Scent Hound Breeds: The Scent Hound Breeds, or Scenthounds, were originally developed as Hunting Dog Breeds and believed to have originally descended from the fierce Molossian dogs. The Scent Hound Breeds are noted for their hunting prowess and are noted for their fortitude and their ability to hunt their quarry guided by the smell, of their quarry. The powerful Scenthounds are strong and built for endurance, with heavy skin, loose, moist lips and large noses with deep, open nostrils that enable them pick up scent particles and track their quarry. The Scent Hound Breeds have a tendency to drool and slobber but many owners see this as a sign of exuberance and affectionate, loving nature. Names of Scent Hound Breeds: The names of the Scent Hound Breeds are the American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Dachshund, English Foxhound, Harrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Plott Hound, Portuguese Podengo, Redbone Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Hunting Dogs - The Scenthounds and the Sighthounds: The hunters complimented the hunting skills and endurance of the Scent Hound Breeds with of the fast and agile characteristics of the lean, agile Sighthound Breeds. The characteristics of the Sighthounds enabled them to specialise in hunting their quarry aided by their excellent eyesight, agility, and their strong, powerful legs and padded paws that enabled them to traverse all types of terrain. Scent Hound Breeds - Working with Catch Dogs and Bay Dogs: Scenthounds were often used in conjunction with Bay Dogs, also known as Cur Breeds or Hog Dogs, such as the Bulldog and American Staffordshire Terrier, who were trained to harangue, harass and corner its prey (think of the expression "Holding a stag at bay". For additional facts and information refer to Hunting Dogs. The History of Scent Hound Breeds: The history of the Scent Hound breeds dates back to Antiquity, and these ancient breeds were believed to be some of the first domesticated dogs. This type of breed was used by the Ancient Greeks and the Phoenician traders who introduced the Scent Hounds to the ancient Britons. When Julius Caesar invaded Britain he noted the use of the dogs in his journals. The Romans soon spread the breeds across the Roman Empire. British monks developed the St. Hubert Hound, the forerunner to the famous Bloodhound. Scent Hounds were taken to America with the discovery of the New World and the breeds were used for coonhunting. Types of Scent Hound Breeds: The many different Scent Hound Breeds are detailed as follows. Scent Hound Breeds - American Foxhound: The medium sized, sweet-tempered, independent American Foxhound is one of the Scenthounds and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt for small game especially foxes. Scent Hound Breeds - Basset Hound: The medium sized, devoted, steadfast Basset Hound is one of the Scent Hound breeds (AKC:1935) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt bears, badgers and rabbits. Scent Hound Breeds - Beagle: The small sized, loving, independent Beagle is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1885) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt rabbit and hare. Scent Hound Breeds - Black and Tan Coonhound: The large sized, sweet-tempered, adaptable Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the Scent Hound breeds and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt bears and opussums. Scent Hound Breeds - Bloodhound: The large sized, even tempered, independent Bloodhound is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1885) and used as a Hunting Dog that used its sense of smell to originally hunt wild boar and deer. Scent Hound Breeds - Bluetick Coonhound: The large sized, active, clever Bluetick Coonhound is one of the Scent Hound breeds and used as a Hunting Dog, using its power, stamina and sense of smell to track cougars. Scent Hound Breeds - Dachshund: The small sized, courageous, headstrong Dachshund is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1885) and used as a Hunting Dog for animals that lived in burrows and were also known to help in hunts in the US for prairie dogs. Scent Hound Breeds - English Foxhound: The large sized, sociable, tolerant English Foxhound is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1909) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt foxes. Scent Hound Breeds - Harrier: The medium sized, outgoing, active Harrier is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1885) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt rabbits, foxes and hares. Scent Hound Breeds - Norwegian Elkhound: The medium sized, hardy, playful Norwegian Elkhound is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:1913) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt elk, mountain lions and bears. Scent Hounds - Otterhound: The large sized, even tempered, boisterous Otterhound is one of the Scent Hound breeds (AKC:1909) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt otters. Scent Hounds - Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: The medium sized, lively, out-going Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is one of the Scent Hound breeds (AKC:1990) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt rabbits and hares. Scent Hounds - Plott Hound: The medium sized, bold, alert, courageous Plott Hound is one of the Scenthounds (AKC:2006) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt bears. Scent Hounds - Portuguese Podengo: The small sized, hardy, companionable Portuguese Podengo is a multi-sensory hound (Sight Hound and Scenthound) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt rabbits. Scent Hounds - Redbone Coonhound: The medium sized, energetic, unflappable Redbone Coonhound is one of the Scent Hound breeds (AKC:2003) and used as a Hunting Dog to hunt small animal and raccoons. Scent Hounds - Treeing Walker Coonhound: The large sized, self-assured, clever Treeing Walker Coonhound was used as a Hunting dog to hunt small and large game including bears. | 