What is a hound breed?
Hounds were historically bred to hunt by scent, sight or endurance. The group includes scent hounds, sighthounds, Dachshunds and several rare breeds.
Dog guides
Hound Breeds: Complete Guide
Hound breeds were traditionally developed to hunt by scent, sight or a mixture of both, and those instincts still shape their behaviour today. Scent hounds often follow trails with great persistence, while sighthounds are built for speed, visual chase and short bursts of athletic movement. The group includes tiny Dachshunds, elegant Whippets, powerful Bloodhounds and many breeds in between. Owners usually need to think carefully about recall, secure spaces, joint care, dental health and safe exercise. Some hounds are calm at home but highly focused outdoors, while others need careful back management because of long, low body shapes. This index links to every hound breed guide with practical notes on temperament, history, typical traits and pet insurance points to compare.
Browse hound breeds
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is an elegant and independent sighthound known for its flowing coat and graceful movement.
View Afghan Hound guide
Basenji
The Basenji is a clever and cat like hound breed known for its quiet nature and independent personality.
View Basenji guide
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a cheerful and energetic small hound with a rough coat and strong scenting instincts.
View Basset Fauve de Bretagne guide
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a laid back scent hound with a distinctive appearance, powerful nose and affectionate nature.
View Basset Hound guide
Beagle
The Beagle is a cheerful scent hound with a strong nose, sociable personality and lively nature.
View Beagle guide
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a powerful scent hound famous for its tracking ability, gentle temperament and loose skin.
View Bloodhound guide
Borzoi
The Borzoi is an elegant sighthound known for its calm nature, speed and graceful appearance.
View Borzoi guide
Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna is a slender Mediterranean hound with a lively personality and strong hunting instincts.
View Cirneco dell’Etna guide
Dachshund (Long Haired)
The Long Haired Dachshund is an affectionate and lively small hound known for its long back and flowing coat.
View Dachshund (Long Haired) guide
Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired)
The Miniature Long Haired Dachshund is a small affectionate companion with a flowing coat and bold personality.
View Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired) guide
Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired)
The Miniature Smooth Haired Dachshund is a compact and confident hound with a bold personality and low maintenance coat.
View Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) guide
Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired)
The Miniature Wire Haired Dachshund is a lively small hound with a scruffy coat and confident terrier like personality.
View Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired) guide
Dachshund (Smooth Haired)
The Smooth Haired Dachshund is a bold and affectionate small hound with a distinctive shape and lively personality.
View Dachshund (Smooth Haired) guide
Dachshund (Wire Haired)
The Wire Haired Dachshund is an energetic and characterful hound with a rough coat and bold personality.
View Dachshund (Wire Haired) guide
Deerhound
The Deerhound is a gentle giant sighthound known for its calm nature, height and graceful movement.
View Deerhound guide
Foxhound
The Foxhound is an energetic pack hound with huge stamina and strong scenting instincts.
View Foxhound guide
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a gentle and athletic sighthound known for speed, calm indoor behaviour and affectionate personality.
View Greyhound guide
Hamiltonstovare
The Hamiltonstovare is a Scandinavian scent hound known for stamina, friendliness and strong hunting instincts.
View Hamiltonstovare guide
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is an elegant Mediterranean sighthound with speed, agility and a playful personality.
View Ibizan Hound guide
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant known for its immense size, calm nature and dignified personality.
View Irish Wolfhound guide
Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a sturdy Nordic hunting breed known for independence, loyalty and a dense weatherproof coat.
View Norwegian Elkhound guide
Otterhound
The Otterhound is a rare British scent hound known for its shaggy coat, webbed feet and love of water.
View Otterhound guide
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a lively scent hound with a scruffy appearance and outgoing personality.
View Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen guide
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an elegant Mediterranean hound known for speed, intelligence and expressive personality.
View Pharaoh Hound guide
Portuguese Podengo
The Portuguese Podengo is a lively hunting breed known for agility, alertness and strong personality.
View Portuguese Podengo guide
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a powerful athletic hound known for loyalty, endurance and the distinctive ridge along its back.
View Rhodesian Ridgeback guide
Saluki
The Saluki is a graceful ancient sighthound known for speed, elegance and gentle temperament.
View Saluki guide
Sloughi
The Sloughi is a lean and elegant North African sighthound known for sensitivity, speed and quiet loyalty.
View Sloughi guide
Whippet
The Whippet is a gentle and athletic sighthound known for speed, affection and relaxed indoor behaviour.
View Whippet guideHound guide questions
Common questions about hound breeds and insurance-aware breed research.
Are hounds good family dogs?
Many hounds make affectionate companions, but fit depends on the breed, training, exercise, prey drive, recall and the home environment.
What insurance points matter for hounds?
Policy wording may include terms around spinal treatment, ears, dental care, bloat, joints, ongoing conditions and specialist treatment costs.
Are these guides financial advice?
No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.