Appearance: They weigh between 45 and 55 pounds and have a muscular body. Their head is long and narrow with a fine, slender, and elongated muzzle. The eyes are small, oblique, and amber. The ears are large, pointed, and naturally erect. The legs are long, very strong, and straight and the tail is of moderate length, set low, and very mobile. Often times, the tail is held in a ring. The coat can be short or wire haired and both are hard in texture.

Colors: They come in white or red or any combination of these colors.

Irish Wolfhound

History: The Irish Wolfhound dates back to 391 A.D. They were royal gifts during the Roman Empire and were used to hunt large prey.

Temperament: They make very good family dogs. However, since they are a very large breed, they require more space and a lot of exercise. They love to chase and need to be kept on a leash or in an enclosed area. Their coat needs regular brushing.

Apperarance: They can weigh around 120 pounds and they have a very large and muscular body with a deep and wide chest. Their head is long with an indentation on the forehead and a long, moderately pointed muzzle.The eyes are large, oval-shaped, and dark. The ears are small and Greyhound-like. They have straight, strong, and muscular legs and a long, slightly curved tail that is well covered with hair. The coat is rough and hard. Over the eyes and under the jaw the hair is wiry and long.

Colors: They come in grey, brindle, red, black, white, and fawn.

Norwegian Elkhound

History: They originated in Scandinavia during Viking times and were used as their hunting dogs. However, they were not recognized as a breed until 1877.

Temperament: They are energetic and bold and thus, make good guard dogs. They are family oriented and are very friendly towards their family members. They need lots of exercise but minimal grooming.

Appearance: They weigh between 45 and 55 pounds and are as long as they are wide. Their body is very muscular with a deep chest. The head is wedge-shaped and strong with a tapered but not pointed muzzle. The eyes are medium size, oval, and very dark and the ears are set high, erect, and very mobile. They have medium length, muscular, and strong legs. The tail is set high and tightly curled over the back. The coat is thick, hard, and weather resistant with a dense undercoat.

Colors: They come in grey with black tips only.

Otterhound

History: They date back to the 1900s and were used in England to hunt otters. Thus, the name Otterhound. After the otters were almost depleated, the otter hunt was banned and the Otterhound was used to fetch catfish.

Temperament: They are even-tempered, loyal, and energetic. Sometimes they can be a little stubborn and should also be kept on a leash since they follow their nose. They need lots of exercise and are not well suited for a household with small children because of their large size. Their coat needs a lot of attention.

Appearance: They weigh between 80 and 115 pounds and are longer than they are tall. They have a large and muscular body with a deep chest. The head is narrow with lots of hair and a square muzzle that is of equal length to the skull. Their eyes are deeply set, oval, and dark. The ears are long, pendulous, folded, and covered with lots of hair. Their legs are straight, strong, muscular, and very powerful and their tail is thick at the base, tapering, and well feathered. The Otterhound has a unique coat which consists of a very dense, rough, and coarse top coat that can be two to four inches long, and a water resistant undercoat.

Colors: They come in any color or combination of colors.

Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen

History: They originated in the 16th century and were named after the Vendeen region in France. They were mostly used to hunt small game.

Temperament: They are a very confident, happy, and extroverted breed. Since they are very active, they need lots of exercise. Having the typical hound voice (howl), they make no secret of it. Their coat needs regular brushing.

Appearance: They are longer than tall with a muscular body and a deep chest. The head is longer than wide with a strong developed muzzle. They have large, oval-shaped, and dark eyes. The ears are narrow, fine, and covered with long hair. They have short, strong, well-boned, and straight legs and their tail is of medium length, set high, and tapered. The coat is long and rough with a short and thick undercoat.

Colors: They come in white with markings in yellow, orange, black, or sable, and also with tri-color markings.

Pharaoh Hound

History: The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest breeds, dating back to 3000 B.C. They originated in Egypt and were brought to Malta by sea traders. There they were used for hunting rabbits.

Temperament: They are highly intelligent, friendly, and playful. Since they are a very athletic breed that likes to chase, they also need lots of exercise. Their coat does not require much grooming.

Appearance: They have a lean and muscular body that slightly slopes towards the back. The chest is deep and the head is wedge-shaped with a long, lean, and chisseled muzzle. Their eyes are oval-shaped and amber and their ears are high set, erect, and very mobile. They have long, muscular, and strong legs and their tail is thick and tapered with a slight curve. Their coat is short, fine, and glossy without feathering.

Color: They come in rich or chestnut tan with a small amount of white markings on the chest.

Plott

History: In 1750 the German brothers Plott came to North Carolina and brought along their five Hanoveranian Hounds. They used them to hunt bear and boar. The dogs and their offspring became known as the Plott's hounds after their owners' last name.

