The English foxhound is an elegant, athletic hunting dog with a long muzzle. The nose is about 4 inches long (10cm) with wide open nostrils. The hanging ears are set low, lying flat to the head. Coat colours come in tri-colour (black, white and tan) and bi-colour with a white background.
Tri-colour English Foxhound
Origins of the English Foxhound
The English foxhound dates back to the 1800s, in Great Britain. The English foxhound is a descendant of ancient British hunting hounds. They were developed by crossing a variety of hounds with the Greyhound, Bulldog and the Fox Terrier. Foxhounds are used in packs to chase fox with hunters on horseback, for this reason they are sociable with people, dogs and horses. The foxhound has impressive stamina and a good nose. English foxhounds can run steadily for hours (5-6 approximately) at a time. Some of the English foxhounds’ talents include tracking, hunting, agility and watchdog.
Sizes of typical male and female English Foxhound
The English foxhound is classed as a large dog. A typical male English foxhound should weigh between 32-34kg, and have a height of 56-63cm, whilst a typical female should weigh between 24-34kg and have a height of 53-61cm.
English Foxhound Temperament
The English foxhound is a courageous, passionate hunter. The English foxhound is pleasant with people and excellent with children. They are very active and need plenty of outdoor time every day to run around and burn off their energy. There are two types of English foxhound-field lines and show lines (bench). The bench type is bred for conformation shows, while field types are bred for hunting and field trial work. Both types are energetic and need daily exercise, however field lines have a higher energy level and need even more exercise.
English Foxhound Coats
The English foxhound has a short, hard coat which is easy to care for and only requires occasional brushing. Ensure you comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. The English foxhound is an average shedder.
Exercise your English Foxhound
English foxhounds need to be taken on a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. They are active, hunting dogs, who may take off after any interesting scents, so it is important not to take the English foxhound off its leash unless you are in a safe area. English foxhounds that are lacking in mental and or physical exercise will become high strung and may develop destructive, behavioural issues.
What health problems can English Foxhounds suffer from?
The English foxhound is generally a healthy, breed and is not known to suffer from many hereditary disorders. Occasionally these problems may occur-renal disease, hip dysplasia and epilepsy.
The life expectancy of an English Foxhound
The English foxhound has an average life span of less than 10 years.
The cost of an English Foxhound
The cost of an English foxhound puppy varies depending on whether the puppy is male or female, the breeder’s locale, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited as a pet home or for the show ring.
English foxhound puppies
Bi-colour English Foxhound Puppy
English foxhounds need early socialisation when they are young-exposure to many different people, sounds, sights and experiences. Socialisation helps ensure that your English foxhound puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Dog groups related to The English Foxhound
Hound Group.
Similar dog breeds to the English Foxhound
Foxhounds, Basset Hound, Beagles, Bloodhound, Greyhound, Wolfhounds, American fox hounds and Whippet.
