Terrier vs. Hound: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Terriers are small, energetic dogs bred for hunting and pest control, while hounds are larger dogs bred for tracking and hunting game using sight or scent.
Key Differences
Terriers are a group of small to medium-sized dog breeds known for their feisty, energetic, and spirited nature. They were originally bred for hunting vermin and small game, such as rats and foxes, often digging into burrows to catch their prey. Terriers are characterized by their bold personality, high energy levels, and tenacity. Hounds, on the other hand, are a diverse group of dog breeds known for their keen hunting instincts and abilities. They are typically divided into two main categories: scent hounds and sight hounds.
Terriers often have a wiry or smooth coat, requiring regular grooming to maintain their appearance. They are known for their alertness and make excellent watchdogs due to their protective nature. In contrast, hounds usually have short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance. Their temperament tends to be more laid-back and friendly, though they can be independent and strong-willed.
Training a terrier can be challenging due to their stubbornness and high energy. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key to successful training. Hounds, while intelligent, can also be independent and may have a strong prey drive, making recall training essential. They often respond well to training methods that take advantage of their natural instincts.
Terriers excel in activities that involve agility, digging, and problem-solving, reflecting their hunting heritage. They are often seen in dog sports like Earthdog trials and agility competitions. Hounds excel in tracking, hunting, and lure coursing, showcasing their speed and scenting abilities. They are often used in search and rescue operations due to their exceptional tracking skills.
Comparison Chart
Size
Small to medium
Medium to large
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Original Purpose
Hunting vermin, pest control
Hunting game by scent or sight
Coat Type
Wiry or smooth, requires regular grooming
Short, smooth, low-maintenance
Temperament
Feisty, energetic, bold
Laid-back, friendly, independent
Training
Challenging due to stubbornness and energy
Requires recall training due to prey drive
Activities
Agility, Earthdog trials, problem-solving
Tracking, hunting, lure coursing
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Terrier and Hound Definitions
Terrier
A small to medium-sized dog with a wiry or smooth coat.
The Cairn Terrier's wiry coat needs regular grooming.
Hound
A dog breed used for hunting game by scent or sight.
The Bloodhound followed the scent trail through the forest.
Terrier
A breed known for its high energy and need for mental stimulation.
Taking the terrier for long walks helped burn off its boundless energy.
Hound
A large dog with keen hunting instincts.
The hound chased after the deer with incredible speed.
Terrier
A small, energetic dog breed originally used for hunting vermin.
The Jack Russell Terrier is known for its agility and spirited nature.
Hound
A dog categorized into scent hounds and sight hounds.
The Beagle, a scent hound, has an exceptional sense of smell.
Terrier
A type of dog that digs into burrows to catch prey.
The terrier quickly dug into the ground, chasing after a rabbit.
Hound
A breed known for its independent and friendly nature.
The hound was friendly with everyone but could be stubborn at times.
Terrier
A dog breed characterized by a bold and feisty personality.
Her terrier barked loudly at the stranger approaching the house.
Hound
A domestic dog of any of various breeds commonly used for hunting, characteristically having drooping ears, a short coat, and a deep resonant voice.
Terrier
A dog of any of various typically small, active breeds originally developed for driving game from burrows.
Hound
A dog.
Terrier
A dog from a group of small, lively breeds, originally bred for the hunting of burrowing prey such as rats, rabbits, foxes, and even otters; this original function is reflected in some of their names (e.g. rat terrier).
Hound
A contemptible person; a scoundrel.
Terrier
Someone displaying terrier-like qualities.
Hound
One who eagerly pursues something
A gossip hound.
Terrier
A collection of acknowledgments of the vassals or tenants of a lordship, containing the rents and services they owed to the lord, etc.
Hound
A devotee or an enthusiast
A coffee hound.
Terrier
(legal) An inventory (book or roll) in which the lands of private persons or corporations are described by their site, boundaries, number of acres, etc.; a terrar.
Hound
To pursue relentlessly and tenaciously
The suspect was hounded by the police for weeks.
Terrier
An auger or borer.
