Is A Trailhound For Me?
Trailhounds have wonderful temperaments and are very affectionate and loyal. They are friendly towards other pets (including cats) and children. They seldom bark but can and do quite loudly if aroused or disturbed. In addition their bark is more likely to be a howl, as with many hounds this was the chosen method of calling or baying at the pack. They adapt quickly to indoor life and soon discover the warmest, cosiest spot in the house.
They will have been well trained to ignore livestock and other animals when they were racing. It is not their nature to chase things in the way other sight hounds might, but they do love to put their noses down and follow a scent. That said, you still have to be aware that should a rabbit, hare, squirrel or the like put in a sudden appearance across their path, they are like many other dogs and will take a keen interest.
They are used to travelling in cars and, although they are big dogs, they fold up quite nicely on the back seat! They are friendly, playful and lots of fun.
What To Expect In A Trailhound
When you first adopt your Trailhound, you may think he or she is underweight. If it is between April and October, they will probably be at a running weight, and look thin to you, often a sunken in stomach and loins. They may also have a clipped coat and be wearing a top doggie coat. Don't worry about this as they will soon put their weight back on with correct feeding and their coat will soon grow again. If you adopt your Trailhound during winter months this probably wont apply and they should be at a normal weight and have a full coat. At first glance this look is what makes your heart melt and your senses buckle, i.e. ‘we must rehome him/her’, still it is not a bad thing then is it. Another factor of this racing weight is that they are totally food orientated and you will need to make sure you do not spoil them as they can very easily put on the pounds, which is not good for any animal, but particularly dogs, with so many pets now becoming obese.
