Scent Hounds were greatly prized by huntsmen of the nobility who wished to hunt stag and wild boar for hours, the most obvious direct descendant of the Saint Hubert Hound being the Bloodhound. Later, his amazing finding or scenting abilities had a great impact on the selective development of many other breeds.
The generic name of smaller scent hounds mentioned in the First English Stud Book called Harriers, historically used to hunt hare.
Those breeds with shorter legs developed so people could also hunt with them more easily by foot, without the need for a horse. These include the 'Basset' family their name derived from the French word 'Basse' or 'Bas' meaning low.
Those breeds which followed their prey beneath the ground and were called 'Terriers' from the Latin word 'Terra' meaning earth.