SCENT HOUND GROUP
Breed Examples
BASSET HOUND | BEAGLE | BLOODHOUND | BLACK & TAN COONHOUND | DACHSHUND | GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN | OTTERHOUND | PETIT BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN
WHAT WE BRED THEM FOR
The first scent hounds date bak to the Middle Ages when mastiff type dogs showing special skills at tracking where further developed for their olfactory abilities, persistence following a scent and hardiness. Over generations, they were selected for the 'mark' (bark) behaviour upon locating the target and holding an animal at bay.
Before you read on ...
These group pages introduce you to ten newly described dog groups based on the latest science. Knowing what type of 'job' is in your dog's DNA can offer valuable insights into the type of life they'd most enjoy.
Treat this as a guide and a starting point for further research into the breed of dog to best suit you and your lifestyle. You'll find information specific to individual breeds here.
Note: this isn't a guarantee of how any individual dog will behave in future.
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH A SCENT HOUND
Social
They're generally very outgoing and friendly with people and other dogs.
Emotional
They can be passionate about many things – from you to squirrels.
Fun
They can be hilarious, playful, social, creative and adventurous.
WHY THEY CAN BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
Impulse
Naturally ambitious dogs, they can tune out the entire world and everyone in it when they're on to a scent.
A Hunter
Their blind and deaf determination for sniffing out, tracking and pursuing targets can be annoying and potentially dangerous to other animals.
Dramatic
They born to bay their hearts out when life gets exciting.
YOU MAY NEED COACHING TO HELP WITH
- Excessive barking.
- Predatory behaviour toward other animals.
- Failure to come when called.
- Unmanageability when on lead if stimulated by other animals.
- Emotional 'act first, think later' reactions to threats to space, safety or other resources.
- Difficulty with confinement to smaller spaces/indoor living.
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
Bear in mind their impulsive and emotional nature when it comes to pursuit.
Be a proactive mediator between your dog and their environment so their impulses don't get the better of them.
Teach self-control.
Treasure your scent hound's heart-wide-open approach to life without judgement.
