Glossary

Hound Group

The AKC group of breeds developed to hunt by scent or by sight, from the Beagle and Bloodhound to the Greyhound and Whippet.

Also called: hounds, AKC hound group, scent hounds, sighthounds, scenthounds

The Hound Group covers breeds made to track or chase game. Scent hounds follow a trail with their noses, often with great persistence. Examples are the Beagle, the Bloodhound and the Basset Hound. Sighthounds spot prey and chase it at speed. They include the Greyhound, the Whippet and the Saluki. The Dachshund and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are also in this group.

The group is defined by the hunting job, not by looks, so it holds very different shapes of dog. Many hounds are independent and strongly driven by scent or movement, which shapes how they behave around other animals and off a leash.

It is one of seven AKC groups, and the group winner at a show can advance to Best in Show. Other registries, including the UKC, sort scenthounds and sighthounds into separate groups.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Sporting Group The AKC group of breeds developed to help hunters find and retrieve game birds, including retrievers, spaniels, pointers and setters. Working Group The AKC group of larger breeds developed for jobs such as guarding, pulling sleds or carts and rescue work, including the Boxer, Rottweiler and Siberian Husky. Terrier Group The AKC group of breeds developed to hunt and kill vermin such as rats, foxes and badgers, usually small to medium, bold and energetic. Toy Group The AKC group of very small companion breeds, such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Pug, kept mainly for company.