Hound Dogs

Scent and sight specialists with independent streaks—great for explorers

Hounds include scent trackers like the Beagle and scent-sensitive coonhounds, plus swift sighthounds like the Greyhound. They’re independent, often soft‑natured, and benefit from secure off‑leash spaces. In Canada, plan for weather‑appropriate gear, recall training, and regular scent or sprint games to satisfy instincts.

Beagle, Bloodhound, and Greyhound standing alert on a misty Canadian forest trail at sunrise, representing Hound dog breeds.
Otterhound with a thick, wavy, tan and gray coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking relaxed and gentle with a slightly open mouth.

The Otterhound is a rare, big-hearted British scenthound built for all-day tracking in water and on land. With a rough, waterproof double coat, webbed feet, and a melodious voice, the Otterhound is friendly, comical, and independent. They adore swimming, long hikes, and nose-driven games, then sprawling at home with their people. If you’re searching “Do Otterhounds shed?”—moderately. “Are Otterhounds good apartment dogs?”—possible for very active owners, but they’re happiest with space and daily outdoor adventures.

Airedale Terrier with a wiry tan and black coat standing alert on a wooded trail, showcasing its sturdy build and intelligent expression.

The Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and energetic personality. Originally bred in the Aire Valley of Yorkshire for hunting and guarding, the Airedale is a highly versatile dog that thrives in active households. This breed is ideal for owners who enjoy outdoor activities, structured training, and companionship with a confident, alert canine. Due to their size and drive, Airedales are best suited for homes with space to roam and engage their curiosity.

Plott Hound with a dark brindle coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and attentive with a calm, steady gaze.

The Plott Hound is a courageous, athletic American scenthound famed for its brindle coat, booming voice, and relentless tracking ability. Loyal and affectionate with family but all business on a trail, the Plott thrives with active owners who can provide vigorous daily exercise and structured training. If you’re searching “Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?”—yes, in homes that meet their exercise needs and manage prey drive. “Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?”—they can be vocal baying hounds; training helps.

Irish Wolfhound sitting on a forest path, full-body portrait with rough grey coat and gentle expression.

The Irish Wolfhound is a gentle giant—dignified, kind, and breathtakingly tall. Calm indoors and athletic outdoors, it suits spacious homes devoted to large‑breed care and training.

Thai Ridgeback with a sleek bluish-gray coat sitting on a dirt trail in a forest, looking alert and confident with upright ears and a friendly expression.

The Thai Ridgeback is an athletic, intelligent, and independent breed from Thailand, easily recognized by the distinctive ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. Originally used for hunting, guarding, and cart pulling, this rare and versatile breed combines agility with loyalty. Thai Ridgebacks are protective and reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to their families, thriving in active households with experienced owners.