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Hound Breeds: Scent & Sight Hounds Compared (2026)

Hounds use sight or scent to hunt. Beagles, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds. Independent, persistent, and surprisingly varied in size and energy.

23 breeds

Afghan Hound

Dignified · Aloof · Independent

Large · 50–60 lbs · 12–18 yrs

Basenji

Independent · Smart · Poised

Small · 22–24 lbs · 13–14 yrs

Basset Hound

Patient · Low-key · Charming

Medium · 40–65 lbs · 12–13 yrs

Beagle

Merry · Friendly · Curious

Small · 20–30 lbs · 10–15 yrs

Bloodhound

Friendly · Independent · Inquisitive

Large · 80–110 lbs · 10–12 yrs

Bluetick Coonhound

Friendly · Intelligent · Devoted

Large · 45–80 lbs · 11–12 yrs

Borzoi

Elegant · Quiet · Athletic

Large · 60–105 lbs · 9–14 yrs

Coonhound

Easygoing · Alert · Loyal

Large · 45–65 lbs · 10–12 yrs

Dachshund

Clever · Stubborn · Playful

Small · 16–32 lbs · 12–16 yrs

Greyhound

Gentle · Noble · Independent

Large · 60–70 lbs · 10–13 yrs

Harrier

Friendly · Outgoing · Active

Medium · 45–60 lbs · 12–15 yrs

Ibizan Hound

Clownish · Family-oriented · Athletic

Large · 45–50 lbs · 11–14 yrs

Irish Wolfhound

Courageous · Dignified · Calm

Large · 105–120 lbs · 6–8 yrs

Norwegian Elkhound

Bold · Loyal · Playful

Medium · 48–55 lbs · 12–15 yrs

Otterhound

Amiable · Boisterous · Even-tempered

Large · 80–115 lbs · 10–13 yrs

Pharaoh Hound

Friendly · Smart · Noble

Medium · 45–55 lbs · 12–14 yrs

Plott Hound

Bold · Loyal · Alert

Large · 40–60 lbs · 12–14 yrs

Redbone Coonhound

Easygoing · Mellow · Affectionate

Large · 45–70 lbs · 12–15 yrs

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Dignified · Affectionate · Even-tempered

Large · 70–85 lbs · 10–12 yrs

Saluki

Gentle · Dignified · Independent

Large · 40–65 lbs · 10–17 yrs

Scottish Deerhound

Gentle · Dignified · Polite

Large · 75–110 lbs · 8–11 yrs

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Smart · Brave · Sensible

Large · 50–70 lbs · 12–13 yrs

Whippet

Calm · Affectionate · Playful

Medium · 25–40 lbs · 12–15 yrs

Other breed groups