MEET THE HOUNDS

FUN FACTS

Hounds are always referred to as hounds. You never call a hound a dog unless you are trying to differentiate the genders. A female hound is called a bitch. A male hound is called a dog. While hunting they are all referred to as hounds.

Hounds are always hunted in couples. A pack of 15 hounds would be described as 7 1/2 couple. This comes from the practice of tethering a young hound to an older hound by a "couple" to teach the younger hound to follow in the pack.

It is considered lucky to hunt with an odd numbered packed. Thus, there will always be a half couple. Superstition says it is always the odd numbered hound that catches the scent. When hounds find a scent, they let their pack members and humans know by "singing". When hunting hounds are barking and howling in the hunt field it is referred to as singing.

Hounds have an acute sense of smell and an innate desire to track and hunt. Supposedly, their ears help funnel the scent into their nostrils.

Hounds’ noses are as unique as a a person's fingerprints: no two are the same.

Although they are happiest in packs, hounds form strong bonds with humans.

Hounds are born deaf, like most other dogs. They don't develop their sense of hearing until about three weeks old.

Panting isn't the only way hounds keep cool. Hounds sweat through their paws.

Hunting hounds typically are named using the first letter or two of the mother or father’s names.