Scenthounds and Related Breeds - Dog breed groups

In the starvation peroids in Middle Ages, when hunting animals was a thing about surviving, the help of the dog was mandatory, because it was able to hunt as good in bushy forests as in open plain or marshy places.

From this period date the tentative of dogs specialization based on predator animals, plain ones.

Scenthounds appeared in Europe and North America for tracking the trace and finding the prey. They are following generally the small prey (rabbits, foxes, raccoons, possums), but also bigger prey (deer, boars). The chase can be by themselves or in pack, being helped by the sense of smell, sight nd their special hearing. Some were raised for finding a trace of the prey and dicover their burrows, and others were raised for climbing the prey (raccoons, possums) in trees and keep them there, alerting the hunters through barks.

The dogs from this group tenfs to be pretty noissy and could disturb the neighbours, if they are kept in a flat.

Being often used at hunting in packs, they get along well with other dogs and are friendly with everyone. They rarely bite and can be generally trustful with unruly children and playful dogs.

The most breeds are specialized for hunting, but are breeds appreciated for companionship, searching, rescue and even therapy.

Because many from these breeds have the fur black, white and fawn at colour (tricolour), this mix is specific to scenthounds.

Most of the breeds from this category are big sized, with match legs, with long ears and facial wrinkles. There are small breeds too (Basset Hound), but which have the same characteristics which are making them great hunters as their smaller relatives.

Dog breeds from this group