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Franz Krüger, Riding to the Hunt, 1819.

ABOUT HOUNDS

PUREBRED ADVANTAGES

 

With purebreds, breeders are committed to specific traits like size, shape, gait, colour, tooth alignment (bite), temperament, and overall impression. For example, an Irish Wolfhound should never have all-white paws (white socks).

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A pedigree—a registered family tree—helps keep these qualities consistent, creating dogs that meet breed standards while bringing out their natural abilities. While dog-breeding along such lines can be controversial, the story of specialized dog breeds is almost as old as that of canine domestication, which took place some 40,000 years ago.

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​WHAT MAKES HOUNDS UNIQUE?

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If you’re considering a Basenji or Irish Wolfhound, welcome to the world of hounds! These breeds have rich histories that make them truly one-of-a-kind and quite different from more familiar breeds like Retrievers, Huskies, or Shepherds.

 

The hounds are the world's oldest dog group. This is because hounds helped their owners survive, long before the invention of agriculture and stable villages. 

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Hounds were originally bred as hunters of live game, meaning they’re naturally agile and focused on the chase. Their unique personality enabled a hunter to release hounds and ensure the dogs' return. Their independence gives hounds an aura of nobility, elegance, and mystery. They are athletes and martial artists rather than worker or guard dogs. Their unusual character makes them wonderful companions for owners who appreciate their loyalty and respect their adventurous side.

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The Hound Group is divided into scenthounds, which hunt with their noses. Think: Bloodhounds, Beagles, and Vendeens. Then there are sighthounds or gazehounds, which hunt with their eyes. With their long limbs and flowing, sinuous grace, the gazehounds include gorgeous dog breeds such as Salukis and Greyhounds.

 

The Irish Wolfhounds are sighthounds. This is why a top IW must have a massive build and muscle, but retain the curvy body and agility of a Greyhound. When you look at a Wolfhound, consider if the dog marries these opposing traits successfully.

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Some hounds are experts at both scent and sight, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Basenjis. The UK Kennel Club describes Basenjis as having a typical hound presence:

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"Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well-arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well-balanced dog of gazelle-like grace."​

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UNDERSTANDING HOUND TEMPERAMENT

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Purebred hounds are, by nature, less eager to fetch or perform tricks than Sporting or Working breeds. Instead, they excel in activities that engage their instincts.

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Today, hunting with dogs is controversial and outlawed in some jurisdictions. As an alternative, sighthounds are tested at lure coursing meets, where they chase after an artificial lure. 

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Hounds love exercise, and while they may not bring back a ball like a Retriever, they’re devoted and loving companions. For those who appreciate the challenge, their ability to judge for themselves responds well to gentle, consistent training. If you’re new to the world of hounds, take time to learn the differences between the dog groups, as each has distinct qualities. With their athletic bearing and ancient lineage, Basenjis and Irish Wolfhounds can be ideal for someone ready to embrace a true hound’s spirit!​​​​​

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BASENJIS

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IRISH WOLFHOUNDS

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