English Foxhound was developed in England, as its name suggests, as a pack hound (dogs who live and work together in a pack) to trail foxes. The English Foxhound dog breed’s history can be traced back to the 1700s. Many of today’s English Foxhound pedigrees can be traced back to that era in an unbroken line, primarily because each pack has a Master of the Hounds who manages the pack, including keeping careful records of each dog.
English Foxhounds stand 23 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Although it is a pure breed in England, in North America the dogs used for hunting are often crossbred. Foxhounds tend to be bred to be able to hunt in the terrain of their region. English Foxhounds are solidly built, with very straight front legs, a straight back, long neck, and round, tight feet. The coat is short, and the coat colors are considered not important, although the traditional hound colors (white, tan, and black) are preferred.
Grooming the English Foxhound dog breed consists of a twice weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or curry comb. The breed needs daily aerobic exercise. Since catch-and-fetch games are usually not appealing to Foxhounds, exercise can be a long, vigorous walk or a jog alongside a bicycle. This breed should never be allowed to run free outside of a fenced yard; if a rabbit or squirrel is flushed, the dog will be gone, and no amount of calling will bring him back.
English Foxhounds can be pets, but they are first and foremost pack dogs; they do best with other dogs. English Foxhounds can be quite active in the house. They are not able to settle down and relax on the sofa. Obedience training can sometimes be a challenge; they see no need for these rules. They are good with children and enjoy the kids’ antics. They do bay, which can cause problems with neighbors. The breed has few health concerns.