Hounds Make GREAT Family Pets

Today I set out to write a post on how hounds are sorely overlooked as family pets.  I like to be thorough with my posts like this and include sources and data to back up my personal opinion.  Guess what?  I couldn't find a single piece of information about hounds in shelters.  Pit bull statistics, however, were readily available.  While I love pit bulls and feel that they are discriminated against unjustly, hounds are so very near and dear to my heart.  I feel that the lack of statistics about hounds is my first piece of evidence that they are overlooked and passed by as family pets.

When Ben & I went to adopt June, our first hound, the shelter staff thanked us for considering a hound for a family pet.  We didn't see why we wouldn't.  I mean, June was absolutely adorable!  (And she still is!)  After they made that comment, I realized that the shelter had several dogs that looked very similar to June.  The lady at the shelter told us that after sick and aggressive dogs, hounds are usually the first to be euthanized when the shelter gets overcrowded.  (Granted, this is specific to the shelter in Elizabeth City, NC, but as I look at adoptable dogs across the state and even in other states, I see a ton of hounds waiting to be adopted.)

June was lucky enough to avoid euthanasia for nine whole months.  Willa didn't have time on her side.  She was in a rural shelter with limited resources.  After her 72 hour stray hold was up, she was number one on the euthanasia list.  It literally breaks my heart that my sweet Willa might have been put down because of overcrowding.  And why was she first in line???  I can not be 100% sure, but I believe it was due to her breed and the region we live in.  Here, hounds are mostly seen as hunting dogs, not family pets.  I just don't understand. 
 
I grew up with labs, and they are great dogs.  My first adoptee, Cooper, was a chocolate lab.  I love him with all of my heart.  He is perfect.  Our second and third dogs, however, were both foxhounds.  We love them very much.  They are so wonderful!  I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.  After owning hounds, I just can't fathom why people don't see them as family pets.  Why must people think they are outside dogs or hunting dogs?  My girls are the biggest babies in the world and love to cuddle and sleep in the bed with us.  Outside dogs?  Ha!  Willa won't even go outside if it is raining. 

Hounds make fabulous family pets.  Here are a ten reasons why hounds are the best:

1.  They love to snuggle with people.

 

2.  They love to snuggle with each other.

 

3.  They are playful and love toys.

4.  Hounds are very comfortable as inside dogs.

5.  They are very loyal and loving.

  6.  They have adorable quirks that will melt your heart.  For example, Miss Willa is a toy hoarder :)

 

7.  Hounds are just plain cute! 

8.  Like all breeds, hounds require training, but they are trainable!

9.  While they do need exercise and interaction like all breeds,  hounds love to snooze and lounge, too.

10.  Hounds come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  There is one for everyone!  (Although it may be hard to choose just one!)

In conclusion, hounds really are amazing!  If hounds are not popular where you live, look on Petfinder at shelters in the south where hounds are most prevalent.  Many rescues will transport dogs north at no cost to the adopter.  They are very much worth a look when you adopt your next family member!

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Do you have a hound or know someone who does?  What is your favorite hound quality?  I have too many to pick just one!