32 Hound Dog Breeds That’ll Be Your Perfect Pup

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–18 years
• Temperament: Independent, loyal, elegant

The beauty queen (or king) of the dog world, the Afghan Hound is best known for their long, flowy coat and regal good looks.

If you plan to bring home an Afghan Hound, make sure to block time in your schedule for grooming and to stock up on some good grooming supplies like a brush, comb, and quality dog shampoo.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 11–12 years
• Temperament: Versatile, energetic, hard-working

American English Coonhounds are high-energy, social pets who love to catch a scent. Originally bred to hunt, their first instinct is to follow their nose and let you know when they’ve found something with a loud bark.

Keep your hound engaged by enrolling them in dog sports like agility, scent work, or even dock diving.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 11–13 years
• Temperament: High-spirited, energetic, easygoing

American Foxhounds are thought to be the first dog breed originating from the United States; George Washington even kept a pack at Mount Vernon.

Today, these active dogs make loyal companions for people who love a good adventure. Don’t expect to cuddle up on the couch with an American Foxhound (unless you tire them out with an hour or more of daily activity first)!

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Athletic, reserved, loyal

If you’ve got your eye on an Azawakh for a best friend, you’ll have a highly intelligent companion who loves having a job to do. Socializing your pup early on is important to help them get along with strangers, and plenty of consistent mental stimulation is the key to happiness for these smart dogs.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 13–14 years
• Temperament: Aloof, clever, energetic

Basenjis are often considered the cat of all dog breeds due to their independent and aloof nature. But there’s one thing they can do that a cat can’t: They can yodel! Instead of a bark, this signature sound is how they communicate.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Daydreamer, mellow, smart

A Basset Hound’s unique appearance is easy to recognize, and their cuteness can never be overstated. Their short legs don’t give them a lot of height, so those ears can drag on the ground from time to time.

But because of the Basset Hound’s signature droopy face and tendency to drool, they require a bit of extra grooming care to avoid skin infections. You’ll need to wipe them down to keep those wrinkles clean and healthy.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 10–15 years
• Temperament: High-energy, intelligent, loyal

Beagles are some of the best family dogs you’ll find—if your family loves adventures as much as these pups do. They’re high-energy, so they need plenty of exercise (about an hour every day), and usually love playing with kids and other pets. Beagles also tend to be vocal, so prepare for some impromptu singalongs.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Good-natured, anxious, inquisitive

Black and Tan Coonhounds were originally bred to hunt animals as large as bears and as small as racoons. Today, they still love activities that use their talents for nose work and tracking.

These hounds are always up for a challenging hike or trail run to satisfy their love of the outdoors (and spending time with you).

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Active, kind, spirited

Another droopy-faced hound dog, the Bloodhound’s nose is their superpower, and catching a scent is their favorite pastime. Bloodhounds need at least an hour of activity a day, including a leisurely scent walk to let them get all that sniffing out of their system.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 11–12 years
• Temperament: Athletic, loyal, energetic

Bluetick Coonhounds crave a job to do, so no matter what your active hobbies involve, they want to come along. Make sure you have the patience, time, and energy to put into your relationship before bringing a Bluetick Coonhound puppy home. If you do, you’ll have a best friend for life.

• Size: Extra Large
• Life expectancy: 9–14 years
• Temperament: Athletic, elegant, mellow

Known for their long, silky coat and enormous size, the fast-moving Borzoi makes a great dog for an active family with lots of outdoor space available to run. They can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, after all.

That lovely coat also needs a bit of extra care when grooming, especially around their ears where the hair can easily get matted. Luckily, their hair is naturally resistant to dirt and grime, so a weekly brushing and monthly bath should do the trick to keep these pups clean and looking their best.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Independent, intelligent, affectionate

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a rare Sicilian hound dog breed best known for their sleek appearance and talent for hunting. They make affectionate family members with early socialization during puppyhood, and they love activities like tracking, agility, and running.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–16 years
• Temperament: Clever, funny, mischievous

One of the smallest hound dogs on this list, Dachshunds make up for their small stature with a big personality. These clever little dogs love having a big yard to explore so they can get plenty of exercise and satisfy their keen sense of smell.

But Dachshunds also love to dig, so if you want to keep your yard free of holes, make sure they have lots of captivating dog toys and other ways to redirect their urge to dig.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 10–13 years
• Temperament: Intelligent, curious, energetic

This hound dog breed was developed in England for fox hunting, and those instincts are still alive in the English Foxhound today. Barking, chasing, and following their nose are frequent behaviors for these pets, so patient, highly active humans make the best family members for English Foxhounds.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Outgoing, friendly, strong-willed

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a sociable breed who makes friends with most everyone they meet.

Originating in France as talented rabbit hunters, these hounds still love the thrill of the chase. Because of this, make sure your dog knows to come when called, and always keep them on a leash or inside a fenced space when you’re outside.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–13 years
• Temperament: Gentle, laid back, independent

Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed in the world, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. These hounds benefit from a big, fenced yard for plenty of room to zoom.

And although they love to run for short bursts, they’re actually pretty laid-back the rest of the time. Just make sure they get about 30 minutes of exercise twice per day to keep them happy and healthy.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Athletic, outgoing, humorous

Harriers are active dogs who thrive with families who love outdoor activities and stick to consistent training. Whether it’s hiking, running, agility training, or playing fetch with their people, Harriers love it all. These hounds were originally bred to hunt hares, so keeping up with you is no problem. (You might be the one trying to keep up with them!)

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 11–14 years
• Temperament: Independent, playful, strong-willed

While every dog’s personality is different, the Ibizan Hound tends to be a very independent pup. Socialization and positive reinforcement training with treats and praise are important for these hound dogs so they can be their best self.

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 6–8 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, kind, loyal

If you’ve ever seen an Irish Wolfhound in person, you know they’re giant dogs—they grow to be at least 3 feet tall!

They were originally bred in Ireland to hunt wolves, and today they’re happy with at least an hour or two of exercise daily. Make sure you can dedicate that time and energy to your pup before bringing one home.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Loyal, versatile, intelligent

The Norwegian Elkhound is an ancient dog breed originating from—you guessed it—Norway. They were known as the Dog of the Vikings and commonly served as guardians over their people. Norwegian Elkhounds today do best with experienced and active pet parents.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–13 years
• Temperament: Kind, boisterous, active

Though a bit shaggier than most of the hound dog breeds on this list, the Otterhound is made for swimming thanks to their webbed paws and water-resistant fur. They’ll love any water-centric activity, from swimming to dock diving, and need active pet parents who are just as excited to get outside.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 14–16 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, confident, sociable

A smaller version of the Grande Basset Griffon Vendéen, these more petite pups also come from France. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen isn’t shy; they are friendly, outgoing pups who love people. Also, their shaggy coat makes them incredibly cute dogs.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Energetic, clever, selectively affectionate

The Pharaoh Hound’s slender build, shiny golden coat, and extra-large pointy ears make them stand out from the pack of hounds. These dogs are sight hounds, meaning they originally relied on sight to hunt, rather than smell.

As an ancient breed from Egypt, Pharaoh Hounds love lying in the sun but might struggle in cooler climates. Make sure they’re bundled up in a doggy jacket when temperatures dip.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–14 years
• Temperament: Adventurous, inquisitive, devoted

Plott Hounds make excellent trackers and great companions for hunters. But if you’re not a hunter, you can still keep this dog happy and well-exercised with an hour of outdoor activity a day.

Plott Hounds also love to follow their nose, so your walks won’t always stick to your designated route—but you might just find your curiosity piqued, too.

• Size: Small
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Lively, amiable, affectionate

One of the smaller hound dog breeds, the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a good choice for people who have smaller living spaces.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t still need plenty of exercise. These pups love to run (and chase), so pet parents will benefit from a leash or a fenced space to let them romp.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Life of the party, curious, high-energy

These dogs are howlers, through and through. If you’re thinking of adopting a Redbone Coonhound, make sure you have enough patience to put up with a vocal breed.

Though they can be noisy, Redbone Coonhounds are also devoted, loving, and friendly social butterflies.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–12 years
• Temperament: Athletic, loyal, snuggly

While they’re low-maintenance in terms of grooming, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is an active dog breed who thrives with a lot of time spent exercising. Believe it or not, these hounds were bred to chase down the mightiest prey of all: lions!

Originating in Africa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks used their speed and keen sense of smell to track the big cats and other animals across the grasslands.

• Size: Large
• Life expectancy: 10–17 years
• Temperament: Composed, gentle, emotionally intelligent

The graceful Saluki is a beautiful dog known for the long, soft fur on their ears and tail. They’re also quite reserved: They don’t bark often and can be a little shy with strangers, so it’s important to socialize your Saluki puppy from a young age to help their confidence.

• Size: Extra large
• Life expectancy: 8–11 years
• Temperament: Gentle, friendly, laid-back

These gentle giants are content to nap for a good portion of the day, but that doesn’t mean they’re lazy. Scottish Deerhounds are highly intelligent and get bored easily, so mental stimulation with toys, games, and playtime with their people keeps them happier.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Aloof, loyal, quiet

The Sloughi is a rare African sight hound who, while loyal to their people, isn’t usually a super social family dog. They prefer quiet households without much hustle and bustle, and they’ll benefit from socialization and positive reinforcement training early in life to help them get along with everyone.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–13 years
• Temperament: Friendly, energetic, intelligent

Like the other coonhounds on this list, the Treeing Walker Coonhound was bred to hunt and needs lots of regular exercise. Like many other types of hounds, this breed loves to spend time outside with their favorite people.

• Size: Medium
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Athletic, intelligent, sensitive

Similar to the Greyhound but smaller in size, the Whippet is another fast dog breed who loves to run. They don’t bark much but are prone to separation anxiety, so finding a trusted pet sitter for those times you’re away is a good idea.