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General Information
about Hound Dogs
All of the dogs listed below belong to the collection of dogs referred to as
Hound Dogs.
As implied by its name Hound Dogs have been bred to chase (or
hound) a quarry
by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds
have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina
necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples
being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on
the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the
Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight
is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened
by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired
traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th
Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase
useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were
intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially
introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
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Hunting
and running down small quarry
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Flushing
out and Driving game
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Vermin
Hunting
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Guard
duties
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Tracking
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In this day and
age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still
harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Whippet dog
breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by
sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies
belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they
have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in
this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information
should be considering puppies.
Information
about Hound Dogs
To discover more about
specific breeds of Hound Dogs, their origins, history, temperaments and
characteristics please follow one of the following links:
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Hound Dogs
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