English Foxhound

Temperament:

Friendly, Gentle, Outgoing
Size: Large
Height: 53-64 cm
Weight: 25-35 kg
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: White-black, White-orange, White, Lemon yellow-white
FCI Group: Scent hounds and related breeds

Despite its outgoing character, the English Foxhound is not suitable as a pure family dog. Even today, it is still mainly used for hunting in packs and is therefore influenced by its conspecifics. However, to turn this active and intelligent animal into a house dog, experience in handling the breed and sufficient activity are necessary.

English Foxhound
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Characteristics

As a typical hunting dog, the English Foxhound has a deep chest with plenty of room for large lungs. This and its long, slender legs enable it to run with endurance.

The musculature of this breed is well distributed, so that the animals do not appear cumbersome despite their many movements. They appear elegant and powerful at the same time. The shoulders and straight back are also well muscled. The eyes have a gentle expression.

The head of the English Foxhound is broad with a long muzzle. The ears are large and drop-shaped. The thin tail is set high. The paws are round and resemble cat paws. The coat is short, dense and smooth, the individual hairs are rather firm and hard.

The character of the English Foxhound is that of a typical hunting dog. It needs a consistent hand, otherwise it can become stubborn and disobedient.

If he is kept in a pack, he is very social and friendly with his fellow dogs. Even if he is imprinted on humans, he shows a gentle and peaceful behavior.

Ideally, this breed should be kept together with other dogs. It regards other pets such as cats or rodents as prey. Socialization is therefore difficult. If it is not used for hunting, it needs plenty of exercise and mental activity. It is not suitable for keeping indoors or in large cities.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role here. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

When your dog goes hunting, it is important that he gets all the nutrients and enough calories that an active dog needs during this time.

Also make sure that he has his last meal at least 3 hours before the hunt. This gives your dog enough time to digest the food in peace. Sufficient fresh water should of course always be available.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity. The English Foxhound is prone to hound ataxia. This disease can be promoted by rumen feeding. The English Foxhound should therefore not be fed with rumen.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until your dog is fully grown.

Health & Care

The short coat of this breed requires little grooming. However, occasional brushing stimulates blood circulation and removes loose hair. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

If the English Foxhound is used for hunting, it should be checked for injuries after every hunt. Its large floppy ears also need your attention to detect inflammation at an early stage. You should also brush his teeth regularly to prevent tartar.

The English Foxhound is prone to hound ataxia. This disease can be promoted by feeding rumen. The English Foxhound should therefore not be fed with rumen.

Hound ataxia occurs between the ages of two and seven. It manifests itself in movement disorders and even signs of paralysis. In addition, the panniculus reflex (the twitching muscle reaction when, for example, insects sit on the dog) is reduced. There is no promising therapy.

Suitable accessories

The English Foxhound was bred specifically for hunting. In order to do justice to the traditional keeping of this breed, a large pack is required.

In England, these packs are still often kept in elaborately designed kennels. A large, securely fenced garden where the animals can let off steam is also an advantage.

You also need a tear-resistant lead and a well-fitting harness for this strong dog.

English Foxhound History

Origin & History

The name already reveals the origin of this breed: England. The ancestors of the English Foxhounds were kept in packs several hundred years ago and used for fox hunting.

Targeted breeding began in the 19th century. The pedigrees have been preserved to this day, so that the English Foxhounds living today have a pedigree that goes back over 200 years.

As traditional fox hunting is now also banned in England, the animals now follow an artificial trail instead of hunting real foxes.