English Foxhound

Description

The English Foxhound is a breed of hound originally developed in England for fox hunting. Known for its endurance, speed, and excellent scenting ability, the English Foxhound has long been prized for its ability to track and chase foxes over long distances during hunts.

Physically, the English Foxhound is a large, well-built dog with a sleek, athletic frame. It typically stands between 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 60 to 75 pounds. The breed has a short, dense coat that is usually tri-colored, with combinations of black, white, and tan, although other color variations can occur. The English Foxhound's long legs, deep chest, and powerful build allow it to cover vast distances at a steady pace.

Temperamentally, the English Foxhound is known for being friendly, social, and intelligent, though it can be independent and sometimes stubborn. It has a calm demeanor and is generally good-natured with people, including children, though it may be reserved or aloof with strangers. The breed is known for being affectionate with its pack and its family, though it retains a strong independent streak due to its origins as a hunting dog.

As a working dog, the English Foxhound excels at endurance running and scenting, making it well-suited for tracking and hunting. It requires significant exercise and thrives in an active environment, making it an excellent choice for those with the time and space to provide long walks, jogs, or runs. Without sufficient exercise, the breed can become bored and may develop undesirable behaviors.

Overall, the English Foxhound is a highly energetic, loyal, and friendly breed that excels in hunting and tracking. While not typically kept as a family pet in urban settings, it can make a great companion for experienced owners who lead active lifestyles and can provide the necessary physical and mental stimulation.

History

The English Foxhound is one of the oldest and most well-established hunting breeds, with a history dating back to the 13th century in England. It was developed specifically for fox hunting, a sport that gained prominence as deer populations dwindled and the nobility sought a new form of hunting. The breed was created by crossing various hounds, including the Greyhound for speed, the Bulldog for tenacity, and other scent hounds for their tracking abilities. The result was a dog with the endurance, strength, and keen nose needed to pursue foxes across the English countryside.

By the 18th century, fox hunting had become a highly organized and prestigious activity, with dedicated hunting clubs and well-documented breeding programs. The English Foxhound was meticulously bred to meet the demands of this sport, including the ability to run for hours without tiring and a temperament suitable for working in packs. Breeders maintained detailed pedigrees, making the English Foxhound one of the first breeds with a systematically recorded lineage. Its development reflected not only practical needs but also the cultural and social aspects of rural England, where fox hunting was a significant tradition.

The breed was introduced to North America in the 18th century, where it influenced the development of the American Foxhound. While the American Foxhound was adapted to suit the terrain and game of the United States, the English Foxhound retained its classic traits and continued to thrive in its homeland and beyond. Despite its close association with hunting, the breed has also been shown in conformation events and remains an enduring symbol of English heritage.

Today, the English Foxhound is recognized for its athleticism, endurance, and friendly nature. While it is still used for hunting in some parts of the world, it has also found a place as a companion animal for active families. Its rich history as a breed meticulously crafted for a specific purpose reflects the interplay between tradition, sport, and the human-canine bond.

Colors

•  Black White & Tan
•  Lemon & White
•  Tricolored
•  White