Divia was found as a stray by a very kind man. He really adores her but they already have a full house with a puppy, three cats, and 2 kids! Sometimes, you have to know your limits. However, before bringing Divia to us, they had her spayed, vaccinated, and tested for heartworms. We figured the least we can do to repay such generosity was help Divia find a new home! Here is what her rescuer had to say about her:

"She is super-sweet and loves everyone. She likes to cuddle. She has some separation anxiety and likes to be right with us all the time. She is house-trained and will let you know when she has to go out. She was never aggressive toward the cats, but she wanted to play with them. The cats didn't really go for it. She walks on the leash and likes to go for walks. She runs free in the house and sleeps in our bed at night. She can be shy when she first meets you, but she is very friendly and happy. She will also jump up on you, but we were working on that. I wish we could keep her!"

All of the dogs listed below belong to the collection of dogs referred to as Hound Dogs. As implied by its name Hound Dogs have been bred to chase (or hound) a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.

Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as hunting and running, flushing out and driving game, vermin hunting, guard duties and tracking.

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Whippet dog breeding program successful. The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies.