The Hound Group at the AKC Gallery

Hounds are natural hunters. Their noses know more than most. They can track the scent of a rabbit through thick woods — or in most cases today — track the scent of a potato chip bag in the grocery store parking lot.

Hounds are also bred for stamina and can push themselves beyond most other canines. However, this is not a dog to be typecast. They are a diverse lot.

There are Foxhounds, Greyhounds and Beagles. Most share the ability to produce a rather unique sound called baying. It ain’t always the prettiest — so make sure you sample the sound before you adopt a hound. (And remember, paintings don't bay.)