Beagle, Bloodhound, Coonhound, Basset Hound, Dachshunds - Behavior traits of scnet hounds resemble terriers.

Origin: Developed to hunt a variety of animals by following their prey's scent.

Size: Medium (Beagle, 30 lbs) to large (Bloodhound, 90 lbs). Bassets, although low to the ground, are hefty in size, weighing about 50 lbs.

Coat Care: Short, smooth coats are worn by most hounds. Easily cared for, they require a minimum amount of brushing.

General Temperament: Independent, stubborn, pack oriented, intelligent, friendly, tolerant, happy-go-lucky, escape oriented, docile.

Watchdog Ability: Either very low (Basset, Bloodhound) or moderately high (Beagle, Coonhound, Foxhound). Bassets and Bloodhounds tend to be calm and relatively unreactive breeds. Accompanying this is a low demand for affection and low trainability. Beagles, while much more active and excitable, still exhibit a relatively low demand for affection and low trainability. These dogs are independent by nature.

Dominance: Most scent hounds are pack oriented. They were primarily bred to work in packs and strong leadership is required to keep any pack working as a team. This makes it very important that the human members of the pack assume the leadership position or the dog will. Although the smallest of the hounds, Beagles have the highest tendency to exert dominance over their owner.

Destructiveness: The hounds with low activity levels (Bassets, Bloodhounds) tend to be the least inclined to destructive behavior. Beagles, with their higher energy level, are more likely to exhibit destructiveness, especially when bored. If left in the backyard, they may dig under or climb over fences to find entertaining ways to pass the afternoonor bark until you come home.

Snapping at Kids: Most scent hounds are fairly tolerant to humans and their behavior. However, if the dog's main role is to be a child's companion, the hound's low need for affection and human interaction may make for an uneven match.

Behavior Problems: Scent hounds are independent. If you want a dog that is easily trained and wants to please you, don't choose a scent hound. This doesn't mean they cannot be trained, just that it takes more effort, consistency and determination on your part. Although these dogs are intelligent and learn rapidly, they usually do not have the desire to please you. You may need to find something to motivate a hound to obey commands--food may work better than praise.

Scent hounds were bred to have the stamina and tenacity to trail all day and all night and many have a strong tendency to roam. They are known for taking themselves for long walks with or without their humans. A secure fence is necessary for any hound, as they cannot be trusted not to wander. Most scent hounds also like to "bay". This loud noise, much more than a bark, is music to some people's ears, but not to most neighbors. Your neighbors undoubtedly appreciate your hound being indoors when you are not home to curtail his singing.