Description

The English Foxhound is an elegant, clean-cut, athletic hound, with a long muzzle and wide skull. The neck is long and the hindquarters very strong. Its large eyes have a sweet expression. The ears lay flat to the head. Proven hunting hounds often have the bottom edge of their ears rounded (shortened) to avoid nicks and tears during the hunt. The legs are absolutely straight, with round, cat-like feet. The short, hard, easy care coat is usually tri-color (black, white & tan), or bi-color with a white background, however, color is not an important feature. The brown eyes are large with a gentle expression, and the ears are pendant. The tail is held up gaily.

Origin

The English Foxhound was developed by an intelligent mixing of various hounds, subsequently carefully bred with the Greyhound, the Bulldog, and the Fox Terrier. From these latter breeds the Foxhound respectively inherited its sudden spurts of speed during the chase, its force and authority, and its passion for the hunt. Studbooks have been carefully kept by the British Masters Of Foxhounds Association since at least Foxhound has impressive stamina and a good nose. He can run steadily for hours at a time. Some of the English Foxhound's talents are hunting, tracking, watchdogging and agility.

Temperament

The English Foxhound is a very active, bold and passionate hunter. Responsive and obedient to his master... but training takes patience. They are friendly with people and excellent with children, but prefer to be in the company of other dogs and does quite well with other animals. The English Foxhound likes to bay. They are untiring, able to run for hours at a consistent speed, trotting along through brambles, marshes, and sunny countryside for five or six hours without stopping. Since the Foxhound uses up a great deal of energy in its youth, covering thousands of miles without respite, it is ready to be retired at the age of about seven or eight. The English Foxhound is a bit stockier and slower than the American Foxhound, but has a similar personality. This breed is still primarily a pack hunting dog, though show lines can make good companions if given sufficient exercise. It is recommended that if you are looking to own an English Foxhound solely as a pet, that you choose show lines, as field types are extremely active.

Height

Height: Dogs 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.) Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 65-70 pounds (29-32 kg.)

Known Health Problems

This is a very healthy breed.

Conditions for Living

English Foxhounds are not recommended for apartment life. They are very active indoors and do best with acreage.

Exercise Requirments

This breed needs extensive daily running to be happy. They need to be destructive if confined too much. They may take off after any interesting scent, so do not take the English Foxhound off its leash unless you are in a safe area.

Life Expectancy

An average of under 10 years.

Grooming

The short, hard coat is easy to care for. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

Hound, AKC Hound