English Foxhound - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium

Height: About 60 cm (24 inches)

Weight: About 37 kg (81 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Minimal

Exercise: Considerable

Feeding: Has a very hearty appetite

Temperament: A friendly pack animal

Country of Origin: England

AKC Group: Hound

Other Names: English Foxhound

Temperament:

The Foxhound is energetic, good-natured, active, independent and loyal. Foxhounds are typical pack dogs that are usually difficult to train and not overly obedient. They require firm control and handling to curb their hunting instincts. Foxhounds are working dogs and don't tend to be suitable as family pets. Although they are friendly and gentle they tend to be rather noisy.

Grooming:

Minimal grooming is required for the Foxhound.

Exercise:

Foxhounds need considerable amounts of exercise and love nothing more than going for a long run.

Feeding:

Foxhounds have hearty appetites and eat a reasonable amount of food. They are not at all fussy and rapidly devour their food.

History:

A hunting dog similar to the Foxhound existed centuries before Christ. It is presumed that these dogs made their way to Europe during the Roman invasions and its believed that they were crossed with the early bloodhounds or St. Huberts (as they were known then). They arrived in Britain with the Norman invasions in the 11th century and the larger type were used for hare hunting. These hounds were extremely valuable in safeguarding farms from foxes, before poisoning became the method for killing these pests.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Heavy-boned, muscular and active.

Color: Tricolor: black/tan/white. Pied: white/fawn.

Coat: Glossy, short and dense.

Tail: Carried fairly high but never over the back and set at the level of the back.

Ears: Set low, short and hanging close to the cheeks.

Body: The back is level and wide. The chest is massive and the shoulders are well sloped.

Additional Comments:

Foxhounds are not considered ideal family pets. They may be appropriate family companions when they are within a country environment and can put their hunting abilities to work, such as getting rid of hares from the property.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/foxhound/