There’s a pretty ‘pawesome’ holiday around the corner: September 13th is Hug Your Hound Day! Of course, we love dogs of all shapes and sizes, and encourage all of you to hug your canine buddies. That said, this is a great time to put hound dogs in the spotlight. They haven’t gotten a whole lot of attention since Elvis sang about them! A local Dahlonega, GA vet discusses hounds below.
Basics
The main thing that hounds have in common is the fact that they help humans hunt and track prey. Different types of hounds do this in different ways. For example, the foxhound may chase prey directly, while other pups may bay to alert their humans to an animal’s presence, or track their scents.
Hound Divisions
There are actually three categories of hounds. Sighthounds, as the name suggests, chase prey directly, by keeping them in sight. Scenthounds usually track prey by smells. The third group is sort of a catch-all for any dogs that don’t fit neatly into either of the other categories.
The Average Hound
The interesting thing about hounds is the fact that they come in all shapes and sizes, from the stoic, keen-nosed Bloodhound to the adorable, droopy-faced Basset. Dachshunds, and their mini-me’s, the miniature Dachshunds, are also hounds. We also have the Norwegian Elkhound, which looks more like a snow dog, and then, of course the Beagle.
Famous Hounds
Speaking of Beagles … we can’t really talk about them without mentioning everyone’s favorite: Snoopy! The lovable animated pooch has been Charlie Brown’s furry best buddy since 1950. That’s quite amazing, since most hounds rarely live past 14 or so!
Caring For A Hound
Because there’s so much diversity in the hound dog breeds, their care instructions vary widely. It’s worth noting that many hounds have floppy ears, which can sometimes be prone to infections. Others may be, well, a bit vocal. Do plenty of research before adopting. It’s important to choose a pup that will be a great fit for your household!
Hugging Your Hound
When it comes to being pampered, hounds enjoy the same things other dogs do: treats, toys, belly rubs, and, most of all, attention. Spend lots of time with Fido, and keep that cute tail going!
Please feel free to contact us, your Dahlonega, GA vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
