Dog Breeds – The English foxhound
A subject close to my heart… (pictured above – our dog Beau) We rescued and adopted a Foxhound cross “Beau” a few years ago now and he is the most intelligent dog I have ever owned (no bias here of course).
I thought this week I’d present a doggy profile on the English Foxhound, as very few people know much about this breed of dog.
The English foxhound is of powerful build, with large bone. The size of bone at the ankle is considered especially important. This build, along with comparatively straight angulation of the stifles, favors stamina over speed. The rich, deep voice is prized for the hunt.
Traditionally a pack hound, the English foxhound nonetheless makes a good house dog, as long as it has human or canine companionship. It gets along well with horses, dogs, children and other pets. Beau is a little prey driven, so we have to keep an eye on this around cattle etc. It is an avid sniffer and trailer, however, and needs daily exercise in a safe area. It is a tolerant, amiable and gentle dog.. Most are reserved with strangers. It is not well-suited for city life.
Occasionally, when not booked out with our dog daycare adventures, we bring Beau with us and he enjoys playing with the doggy day care dog. He also loves swimming, actually he could swim all day long! We taught him to run on a treadmill and surf on a surf board! Amazing uh! Beau is also great companionship for the visiting guests when we are pet sitting dogs for holiday care & dog minding.
FAMILY -scenthound
AREA OF ORIGIN Great Britain
DATE OF ORIGIN 1700s
ORIGINAL FUNCTION trailing fox
TODAY’S FUNCTION trailing fox
AVERAGE SIZE OF MALE Height: 23-27 Weight: 55-75
AVERAGE SIZE OF FEMALE Height: 23-27 Weight: 55-75
OTHER NAME foxhound
Energy level High energy
Exercise needs High
Playfullness Moderately playful
Affection level Moderately affectionate
Friendliness toward other dogs Very friendly
Friendliness toward other pets Friendly
Friendliness toward strangers Very friendly
Ease of training Easy to train
Watchdog ability High
Protection ability Not very protective
Grooming needs Low maintenance
Cold tolerance Medium tolerance
Heat tolerance Medium tolerance
The foxhound is an easygoing dog that nonetheless needs plenty of exercise. It is bred to run for miles, and it can make a good jogging companion on leash or a hiking companion in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter and bedding and, preferably, another foxhound. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
• Life span: 10 – 13 years
The English foxhound is still the first choice of hunters wishing a traditional outing on horseback, riding to the melodious bay of this most classic of breeds. The foxhound is an easygoing dog that nonetheless needs plenty of exercise. It is bred to run for miles, and it can make a good jogging companion on leash or a hiking companion in a safe area. It can live outdoors in temperate climates as long as it has warm shelter and bedding and, preferably, another foxhound. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Leah and Angela OMeara
(Hound Dog Day Care-specialists in Dog Minding Brisbane, Dog Walking Brisbane,Pet Sitting Brisbane & Dog Day care Brisbane).