English Foxhound

Description

The English Foxhound is a breed of medium-sized, athletic dog that originated in Great Britain. It belongs to the hound breed family which is admired for their incomparable hunting skills magnified by their outstanding scenting power, speed, and or stamina. English Foxhounds have been bred to trail fox. Their short dense coat is hard and glossy, and usually comes in various colors such as a tri-color pattern of black, white, and tan. Some members of the line comes in a bi-color shade with white as its predominant background.

Height and Weight

The male members of the English Foxhound breed normally stand a height of 22 to 25 in at the withers, while bitches are a bit smaller with a typical height of 21 to 24 in. Both have a common weight of about 65 to 70 lbs.

Temperament

English Foxhounds, in general, are courageous, passionate hunters. They are highly energetic dogs that require a great deal of daily exercise. The breed responds well to leadership, and is usually willing and eager to please their owners. English Foxhounds get along well with people, and are fond of children. Nonetheless, they prefer the company of other dogs, and may bond well with other household pets. The breed likes to bay, and tends to be untiring. As a matter of fact, they are capable of running for several hours at a constant speed, without stopping. Because of the breed’s great energy reserves, they have the propensity to become rather destructive when they fail to meet their exercise needs. English Foxhounds basically need a firm yet gentle owner who can display a confident and consistent approach over them.

Grooming

English Foxhounds are not difficult to groom. They only require occasional combing to get rid of dead hair. Rubbing their coat using a rough cloth on a regular basis is also recommended. The breed needs to be bathed only when very necessary. English Foxhounds are moderate shedders.

Health Concerns

English Foxhounds are generally a healthy and robust breed. They have very minimal health-related concerns, and have an average life expectancy of about 10 to 13 years. Nonetheless, some members of the line are likely to acquire liver ailments toward their later years.

Best Environment

Members of the English Foxhound are outdoor dogs that are typically fond of running several miles on end. They thrive in temperate climates, and need a warm shelter, and preferably another foxhound for company. The breed does not do well as apartment dogs. English Foxhounds are highly active indoors and would do very well with acreage. They have a considerable amount of exercise needs.