Scent Hound Mixes

Jack Russell terrier-beagle mixes like this one can be spunky and easy-going with children.
Photo: Grace Davies
What is a Mixed-Breed Dog? 
Overview
Scent hound mixes are playful, even-tempered dogs that make good family pets and are generally social with other dogs. Their exceptional noses can get them into trouble. You may have to work to keep their attention at times, as they are easily distracted by the scents around them. They typically have robust appetites and can easily become overweight if owners aren't watchful. Though not prone to nonstop barking, scent hounds howl and bay (especially when left alone); it is in their nature to do so.
Appearance
Scent hound mixes tend to have short legs, longish bodies, and long pendulous ears. The coat is short and often tricolored (tan, black, and white). The skin sometimes appears to be bigger than the dog, hanging in loose folds on the neck and forehead and drooping under the eyes.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The coat is easy to care for, needing no more than a weekly grooming with a rubber brush or a hound glove. Scent hounds generally like to run, so expect scent hound mixes to need a lot of exercise.