Selected breeds of hounds

name origin height in inches* dogs (bitches) weight in pounds* dogs (bitches) characteristics comments

Afghan hound Afghanistan 27

(25) 60

(50) regal appearance; curved tail; straight, long coat celebrated show dog

basenji Central Africa 17

(16) 24

(22) small-sized; wrinkled forehead; tightly curled tail barkless; admired by Egyptian pharaohs

basset hound France 12–14

(same) 40–60

(same) short-legged; heavy-boned; large head; long, drooping ears bred by monks in the Middle Ages

beagle England 2 varieties,

13 and 15

(same) 18 and 30

(same) small-sized but solid; short coat long-lived; excels at rabbit hunting

Black and tan coonhound (coonhound) U.S. 25–27

(23–25) 60–100

(same) medium to large in size; rangy; long ears used primarily for tracking and treeing raccoons

bloodhound Belgium/France 25–27

(23–25) 90–110

(80–100) large-sized; loose skin with folds around head and neck; eyes set deep in orbits known for its tracking ability; first recorded use by organized law enforcement, England, 1805

borzoi Russia at least 28

(at least 26) 75–105

(60–85) large-sized; elegant appearance; long, silky coat popular with Russian nobility; therefore, many were killed after Russian Revolution

dachshund (standard) Germany 7–10

(same) 16–32

(same) long-bodied with short legs; three types of coat: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired developed around the 1600s; also miniature variety

greyhound Egypt 25–27

(same) 65–70

(60–65) sleek, muscled body; short, smooth coat fastest breed of dog, reaching speeds of 45 mph

Irish wolfhound Ireland minimum 32; average 32–34 (minimum 30) minimum 120 (minimum 105) large-sized; wiry, rough coat; graceful body tallest breed of dog

Norwegian elkhound Norway 21

(19) 55

(48) medium-sized; tightly curled tail; prick ears hardy; believed to have originated in 5000 BC

saluki Egypt 23–28

(may be considerably smaller) 45–60

(proportionately less) graceful, slender body; long ears "royal dog of Egypt"; one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs

whippet England 19–22

(18–21) 28

(same) medium-sized; slim but powerful body; long, arched neck developed to chase rabbits for sport

*1 inch = 2.54 centimetres; 1 pound = 0.454 kilogram