Hound
To make repeated demands of or subject to persistent criticism
Her parents hounded her until she agreed to look for a better job.
Terrier
An auger or borer.
Hound
To pressure or force from a place or situation
Accusations that hounded him out of office.
Terrier
One of a breed of small dogs, which includes several distinct subbreeds, some of which, such as the Skye terrier and Yorkshire terrier, have long hair and drooping ears, while others, at the English and the black-and-tan terriers, have short, close, smooth hair and upright ears.
Hound
A dog, particularly a breed with a good sense of smell developed for hunting other animals.
Terrier
Formerly, a collection of acknowledgments of the vassals or tenants of a lordship, containing the rents and services they owed to the lord, and the like.
Hound
Any canine animal.
Terrier
Any of several usually small short-bodied breeds originally trained to hunt animals living underground
Hound
(by extension) Someone who seeks something.
Hound
(by extension) A male who constantly seeks the company of desirable women.
Hound
A despicable person.
Hound
A houndfish.
Hound
Projections at the masthead or foremast, serving as a support for the trestletrees and top to rest on; foretop
Hound
A side bar used to strengthen portions of the running gear of a vehicle.
Hound
(transitive) To persistently harass.
He hounded me for weeks, but I was simply unable to pay back his loan.
Hound
(transitive) To urge on against; to set (dogs) upon in hunting.
Hound
A variety of the domestic dog, usually having large, drooping ears, esp. one which hunts game by scent, as the foxhound, bloodhound, deerhound, but also used for various breeds of fleet hunting dogs, as the greyhound, boarhound, etc.
Hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs.
Hound
A despicable person.
Hound
A houndfish.
Hound
Projections at the masthead, serving as a support for the trestletrees and top to rest on.
Hound
A side bar used to strengthen portions of the running gear of a vehicle.
Hound
To set on the chase; to incite to pursuit; as, to hounda dog at a hare; to hound on pursuers.
Hound
To hunt or chase with hounds, or as with hounds.
Hound
Any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
Hound
Someone who is morally reprehensible;
You dirty dog
Hound
Pursue or chase relentlessly;
The hunters traced the deer into the woods
The detectives hounded the suspect until they found the him
Hound
A dog with a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
The Greyhound's sleek coat is easy to maintain.
FAQs
What is a terrier?
A terrier is a small to medium-sized dog bred for hunting vermin and small game.
How do terriers and hounds differ in size?
Terriers are typically small to medium-sized, while hounds are medium to large.
What is a hound?
A hound is a dog bred for hunting game using scent or sight.
What was the original purpose of terriers?
Terriers were originally bred for pest control and hunting vermin.
How do terrier coats differ from hound coats?
Terriers often have wiry or smooth coats requiring regular grooming, while hounds usually have short, smooth, low-maintenance coats.
What activities do hounds excel in?
Hounds excel in tracking, hunting, and lure coursing.
What was the original purpose of hounds?
Hounds were bred for hunting game by tracking scent or sight.
Are hounds easy to train?
Hounds can be independent and require recall training due to their prey drive.
What activities do terriers excel in?
Terriers excel in agility, Earthdog trials, and problem-solving.
What is the temperament of a terrier?
Terriers are feisty, energetic, and bold.
Do terriers make good watchdogs?
Yes, terriers are alert and make excellent watchdogs.
What is the temperament of a hound?
Hounds are laid-back, friendly, and sometimes independent.
Are terriers easy to train?
Terriers can be challenging to train due to their stubbornness and high energy.
What is a common health issue in terriers?
Terriers can be prone to dental issues and skin problems.
Can hounds be left alone for long periods?
Hounds can be more independent but still need companionship and mental stimulation.
Do hounds make good family pets?
Yes, hounds are generally friendly and can make good family pets.
Do hounds need a lot of exercise?
Hounds also need regular exercise, particularly those bred for running and hunting.
Can terriers be left alone for long periods?
Terriers may not do well alone for long periods and can become bored and destructive.
Do terriers need a lot of exercise?
Yes, terriers require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
What is a common health issue in hounds?
Hounds can be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
