The English Foxhound is a large hound breed that was bred to work with horses. A good companion that requires room to run.

Physical Characteristics

• Large build
• Elegant, clean cut and athletic
• Coloring is any hound color (black, tan and white) or any combination of the three with white, yellow and tan
• Brown eyes have a soft, gentle expression
• Coat: Short, dense hair
• Height: 23-27 inches
• Weight: 75-95 pounds
• Average lifespan: 12 years

Temperament

• Friendly, amiable, gentle, active, bold
• Interaction with people: Excellent with children
• Interaction with animals: Prefers company of other dogs; good with other animals
• Level of attention needed: Traditionally a pack animal, so needs lots of human or canine companionship
• Training: Responsive and obedient to owner, but training takes patience

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs large yard, preferably acreage

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush
• Shampoo only when necessary

Brief History

• Developed by mixing of various hounds
• Subsequently bred with the greyhound, bulldog, and fox terrier
• From these latter breeds the foxhound inherited sudden spurts of speed during the chase, force and authority, and a passion for the hunt
• Studbooks have been carefully kept by the British Masters of Foxhounds Association since the 1800s

Fido's Facts

• Developed in response to the deer depletion of the late 1500s when sportsmen began hunting fox
• Passionate hunter
• Designed to live near horses
• Registered with the American Kennel Club as the rarest dog in the U.S.
• Able to run for five to six hours at a consistent speed without stopping