Ten Top Hound Breeds for Pets

Hounds as a group are not for everyone. They require patience and room, and often aren't good with close neighbors due to their voices that carry. Developed, as a group, for hunting a loud bawling voice that carried across fields was an asset - something that isn't an asset in suburban areas. However, with some training, discipline and an outlet to burn up energy hounds can be wonderful pets.

It is best to use caution with hounds around small animals - cats can be seen as something to chase and kill. One person complained that her beagle barked nonstop when he was in the back yard by the rabbit hutch - beagles are bred to hunt rabbit so of COURSE the dog would bark!

1. Beagle - With 13 and 15 inch varieties the Beagle is a dinstinctive gentle dog that has been, past and present, a hunting dog as well as pet. In 1888 the national club was formed and held the first field trial. They don't drool, have minimal shedding and are a tough dog in a small size. President Lyndon B Johnson kept three Beagles and the Beagle has been the star of movies like Shiloh.

2. Greyhound - Famous for their abilities on the racetrack Greyhounds are often seen as too "hyper" for many homes. The truth is with proper exercise many retired greyhounds can be couch potatoes. Generally 60-70 pounds this is a very old breed dating back to 2900 B.C. and once kept by General George Custer. The hare is the natural game - so the breed should be kept very cautiously with smaller animals including small dogs and cats.

3. American Foxhound - A breed going back to the 1700s the American foxhound is a great choice for those on larger farms in rural areas. There are field trial, fox hunting, trail and pack hounds found within this breed. The founding ancestors of the American Foxhound are hounds imported from England (English Foxhounds) by George Washington. A deep chest allows for lung capacity for running. Generally 21-25 inches the foxhound is an independent type dog. As with any dog with the deep chest bloat is a possibility - and something that owners need to be familiar with.