Diane and her friend (possibly sibling) Andrew were abandoned at our shelter early one morning. This sweet girl is surely a mix of something!  I put Hound mix because I'm just not sure! They seem well cared for and loved so therefore have wonderful personalities. We're hoping to find forever homes which will never abondon them again!

Foster Update:  Andrew and Diane settled in just fine here so they'd quickly adapt to any forever home that will have them! They're not very attached so they would be fine together or alone in a home it seems. They went for a small run today (about 1.25 miles) and did great on the leash - but I think their pink puppy paws need to get used to the pavement yet :)

General Information about Hound Dogs
All of the dogs listed below belong to the collection of dogs referred to as Hound Dogs. As implied by its name Hound Dogs have been bred to chase (or hound) a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.

Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

• Hunting and running down small quarry

• Flushing out and Driving game

• Vermin Hunting

• Guard duties

• Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Whippet dog breeding program successful. The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies.