hound, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate dogs bred to hunt animals. Most of the dogs in this group hunt by scent, their quarry ranging from such large game as bear or elk to small game and vermin; ground scenters trail slowly with the head low, and air scenters hunt with head breast-high. Also classified as hounds are several long-legged breeds that hunt mainly by sight. A third variety, called treeing hounds, also track by scent; these dogs pursue tree-climbing animals, such as raccoons and opossums. Many scent hounds have a coat characteristically patterned in "hound colors": black, white, and tan. The following hound breeds are registered with the American Kennel Club: Afghan hound, American foxhound, basenji, basset hound, beagle, bloodhound, borzoi, black-and-tan coonhound, dachshund, English foxhound, greyhound, harrier, Irish wolfhound, Norwegian elkhound, otterhound, Rhodesian ridgeback, Scottish deerhound, Saluki, and whippet.

basset hound, breed of short-legged, long-bodied hound developed centuries ago in France. It stands from 12 to 15 in. (30.1-38.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 25 to 50 lb (11.3-22.7 kg). The short, dense coat is usually black, tan, or white or any combination of these colors. The basset was perfected to hunt such game as rabbits, fox, squirrels, and pheasant in very heavy ground cover; the shortness of its legs allows it to keep its head to the scent with a minimum of difficulty. It has also been trained to hunt raccoons and opossum and to retrieve. Renowned for its scenting ability, which is second only to that of its close relative the bloodhound, the basset is still popular as a slow but efficient hunter. It is also raised as a pet. See dog.

Ibizan hound, also called Ibizan Podenco, breed of tall, swift dog of ancient origin now found chiefly in the Balearic Islands and other areas of Spain. It stands from 22 to 28 in. (55.8-71.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 42 to 50 lb (19.1-22.7 kg). Its short coat is usually red with white markings, but it may also be solid red or white. It is generally believed that the Ibizan is a modern survivor of the ring-tailed, prick-eared greyhound of ancient Egypt, although similarities to both the afghan and the basenji suggest the possibility that the breed was originated by other people prior to its development in Egypt. Introduced into the United States in 1956, it is exhibited in the miscellaneous class at dog shows sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. See dog.

African lion hound: see Rhodesian ridgeback.

Afghan hound, breed of tall, swift hound originating about 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Its modern ancestors were perfected in the northern part of Afghanistan and introduced into England after World War I. The Afghan hound stands between 24 and 28 in. (61-71.1 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 60 lb (22.7-27.2 kg). The long, silky coat is very fine in texture and may be any color. Its unique appearance is partly the result of the position of its hipbones, which are set wider apart and higher than in most other breeds. This hip conformation enables the Afghan to cover uneven country swiftly and contributes to its effectiveness as a sight hunter in the mountainous terrain of its native Afghanistan. Today it is rapidly gaining popularity as a house pet. See dog.

Centuries-old breed of dog developed in France and maintained, chiefly in France and Belgium, as a hunting dog of the aristocracy. Originally used to trail hares, rabbits, and deer, it has also been used for hunting birds, foxes, and other game. It is a slow, deliberate hunter, with a deep voice and a nose exceeded in keenness only by the bloodhound's. Short-legged and heavy-boned, the basset hound has long, dangling ears and a short coat in any combination of black, tan, and white. It stands 12–15 in. (30–38 cm) high and weighs 40–60 lbs (18–27 kg).

Learn more about basset hound with a free trial on Britannica.com.

or African lion dog

South African hound breed characterized by a narrow band of hair growing forward along its back, against the direction of the rest of the coat. The ridge is inherited from a half-wild local hunting dog that was crossbred with European dogs. Strong, active, and of great endurance, it is trim and short-haired, with hanging ears and a glossy brown coat. It stands 24–27 in. (61–69 cm) and weighs 65–75 lbs (30–34 kg). It is an able guard and hunter (especially of lions) and a good companion.

Learn more about Rhodesian ridgeback with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Breed of dog developed as a hunter in the hill country of Afghanistan. It was brought to Europe in the late 19th century by British soldiers returning from the Indian-Afghan border wars. It hunts by sight, and in Afghanistan it has been used to pursue leopard and gazelle. Its high, wide hipbones are well adapted to rough country. It stands 24–28 in. (61–71 cm) high and weighs 50–60 lbs (23–27 kg). It has floppy ears, a long topknot, and a long silky coat of various colours.

Learn more about Afghan hound with a free trial on Britannica.com.