Temperament: They are very eager to please, loyal, and intelligent. They are also an alert, bold, and fearless breed and can get a little aggressive during the hunt. Since they are very athletic, they need lots of exercise. They also have a very loud and deep voice and thus need to be trained or their howling will drive you nuts.

Appearance: They have a well-muscled and strong body with a deep chest. The head is of moderate length and flat with a medium size, square muzzle. The eyes are prominent and brown and the ears are of medium length, broad, and hanging. They have long, strong, and muscular legs and their tail is long and tapered, almost saber-like. The coat is smooth, fine, and glossy.

Color: They come in any shade of brindle.

Redbone Coonhound

History: They were first bred during the 1700s in Scottland and Ireland to hunt raccoons.

Temperament: They are an even-tempered and highly trainable breed that likes to please. They require lots of exercise but their coat is of low maintenance.

Appearance: They have a rather square body with a deep and broad chest. The head is moderately broad with a square and straight muzzle. The eyes are round, set wide apart, and dark brown and the ears are long, fine, and set low. They have well-boned, straight, and muscular legs. The tail is of medium length and saber-like with a slight brush at the tip. The coat is short, smooth, and coarse.

Colors: They come in solid red only.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

History: They were first bred in 1877 in South Africa and their coat has a very distinctive ridge on the back. Thus the name Rhodesian Ridgeback. Being a fearless breed, they were used to hunt lions.

Temperament: They are athletic and fearless, like people, kids, and other dogs, and like to be involved in anything that is going on in a household. They are mostly even-tempered but can be reserved with strangers.

Appearance: Weighing between 70 and 85 pounds, their body is strong and muscular with a powerful back and a deep chest. The head is broad and flat with a long, deep, and powerful muzzle. Their eyes are round, set well apart, and brown. The ears are set high, of medium size, and hanging closely to the head with a rounded tip. They have muscular, well-boned, and straight legs that are slightly sloping in the rear. The tail is strong and tapered with an upward curve. The hair on the back of the Rhodesian Ridgeback grows in a different direction as the rest of the short, dense, sleek, and glossy coat. This results in the very distinctive ridge that is unique in this breed.

Colors: They come in a light and red wheaten color.

Saluki

History: Salukis were the royal dogs of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Many of them were found mummified next to their owners. The pharaohs used them to hunt gazelles and antilopes.

Temperament: Salukis are an independent and active breed that likes the chase and can be stubborn at times. Therefore, they need lots of training and exercise. Their coat needs an moderate amount of grooming.

Appearance: They have a muscular body with a broad back and a deep and narrow chest. The head is long and narrow with a long and narrow muzzle. The eyes are large, oval, and dark and the ears are long and covered with long, silky hair. Their legs are very long, muscular, and straight and the tail is long with a curve and well-feathered. Salukis have a smooth, soft, and silky coat with lots of feathering on the legs, ears, chest, and tail.

Colors: Besides the solid colors such as white,creme, fawn, golden, and red, they also come in the bi-colors black with tan, and the tri-colors white, black, and tan.

Scottish Deerhound

History: They originated during the 16th and 17th century and were known as the Scottish Greyhound. Only Earls and higher royalty were allowed to own them. They were used for hunting deer.

Temperament: They are a quiet and dignified breed that likes to chase. They do need lots of exercise and are not well suited for households with small kids due to their large size. Their coat does not require much grooming.

Appearance: Weighing between 80 and 110 pounds, their body is muscular and well-boned with a deep chest and a slight droop towards the back. This is a very tall breed. The head is long and broad with a muzzles that tapers towards a point. The eyes are moderately full and dark brown or hazel and the ears are set high and folded back like in the Greyhound. The muscular and powerful legs are straight and broad and the tail is long and tapered with an upward curve. Their harsh and wiry coat is three to four inches long and lies close to the body.

Colors: They come in dark or light grey.

Whippet

History: They were bred in 1891 as an English race dog and were known as the "poor man's race horse".

Temperament: They are friendly, gentle, and highly trainable. They make a very good family dog but need lots of exercise because they can reach very high speeds. They also like to chase and should be kept on a leash or in an enclosed area.

Appearance: Whippets have a medium size, muscular but elegant body with a deep, narrow chest. They are powerful and strong. Their abdomen is drawn up which gives them a very skinny look. The head is long and lean with a long and powerful muzzle. The eyes are large, round, and dark brown or black and the ears are small, fine and held in repose like the ears of the Greyhound. Their long legs are muscular and powerful. The long tail is tapered with a gentle upward curve and when active, is carried low and at times even between the hind legs. Their short coat is smooth, firm, and close to the body.

Colors: They come in any color or variation of colors, often in brindle.

And that my friends concludes the dogs of the Hound group. Stay tuned for part three of the K9 blog where I will tell you all about the dogs of the Working group.

Peace and Love,

Tiny