Hounds are wolf-like monsters that attack in packs. They are not usually found while exploring, except for when the player encounters a Hound Mound, but periodically attack every 312 days. At least two will typically appear, with more spawning at once as the game progresses. During such attacks, they may be accompanied by Red Hounds (in Summer ) or Blue Hounds (in Winter). Hounds take two blasts from an Ice Staff to be frozen. Red and Blue hounds take 4 hits to die from a boomerang, and normal hounds take 6. When killed, they drop Monster Meat, with a chance of dropping a Hound's Tooth or a Gem.

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When a pack of Hounds is nearby, snorting and growling sounds can be heard. These sounds start off softly and grow louder as the Hounds approach. Characters will soon call attention to these sounds with phrases such as, "Did you hear that?" Usually these warnings appear at least twice before the Hounds come. Once the hounds appear, the growling will be replaced by a running/panting sound as they charge.

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Hounds are really fast and cannot be outrun, unless they are being distracted, or if the player has a cane and/or the character is running on a road. They will bite as soon as they are in range and pause for a moment before and after each chomp. It is possible to dodge their bite and then strike back during the pause, although this is difficult with multiple Hounds attacking. Wearing an item that slows the player, such as the Marble Suit, will greatly increase the chance of being bitten.

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Once a Hound executes an attack, successful or not, it may stop to bark. When they do this, their A.I. will target the nearest mob/food, and cause them to go for it instead. This is a great way to kill them, as when they attack a Mob that fights in a group such as a Beefalo, they will be quickly dispatched.

With normal damage modifier characters, it takes 5 and 3 hits with a Spear; 4 and 3 with a Bat Bat; and 3 and 2 with a Tentacle Spike, Ham Bat, Thulecite Club, Dark Sword, and Blow Darts to kill Hounds and Red/Blue Hounds respectively.