The English Foxhound is bred to be a pack animal, they were used in foxhunting, but this has been illegal in the UK for many years. The foxhound is usually found on the farm now. This would not make a suitable companion pet.
This intelligent, sweet dog has been bred for stamina, and if you are looking for a running partner or someone to accompany you while you are on a horseback ride, this could be the perfect breed for you.
Working dogs need a lot of exercise and this guy is no different. They need plenty of exercise and playtime. They could make the perfect jogging partner; this is not a breed for couch potatoes. You will need to be able to commit to long walks and endless games to keep them happy. This is not a suitable apartment dog.
They can make family pets as they are playful and affectionate, but they are not suitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. Older children and those used to being around dogs will play endless games running around the garden with them. They will tend to bond more with a particular person.
They make excellent watchdogs, and you will always know who is at the door and anything suspicious or exciting outside. They are un-trusting of strangers and, as with most dogs will need good socialisation to combat this.
They are bred to be pack animals, so they will typically be okay around other dogs, they should be OK with cats and small animals if brought up with them. Small animals and neighbours cats outside the house will have to watch out as the instinct to hunt is strong.
They are relatively intelligent and reasonably easy to train. You will need to establish yourself as the top dog early on. Then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. Try to keep training both exciting and fun for the best results and avoid being harsh with them; identifying their motivation reward early will get you the best results, and it’s normally food.
They have short hair but still shed all year round, they are easy to groom, and weekly brushing will keep the hairs under control.
English Foxhound Stats
This dog is famous in England for its use in fox hunting packs. It is believed this well-known breed was developed from the Saint Hubert Hound (which looks similar to a bloodhound) and arrived in the UK during the Norman invasion. The St Hubert Hound was first developed in the Ardennes Abbey in Switzerland.
- Weight -25kg –34kg
- Size – 58cm – 69cm
- They live for 12-14 years