05 May Pros and Cons of Living with a Scent Hound

Whether taking a long afternoon walk on a country trail or prancing along side you on city sidewalks, scent hounds are happy, friendly companions with talented noses and sweet personalities that few people can resist!

As long-time hound dog owners, we know first-hand Bassets are FULL of personality; Beagles make wonderful companions for kids; and Dachshunds love to snuggle under the covers or wrap themselves into a cozy blanket burrito.

When it comes to living with hounds, there’s certainly more to consider. It’s important to think about the pros and cons of hound dogs and whether they are a good fit for you and your family.

But first, why are certain breeds of hounds called scent hounds? All dogs have good sniffers, right?! Consider this…

Why The Name Scent Hound

When your scent hound (or scenthound) lowers her head to the earth and takes in a big, deep breath through her nose, suddenly, the air around her gives up all of its mysteries, literally flooding her senses with scent-based information!

Studies have shown http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-sense-of-smell.html quite clearly how the scent hound is unique in this way. Those big floppy ears waft up odors into that fantastical structure of their eloooongggated nose giving them their superpower sniffing abilities.

In fact, did you know that when your scent hound breathes in fresh air, only half of that air will reach her lungs? The other portion of air is directed down a separate protected pathway straight into her olfactory center for processing. There goes another nosey ninja on the trail of something smelly! 😉

Ok, so without further ado…. Let’s get to those pros and cons about this amazing canine companion and see if a scent hound is the right pup for you!

Scent Hound Pros

Scent hounds offer something for just about everyone. So let’s take a closer look at the core hound traits that make these dogs so enduringly popular!

Awesome family dog.

Hounds are gentle, loyal, sociable and truly enjoy the company of people. They are happy, friendly pups, who aim to please, and make wonderful companions and therapy dogs. With their sturdy bodies and patient souls, these hounds make for loving companions for family members of all ages. If you have young ones at home, it’s good to know that some scent hounds are generally more patient with younger kids than others, such as the Basset Hound and Beagle.

Easy maintenance.

Most hounds require simple exercise, such as a daily walk or two, and many have smooth easy-to-care for coats. With only seasonal or occasional shedding, there’s not much need for regular spa days with the groomer. (Note, some hounds have long or wire coat types, that may require a little more brushing…and those with longer ears should have them cleaned regularly.)

Come in all sizes.

Smaller hounds are great for first-time dog owners, seniors, apartment dwellers, and city residents who don’t have big yards or active lifestyles. Thinking big(ger)? Check out more medium-sized to larger hounds like the Foxhound, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, Harrier or Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Super-sensitive sniffer.

Of course, that’s exactly what these hunting dogs were bred to do… stick with a scent and follow it for long distances over rough terrain. A scent hound has such a sensitive sniffer they can pick out individual strong scents to the level of parts per trillion. (Ah-ma-zing!) You’ll frequently hear stories of working hounds doing everything from detecting cancer to being on bed bug patrol. It’s no wonder hunters, ranchers, search and rescue teams, military and law enforcement professionals, also find the scent hound their dream canine partner.

Melt your heart.

Those big soulful eyes, floppy ears and sweet face are almost impossible to resist! With each bouncy step and wiggly rear, happy-go-lucky hounds will shower you with affection, make you laugh at the smallest things and easily capture your heart forever.

Scent Hound Cons

As much as we adore living with scent hounds, the breed does have other traits to consider:

Highly intelligent.

Hounds are truly smart individuals. This can often lead to trouble when they are alone or bored – looking for ways to entertain themselves through excessive chewing, barking or digging. Fortunately boredom is easily fixed with activities hounds excel in such as: competitive obedience, agility, frisbee, flyball, and of course activities that use their natural tracking ability.

Stubborn streak.

Hounds have a reputation for being headstrong and difficult to train. But they are also very social and food motivated pups. So, be creative with your training techniques. Find ways to draw on their natural talents and abilities. When it comes down to it, training is really all about having a good relationship. Which means the more time you spend working with your hound, the stronger your lifelong bond will be. And before you know it, your efforts rewarded!

Can be vocal.

All dogs bark, but some hounds (like the Beagle, Bloodhound, Coonhound and Foxhound) add a little howl into the mix. And although the scent hound enthusiast might describe their pup’s distinctly resonant howl as comical or musical, this characteristic may not be so well-received by sleeping neighbors.

Easily distracted.

The scent hound finds every square inch of lawn fascinating. (Ooh, ahh, ohh!) This natural instinct to follow their nose and take off after a scent can have them wandering off and getting lost. Even with a well-trained and obedient hound, it’s best to keep your dog safe on a leash when enjoying the open outdoors.

Loooove to eat.

While this can be a good thing during training, it can spell trouble on the scale and for your dog’s overall health. Why? Well, our lovable hounds have perfected the art of begging! Basically they will eat anything and everything, if you’re not careful… using their award-winning sniffers to locate food wherever it can be found. So weight-gain is a definite concern for our hounddog companions, as it can cause major health issues. And for the longer hounds, like Dachshunds and Bassets, the extra pounds can bring about troubling back problems. The best advice then is to keep a close eye on their weight and ensure they get regular exercise.

Now that we have a good idea of general characteristics, let’s take a quick look back at their history…

Scent Hound History

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the scent hound we know today evolved from a very ancient breed of warrior dog with mastiff characteristics.

Today, when not curled up on the couch with the family, the scent hound dog performs various jobs requiring a sensitive nose. The first recognized scent hound breed was the Bloodhound, which was originally named the St. Hubert hound after the monastery where the breed was developed.

Foxhounds, coonhounds, tree hounds and trailing hounds all followed, as scent hound breed lines were further specialized to better fit specific job functions. This is also why today’s modern scent hound dogs can vary so greatly in size and shape! From the short, sausage-shaped Dachshund to the stout, sizable Otterhound, scent hounds are a truly diverse lot!

Scent Hound Summary

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about the wonderful world of scent hounds.

Note, the pros and cons listed here are generalizations for the overall breed. Characteristics and temperament really depend on the individual dog you select. Remember, hounds can easily be your dream dog, despite any challenges they might pose. And who knows…those slight flaws and foibles may actually be the things that endear you the most.

The keys to successful dog adoption are preparation and your willingness to learn. The great news is that you’re already on your way! With a little time and patience, you can raise and train your new fur baby to be a loyal companion and cherished family member.

If you’re convinced a hound is right for you (like we are!), the American Kennel Club has a wonderful online tool that allows you to learn more about a each hound and compare traits of your favorites in the bunch.

Last thing…

Be sure to grab your FREE copy of Before Getting Your Puppy by the world renowned veterinarian, dog trainer and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar…go do it. Right now! This book will help you prepare for the big day and give you the confidence you need when bringing a new hound home. It’s full of valuable insights and information using Dr. Dunbar’s easy, effective and enjoyable dog training techniques. Oh and it’s perfect for adult dogs, too!

Do you have other pros and cons about living with a scent hound? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know!