English Foxhounds

Appearance:

Body: Deep, large chest, wide, level back, deep ribs, and powerful, well-muscled thighs.

Coat: Short, dense, hard, and glossy.

Color: Black, tan, white, or any combination.

Ears: Short, low-set, and lie close to the cheeks.

Eyes: Large, brown and set well apart.

Feet: Round and cat-like with well-developed knuckles and strong toenails.

Head: Tapered with a pronounced brow and long, wide, black nose.

Legs: Forelegs are well-boned, straight, and strong. Hind legs are powerful with straight stifles.

Neck: Long and lean, gracefully tapering to the head.

Size:
Weight: 55 - 75 pounds (25 - 34kg)
Height: 22 - 27 inches (58 - 69cm)

Tail: Carried with a slight curve up over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Not recommended for apartment or city living
Difficult to housetrain

The English Foxhound is a hunting dog inside and out with lots of energy and great physical endurance. He was bred to hunt in packs and may prefer to be kenneled with other foxhounds than to be a family companion and pet.

The Foxhound is best suited for an experienced dog handler. He is good-natured but highly energetic requiring lots of athletic-type activity such as biking, hiking, and running. He is independently-minded and can be difficult and slow to train.

Unless you are hunting, he must be kept on a leash or in a securely enclosed area. He has a keen sense of smell and will quickly disappear following whatever scent he picks up. He loves to be around other dogs but will chase cats and other small animals. He loves the thrill and excitement of hunting and is capable of running for hours in pursuit of his prey.

When he barks, the English Foxhound makes a hound-like baying sound.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Hound Group

Originally bred as a pack hound to hunt fox.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: An abundant amount of exercise such as hunting, biking, hiking, or running is required for this breed.

Grooming: Brush two to three times weekly. Keep his ear canals clean and dry.

Health

Life Expectancy: 10 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Hip Dysplasia
Renal disease

Recommended Certificates:
OFA (hips)

Country of Origin

Great Britain - 1400s