The English Foxhound is a dog breed with a long history as an expert hunter in the English countryside. They were developed to hunt foxes and other small animals alongside their human counterparts. They are also renowned for their pace, resilience, and keen sense of smell.
Despite their origins as a working breed, they have evolved into cherished family members. They have also achieved success in conformation and performance tests.
But, some purebred animals still end up in shelters. So, why not consider adoption and provide a permanent loving home for a deserving English Foxhound?
[wpdatatable id=102]History of English Foxhound
The English Foxhound dog breed was created in England specifically to hunt the red fox. Fox hunters in the 1700s desired a dog that could monitor and pursue a fox for extended periods.
They developed the English Foxhound by crossing several hounds, including the Fox Terrier, Bulldog, and Whippet, with the Bloodhound, Greyhound, Deerhound, and Staghound. At the time, this was an activity for affluent men who had become keener on running with the English Foxhounds than fox hunting.
They began breeding them with specific color choices and markings to produce eye-catching packs of at least 50 hounds. When increasing numbers of royal family members started purchasing these dogs in packs, this became a well-liked hobby and later a profitable business.
In the 17th century, colonists from Britain brought them to the United States. American dog owners and breeders crossed the English Foxhound with other dogs after it arrived in the country in the late 1700s to produce the American Foxhound.
Despite being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1909, the English Foxhound is still not a very common pet or competing dog. They are one of the four varieties of Foxhounds, along with the American, Dumfriesshire, and Tan-Black-White Virginia varieties.
Even though they make good house pets, they are happier when they are hunting group members. They also interact well with outside dogs. Due to the American Foxhound’s immense popularity, they are uncommon in the US. Thomas Lord Fairfax and George Washington from Virginia are better-known owners of English Foxhounds.
Breed Characteristics of English Foxhound
The adaptable English Foxhound is a breed that can be good for new owners and does well in apartments. This breed has a moderate level of sensitivity and can survive short moments of loneliness. They are considered to be energetic and require daily exercise. It keeps their physical and mental health well-balanced.
English Foxhounds can tolerate both cold and hot weather. It would help if you kept them on a leash or in a secure area because they have greater adventurous potential and may keep chasing after scents.
English Foxhounds love their families and get along well with dogs and children. While they may be wary of strangers initially, they gradually develop a friendly nature toward them. Early socialization and training are crucial. It reduces excessive barking because they have an elevated predation desire and may bark when chasing after smells.
English Foxhounds are easy to groom but have medium shedding requirements for wellness and grooming. This breed usually has good health. But if their eating habits and physical activity are not carefully monitored, they could be vulnerable to weight gain.
More About The Breed
Although most of us have yet to have the opportunity to interact with an English foxhound in person, films, books, and cartoons have helped to popularize their image. Their long ears that hang close to their faces, tricolor coats of white, black, and tan, and high-carried, curving tails distinguish them. These purebred dogs serve as hunting companions. They also make lovely family pets and participate in sporting activities like the Foxhound Performance Trials.
This canine is brave and intelligent dog and can run for long stretches without stopping. Fox hunters admire it for its tenacity and an acute sense of smell. This unique breed has never become a well-known companion dog. But it is unquestionably a dog to consider if you enjoy running or jogging or want a dog to go horseback riding with you.
The English Foxhound is not a good choice for people with limited time to devote to it on the weekends because of its high energy level and needs for daily exercise. It is a friendly and outgoing breed, which makes it an excellent family dog for people who lead an active lifestyle and have enough time to give to him.
This breed should not live in an apartment because they require a lot of physical activity and enough space to run around and play, preferably in a large fenced yard. It’s important to note that it’s preferable to look for an English Foxhound that was bred for the dog show rather than for hunting if you’re looking for one as a companion. Foxhounds bred for shows typically exhibit less drive and energy than their ground counterparts. This breed’s distinctive bark, recognizable and adored by owners, is one of its distinguishing characteristics.
Size
The English Foxhound weighs approximately 55 to 75 pounds and measures 25 – 27 inches in height at the shoulder. Males are generally larger than females.
Personality
English Foxhounds have the typical independent, self-reliant, and strong-willed personalities. They need owners who can give them extroverted training that is consistent. English Foxhounds, like other breeds, benefit from puppy socialization classes. It is advised to begin training this breed early and keep up the training as the puppy grows.
Obedience training may take some time and patience. But except for the “come” command, it produces a superb companion dog. English Foxhounds must be trained to walk on a leash and be kept on a leash when outside a safely fenced area. They frequently chase after their prey without listening to their owners’ commands.
English Foxhounds are famous for their distinctive baying bark, which they proudly exhibit to everyone, including visitors who approach their homes. Although they are aware and can serve as good watchdogs, they lack the survival instincts of guard dogs because they are typically laid-back and lack a natural mistrust of strangers.
Several aspects, including genetics, training, and socialization, influence an English Foxhound’s personality. Puppies with friendly and outgoing personalities are typically playful, curious, and eager to approach and interact with people. Avoid puppies who act aggressively towards their siblings or are overly timid or fearful and instead opt for those with a balanced personality.
Temperament
The English Foxhound dog is a fearless and enthusiastic hunter. It is capable of and willing to obey orders and reacts well to leadership, but it could be more attentive than other breeds. Their training requires persistence and an overall understanding of these canines.
