English Foxhound

The English Foxhound stands as one of the most traditionally refined scent hounds, developed specifically for the pursuit of fox in the British countryside. With its athletic build, remarkable stamina, and sociable pack mentality, this breed represents centuries of careful breeding focused on creating the ideal hunting companion. While less common as a family pet than many other breeds, the English Foxhound possesses qualities that make it a remarkable canine companion for the right home environment.

Breed History

The English Foxhound’s history is deeply intertwined with British hunting traditions, with its development dating back to the 16th century. When deer hunting began to decline in popularity among the British aristocracy, fox hunting emerged as the sport of choice, requiring a specialized hound that could track and chase foxes across varied terrain while working cooperatively in pack formations.

Through careful selection and breeding programs, English nobility and hunting enthusiasts created a hound with exceptional stamina, keen scenting ability, and the pack mentality necessary for organized hunting. The earliest formal fox hunting clubs, known as hunts, maintained detailed stud books of their hounds, some predating the establishment of kennel clubs. This meticulous record-keeping has made the English Foxhound one of the breeds with the most well-documented lineages.

The breed was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1909. While the English Foxhound remains relatively uncommon as a companion animal compared to many other breeds, it continues to be valued for its traditional hunting abilities and distinctive characteristics.

Physical Characteristics

The English Foxhound embodies the classic image of a hunting hound, with a balanced, athletic build designed for endurance rather than speed. Standing typically between 23-25 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 65-70 pounds, these dogs possess substantial bone structure without appearing heavy or cumbersome.

Appearance

The breed has a noble head with a broad, relatively flat skull and pronounced brow. Their ears are set low and hang close to the cheeks, while their eyes typically display a gentle, hound-like expression. The neck is long and slightly arched, leading to well-laid-back shoulders and a level topline. Their chest is deep rather than wide, allowing for maximum lung capacity during extended pursuits.

The English Foxhound’s legs are straight and muscular, with round, cat-like feet designed for covering rough terrain. Their tail, traditionally called a ‘stern’ in hunting terminology, is set high and carried upright when the hound is alert or moving, though never curled over the back.

Coat and Colors

The coat of the English Foxhound is short, dense, and weather-resistant – perfectly adapted for protection during long hunts in various weather conditions. The accepted color patterns typically include tricolor (black, white and tan), bicolor (white with patches of any hound color), or predominantly white with colored markings. The coat requires minimal maintenance, making it practical for a working hound.

Temperament and Personality

The English Foxhound’s temperament reflects its development as a pack animal, showing exceptional sociability with other dogs and a generally amiable disposition toward humans. These hounds are neither aggressive nor overly shy, instead displaying a confident, independent nature tempered by their training to work cooperatively.

Pack Mentality

Perhaps the most defining aspect of the English Foxhound’s personality is its strong pack instinct. Bred to hunt and live in groups, these hounds thrive on canine companionship and can become distressed if kept as a solitary dog. This pack orientation makes them generally good with other dogs, though it can present challenges for integration into a typical family setting where they might be the only canine.

Energy Level and Exercise Needs

English Foxhounds possess remarkable energy and endurance, qualities that demand substantial daily exercise. These dogs were bred to run for hours while hunting, and their exercise requirements remain consistent with this heritage. Without adequate physical activity – typically a minimum of two hours daily including running opportunities – they may develop destructive behaviors stemming from frustration and pent-up energy.

Temperament with Humans

While generally friendly and good-natured with people, English Foxhounds typically display a degree of independence that differentiates them from more people-oriented breeds. They form bonds with their human families but may not show the same level of devotion or desire for constant interaction as breeds specifically developed as companion animals. This independent streak, combined with their hunting instincts, makes reliable recall challenging – English Foxhounds will readily follow an interesting scent trail, potentially ignoring commands in the process.

Training and Socialization

Training an English Foxhound requires understanding their unique psychology as hunting hounds. These intelligent dogs respond well to consistent, positive methods but may display selective listening when their hunting instincts are activated. Early and thorough socialization is essential, exposing puppies to various environments, people, and situations to develop a well-adjusted adult dog.

Training Challenges

Several breed-specific challenges present themselves when training English Foxhounds. Their strong prey drive means they should never be considered reliable off-leash in unfenced areas, regardless of training. Their independent nature and breeding for specific hunting tasks rather than close work with humans can make them less responsive to commands than many other breeds.

Additionally, English Foxhounds have been selectively bred for their voice – the distinctive bay used to alert hunters to their location during a chase. This vocal tendency can present challenges in residential settings, where their melodious but loud baying may not be appreciated by neighbors.

