According to Elvis, hound dogs cry all the time. He’s not…totally wrong. A lot of hound dog breeds were designed to announce themselves and communicate with their fellow hunters, so many are vocal and can often be heard howling (or baying, as it’s commonly referred to). These are the scenthounds who work in groups and alert each other when they’re hot on the trail. Sighthounds, on the other hand, are quieter hound dogs who use keen eyesight to spot prey and then bolt after it. They’re fast as lighting and usually work solo. Most hound dog breeds are still used in hunting today, though some have outgrown that pastime and are content becoming doting family pets.
Almost every single hound dog on this list is a handful and not recommended for novice dog owners. Due to their intense prey drives and hunting instincts, hound dog breeds require firm, consistent training to ensure good behavior down the line. Some aren’t fond of strangers (they have more important things to focus on, like the smell of a deer), while others can’t wait to meet new people (they hunt in groups and generally believe the more, the merrier). It’s always wise to research breeds before embarking on a journey with them—especially if their idea of a fun trip is nose to the ground until they’ve chased a raccoon up a tree.