🦮 Large · United States
American scenthound with an extremely keen nose, originally used for nocturnal raccoon hunting, that barks and bays persistently once it has picked up a trail.
Friendly and calm indoors, but single-minded and stubborn once following a scent. Usually open toward strangers, though not trustworthy with small animals due to its hunting heritage.
Needs long, demanding daily exercise plus scent work; without enough stimulation it becomes loud and restless. Off-leash time should be limited to securely fenced areas, since it carries far vocally and will track a scent for hours.
The short coat is low-maintenance, but the low-hanging ears need regular checking and cleaning. The loud, persistent baying is often a problem in densely populated residential areas.
Not suited to beginners, since the strong prey drive, vocal nature and independence demand experienced handling and a rural setting with plenty of room to run.
Ear infections from the drop ears are common, and hip dysplasia and bloat (gastric torsion) are typical risks for large, deep-chested dogs. Several small meals instead of one large one lower the risk of bloat.
← Back to the full dog-breed overview (281 breeds)
This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
Souldog