Recommended Training Approaches

Successful training of English Foxhounds typically incorporates:

• Consistency and patience, acknowledging their independent nature
• Positive reinforcement methods that motivate without harsh corrections
• Early focus on recall training, though with realistic expectations
• Structured exercise that provides both physical outlet and mental stimulation
• Socialization with other dogs to fulfill their pack instincts appropriately

Health and Lifespan

The English Foxhound is generally considered a healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-13 years. Their history as working dogs has contributed to a robust constitution, though like all purebred dogs, they have some breed-specific health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.

Common Health Issues

While less prone to health problems than many breeds, English Foxhounds may experience:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Joint malformations that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues
• Epilepsy: A neurological condition causing seizures
• Ear Infections: Their hanging ears can create an environment conducive to infections
• Thrombocytopathy: A blood platelet disorder affecting clotting

Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these conditions to minimize their occurrence in puppies. Regular veterinary care, including annual check-ups, is essential for maintaining the health of these active hounds.

Care and Maintenance

Grooming Requirements

The English Foxhound’s short coat requires minimal grooming, making this aspect of their care relatively simple. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush or hound glove helps remove loose hair and distributes skin oils for a healthy coat. Bathing is only necessary when the dog becomes notably dirty, as excessive bathing can strip the natural protective oils from their coat.

Regular ear checks and cleaning are important due to their drop ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and teeth should be cared for through regular brushing or dental chews to prevent periodontal disease.

Exercise and Activity

The exercise needs of an English Foxhound cannot be overstated. These dogs require significant daily physical activity to remain physically and mentally healthy. Ideal exercise includes:

• Long daily walks or runs (at least 2 hours total)
• Opportunities to run in safely enclosed areas
• Scent-based activities that engage their natural tracking abilities
• Canine sports such as tracking, field trials, or even lure coursing

Without adequate exercise, English Foxhounds may become destructive, excessively vocal, or develop behavioral problems stemming from frustration.

Dietary Needs

English Foxhounds thrive on high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Active individuals may require formulations designed for athletic dogs to support their energy requirements. Portion control is important, as these dogs can become overweight if overfed, particularly if they’re not receiving sufficient exercise.

Living with an English Foxhound

The English Foxhound makes a distinctive companion animal, though one that requires specific living conditions to thrive. These dogs are best suited to active homes with secure outdoor space and, ideally, canine companionship.

Ideal Home Environment

The optimal living situation for an English Foxhound includes:

• A rural or suburban setting with substantial securely fenced property
• Active owners committed to providing extensive daily exercise
• The presence of at least one other compatible dog
• Understanding neighbors, due to their vocal nature
• Limited time alone, as these pack-oriented dogs can suffer from separation anxiety

English Foxhounds are generally not well-suited to apartment living due to their exercise requirements and tendency to bay. Their strong prey drive also means households with small pets like cats may not be appropriate unless the hound has been raised with them from puppyhood.

Family Compatibility

With proper training and sufficient exercise, English Foxhounds can make excellent family dogs. They typically show patience and gentleness with children, though their size and energy level mean interactions should always be supervised, particularly with younger children who might be accidentally knocked over during play.

Their friendly nature usually extends to visitors, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. However, potential owners should recognize that these hounds generally form less intense bonds with humans than many breeds specifically developed as companion animals.

Finding an English Foxhound

Due to their specialized nature and relative rarity as companion animals, finding an English Foxhound requires some research. Potential owners should explore reputable breeders who perform appropriate health testing and raise puppies with proper socialization. Occasionally, these hounds may be available through rescue organizations, particularly those specializing in hound breeds.

Before committing to an English Foxhound, prospective owners should carefully consider whether they can provide the exercise, companionship, and appropriate living environment these dogs require. Meeting adult English Foxhounds and speaking with experienced owners can provide valuable insight into whether this distinctive breed is a good match for your lifestyle and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are English Foxhounds good family pets?

A: English Foxhounds can make good family pets for active families with secure outdoor space, but they require substantial exercise and typically do better with canine companionship. They’re generally good with children but may be too energetic for very young kids.

Q: How much exercise does an English Foxhound need?

A: English Foxhounds require at least 2 hours of exercise daily, including opportunities to run. These dogs were bred to hunt all day and have tremendous endurance that needs an appropriate outlet.

Q: Do English Foxhounds bark a lot?

A: English Foxhounds don’t typically bark, but they do ‘bay’ – a loud, melodious howl that carries over long distances. This vocalization is a natural trait bred into them for hunting purposes and can be problematic in residential neighborhoods.

Q: Can English Foxhounds live with cats or other small pets?

A: English Foxhounds have a strong prey drive and may not be safe with cats or small animals unless raised with them from puppyhood. Even then, supervision is recommended as hunting instincts can be triggered unexpectedly.

Q: Are English Foxhounds easy to train?

A: English Foxhounds are intelligent but independent, making training somewhat challenging. They respond well to positive methods but may ignore commands when following an interesting scent. They should never be considered reliable off-leash in unfenced areas.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee