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“Release the Hounds”!!!! (The Hound Group) . Hound History. One of the oldest groups of dogs known to cooperate with humans. Skeletons have been found in ancient burials Images resembling body type of greyhound found on tomb walls in ancient Egypt.
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Hound History • One of the oldest groups of dogs known to cooperate with humans. • Skeletons have been found in ancient burials • Images resembling body type of greyhound found on tomb walls in ancient Egypt. • Are natural hunters, will chase prey until caught unlike Sporting group. • Usually chasing mammals, not birds • Use sight, scent or both to find and catch prey. • Most are VERY fast!!! • Don’t expect a hound to wait for you to catch up!
The Scent Hounds • Bassetts, Beagle, Coonhound, Bloodhound, Dachshund, Foxhounds, Harrier, and Otterhound • The NOSE knows!!! • Scent is everything • Dog’s anatomy is specially designed to get the most out of every sniff! • Leg length on some keeps them closer to the scent! (Dachshund) • Pack mentality is key with some of these breeds. (Foxhounds, Harriers, etc…) Pack cooperation is key!
Scent-hound Special Requests • Allow plenty of time to “read the newspaper” while maintaining pack leader status on walks. • If working your hound, they will be very independent and “follow their nose”. • If not working your hound, keep a close eye (or leash) on them at all times. • Follow their nose and get lost!
The Sight Hounds • Include Afghan hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Salukis, Scottish deerhounds, and Whippets • Originated in areas of high visibility (desert, plains, etc…) • Have a STRONG urge to run (and run fast)! • VERY Strong prey drive • Sense of movement of prey is what attracts them not the urge to KILL. (Ultimately, this is the end result, but it’s the thrill of the chase that initiates it.)
Sight-hound Special Requests • Normal walks aren’t going to cut it for these dogs • Need to get a chance to “stretch their legs” • If a sight-hound gets away on a walk to chase a squirrel or rabbit, it can be next to impossible to get them to return to you! • May be sensitive to certain medications due to low body fat content. (especially barbituates) • Coursing is a great activity to fulfill these breeds • (Think Greyhound racing without the track!)