Cirneco dell'Etna: The Cirneco dell'Etna is a coursing hound of Sicily, hunting rabbit, hare and small birds across the rocky slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano. Lithe and racy, the Cirneco is an extremely hardy breed. AKC Standard Parent Club: Cirneco dell'Etna Club of America
Dachshund: Bred to hunt badgers, who are fierce opponents weighing up to 40 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and claws. The spirit, "courage to the point of rashness", and physical structure combined to suit the Dachshund completely for this work. AKC Standard Parent Club: Dachshund Club of America
English Foxhound: The English Foxhound is "wired for the chase", very pack-oriented and scent-driven hunters used for foxhunting in the English fashion of "riding to the hounds". There are 151 active member hunts associated with the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America - and the best place to see (and hear) these hounds is when they are hunting! AKC Standard Parent Club: English Foxhound Club of America
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen: The GBGV is one of four breeds developed in the Vendeen region of France - an area that required a hardy dog with great stamina and a coat that would protect against brambles. This active hunter is used for rabbit and hare, but also for boar and roe deer. The GBGV was accepted into the AKC Hound Group in 2018. AKC Standard Parent Club: Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America
Greyhound: Considered the "champion sprinter of dogs", the Greyhound is a graceful, noble hound that is the blueprint on which all coursing hounds were built. They are perfectly constructed for high-speed chases, developed originally to chase wildlife on Egypt's wide-open deserts. AKC Standard Parent Club: Greyhound Club of America
Harrier: Bred, as were many of the English scent hounds, to hunt hare, Harrier packs first appeared in England around the 1200s. The first pack of Harriers in England was the Penistone, established in 1260. Harriers, which are sturdily built and between a Beagle and an English Foxhound in size, both hunt and live in packs. AKC Standard Parent Club: Harrier Club of America
Ibizan Hound: Lithe, leggy and with impressively large erect ears, the Ibizan is a striking hound often described as having a deer-like elegance. Their conformation supports their equally unique style of hunting rabbits on the rocky isle of Ibiza. They are without equal in their high jumping ability and about to spring to great heights from a standstill. AKC Standard Parent Club: Ibizan Hound Club of the United States
Irish Wolfhound: Amiable, and typically very patient with children, the Irish Wolfhound is the tallest of the galloping hounds. The wolfhound combines immense size with a Greyhound-like frame which allowed them to accomplish their task of hunting wolves, stag and other large game. The phrase “Gentle when stroked, fierce when provoked” is often used to describe this magnificent sighthound. AKC Standard Parent Club: Irish Wolfhound Club of America
Norwegian Elkhound: The Norwegian Elkhound hunts moose in Norway to this day. Hardy, short-bodied, intelligent and alert, these hounds trail their quarry ahead of the hunter, and then hold them at bay, dodging and irritating the moose for often over an hour while the hunter catches up to them. Remnants of Norwegian Elkhounds have been found with Viking remains, dating back 5000 years. AKC Standard Parent Club: Norwegian Elkhound Association of America
Otterhound: Otterhounds are built to be expert and endurance swimmers. Originally bred to keep the otter population in England - which preyed on fish - under control, Otterhounds were so efficient that river otters when nearly extinct in England and their hunting was outlawed. Lacking a job, Otterhounds are now one of the most endangered breeds in the world. AKC Standard Parent Club: The Otterhound Club of America