Although they get along well with people and kids, they like to be in other dogs’ company and do well around other animals. English Foxhounds enjoy baying. They can run continuously for up to 6 hours at a constant speed without tiring. They can become violent if not given enough exercise.
At around 7 to 8 years old, the Foxhound does start to slow down a little. Compared to the American Foxhound, the English Foxhound is a little slower and bulkier but otherwise similar. Within a single litter, this breed’s dominance levels vary. Choose a canine that is more obedient if you’re different from the kind of person who really can naturally build a sense of cool and collected authority.
The temperament varies greatly depending on how the owners behave with the dog and how much exercise they give it. This breed can make good friends if given enough exercise, but they are still primarily pack hunters. Suppose you intend to keep an English Foxhound only as a pet or a good companion. In that case, it’s advised that you enjoy jogging, biking, or hiking.
Health
Due to their size and development, English Foxhounds generally live for 10 to 13 years. They are usually healthy and can be more susceptible to certain health problems.
GDV, also known as Gastric dilatation-volvulus, is one of these conditions and is more prevalent in large and deep-chested breeds. The condition of GDV can cause severe complications and necessitate immediate veterinary care.
It is brought on when your dog’s stomach expands and traps meals and gas. GDV symptoms include agitation, excessive salivating, dry shuddering, and a bloated abdomen.
Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is another developmental disorder in this breed that consequences in a loose hip joint and causes pain, mobility issues, and arthritis. Limping, trouble standing or jumping, changing the weight to the front arms and legs, failure of muscle in the rear limbs, and hip pain are all indications of CHD. The leading cause of CHD is genetics.
Speaking with your veterinarian will help you know more about these conditions, their signs, and possible preventative measures.
Care
The English Foxhound breed needs a lot of exercises because it was bred to be a quick hunter with a lot of endurance. Take your dog for daily runs or give it other physical activities to assist it in burning off its natural energy if it can’t hunt on the ground as its breed was designed to do.
This breed is accustomed to living in kennels. Still, it can live outside if accompanied by another friendly dog and provided with adequate shelter. But if it is an only dog, it should reside indoors with its human family to avoid loneliness.
It’s crucial to train the English Foxhound dog. Puppies investigate, ingest harmful substances while chewing, and engage in things they shouldn’t. It may be expensive to fix or replace broken items and any potential veterinary costs. Crate training guarantees the security of both your belongings and your puppy.
Feeding
You must always give your English Foxhound access to fresh water and feed them premium dog food that offers a nutritious diet. Although it’s advised to provide them with two sampling meals a day, given their propensity for bloating and stomach twisting, giving them smaller, more regular meals might be preferable to keep them from feeding too quickly.
Coat Color And Grooming
English Foxhound dogs have short, thick, and rough-textured coat that is sleek and glossy. They usually have a tricolor pattern of white, tan, and black, though they can also be white with badger markings, pale, and yellow. As with all dogs, it is advised to regularly brush your dog with hound gloves or rough cloth to remove stray hairs and reduce shedding. While grooming, it’s crucial to look for any indications of infection or sores in their earlobes, eyes, skin, and mouth.
Your English Foxhound must only be brushed occasionally to stay neat and clean. Only bathe them if they are filthy or exhibit a particularly unpleasant odor. Use a premium dog shampoo to protect dry skin and the coat. Avoid inserting anything inside their ear canal when cleaning the outer ear canal with a cotton ball or swab.
Starting your English Foxhound dog’s grooming routine early on in life will help them get used to your touch and attention. It will provide them with a satisfying grooming experience. They will be more receptive to being managed by veterinary staff and others. Consider grooming your dog to improve your relationship with them rather than just maintaining their appearance.
Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice or thrice a week is advised to avoid tartar formation and the germs that live there. Even more effective in preventing bad breath or gum disease is daily brushing. To avoid splintering, it’s also crucial to regularly trim your dog’s nails. If you need more time to do it yourself, think about hiring a groomer or any veterinary clinic to do it for you.
Children And Other Pets
The English Foxhound gets along well with older kids who can keep up with his enthusiastic and bouncy personality. It is not advised for households with young children because the enthusiastic high jinks of a boisterous dog too easily knock them over. Despite their kindness, English Foxhounds shouldn’t ever be left unattended with young children, as with all breeds.
Due to their social nature, they enjoy other dogs’ company and get along well with horses. Although they typically get along well with other dogs and animals, their powerful prey drive may cause them to chase smaller pets. Make sure everyone gets along by watching interactions with smaller dogs, rats, and cats.
Conclusion
The English Foxhound is a valuable and true gem among many dog breeds. They have won the hearts of several dog lovers worldwide with their timeless good looks, amiable personality types, and outstanding hunting abilities. So, why not allow these adorable dogs to win your heart right now? You won’t be let down! The English Foxhound will surpass your expectations, whether you’re an avid hunter or just looking for a devoted and loving friend.
FAQs
English Foxhounds need a lot of physical activity and space to run around, which makes them not good apartment dogs.
English Foxhounds frequently experience obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia.
The short and dense coats of English Foxhounds are easy to care for. They need to be brushed once a week and bathed occasionally.
Due to their independence, stubbornness, and intense prey drive, English Foxhounds commonly present training challenges. They can be mentally engaged and well-behaved with obedience training and regular exercise. When training them, patience, consistency, and verbal praise are essential. Early training and good socialization can be beneficial, as can rewarding behavior with treats and toys.
Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.