Welcome to my post about the English foxhound breed! As a dog breeder, I have worked with several breeds, but the English foxhound holds a special place in my heart. These hounds are loyal, playful, and make wonderful companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Throughout this post, I will provide you with tips on how to care for your English foxhound, what to expect from this breed, and alternatives you may want to consider. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a first-time hound adopter, this post will provide you with valuable information that can help you make the best decision for you and your family.
The English foxhound breed has its roots in the British Isles, where it was developed in the 16th century for the purpose of fox hunting. The development of the breed is attributed to Robert Brooke, who bred a pack of hounds for the purpose of hunting foxes with the help of the newly-introduced horseback method. The dogs were bred to have a keen sense of smell, excellent stamina, and an relentless hunt drive.
These hounds were then crossbred with other British hound breeds, particularly the Greyhound, to create a more athletic and faster hound with greater stamina. By the 18th century, the English foxhound had become a distinct breed, recognized for its hunting skills and athletic ability.
Today, English foxhounds continue to be used for hunting but are also popular as pets due to their friendly and loyal personalities. These dogs are full of energy and need plenty of exercise and socialization to live a happy and healthy life.
The English foxhound is a large breed of hound, with males standing anywhere from 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 65 to 75 pounds. Females are slightly smaller and lighter, standing between 21 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds.
The English foxhound has a short, dense coat that can come in several colors including black, tan, white, and any combination of these colors.
English foxhounds are known for their friendly and sociable personalities. They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal to their families. However, they can be quite independent and strong-willed, which may make training a bit more challenging. They are also pack animals and tend to get along well with other dogs but may not be the best choice for families with small pets.
English foxhounds are highly energetic and require plenty of daily exercise, including long walks, runs, or hikes. They are also highly social and need plenty of interaction with their owners and other dogs to remain happy and healthy.
Like all breeds of dogs, English foxhounds are prone to certain health conditions. By knowing what to look out for, you can help keep your hound healthy and potentially avoid costly veterinary bills.
Some of the most common health concerns in English foxhounds include:
To prevent or manage these health concerns, it's important to keep your hound at a healthy weight, provide proper exercise, and schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Keeping their ears clean and dry can also help prevent ear infections, and feeding them smaller, more frequent meals can also help prevent bloat.
Additionally, it's recommended to get your English foxhound DNA tested for certain conditions, such as epilepsy or eye conditions, to help ensure that your hound is as healthy as possible.
The English foxhound can be an independent, strong-willed breed that may require a bit more patience and persistence when it comes to training. However, with proper training and socialization from an early age, your hound can become a well-mannered and obedient companion.
Some training tips for the English foxhound include:
It's also important to remember that English foxhounds are pack animals and need plenty of socialization with other dogs to remain happy and healthy. Regular trips to the dog park or play dates with other friendly dogs can help improve your hound's socialization skills and prevent behavioral problems.
If you're considering adopting a hound but aren't quite sure if the English foxhound is the right breed for you, there are several alternative breeds that may suit your lifestyle and preferences better.
Some alternative hound breeds that you may want to consider include:
When selecting the best breed for you, it's important to consider factors such as your lifestyle, living situation, and activity level. Researching different breeds and speaking with breeders or owners can also help you make an informed decision.
Related: Do Cane Corsos Bark a Lot? Find Out Here!
The English Foxhound has its origins in Great Britain, where it was developed in the 16th century for hunting foxes.
English Foxhounds are known for their loyal, affectionate, and sociable temperament. They are excellent with children and other animals.
The average lifespan of an English Foxhound is 10-13 years.
Yes, English Foxhounds make excellent family pets due to their friendly and affectionate nature.
No, English Foxhounds require a lot of space and exercise, so they are not recommended for apartments.
English Foxhounds require at least an hour of exercise each day to keep them fit and healthy.
English Foxhounds can be challenging to train due to their strong hunting instinct, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained.
English Foxhounds have short, dense coats, so they only require occasional brushing and bath.
English Foxhounds are prone to several health issues, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity.
Yes, English Foxhounds can live with cats if they are socialized properly from a young age. However, due to their strong hunting instinct, they may not be suitable for all households.
Jodie has always been a lover of adventure, and her love for adventure had landed her a job as an adventure tour guide in Scotland. However, nothing had prepared her for the ecstatic feeling she felt when she met Remy, a dog that would change her life forever.
Jodie was tasked with taking a group of tourists out for a hike in the Scottish highlands when she stumbled upon Remy. Remy was wandering in the woods, with a collar, but no tag. She was a beautiful dog with soulful brown eyes and an irresistible charm. Jodie couldn't resist scooping her up and taking her back to the tour bus.
As the day progressed, Jodie realized that she couldn't bear the thought of taking Remy to a shelter. She had to have Remy. She made a few calls and found out that Remy was an English Foxhound, and immediately knew that they were meant to be together.
Remy had a history of being a hunting dog, but with love, care, and a lot of patience, Jodie was able to turn Remy into her companion and best friend. Jodie quickly realized that Remy was her perfect adventure companion. Remy loved long hikes in the wild, climbing high peaks, and enjoying the Scottish wilderness.
As the years went by, Jodie and Remy explored Scotland and made countless memories. Remy proved to be an outstanding companion, loving and loyal to Jodie every step of the way. Jodie knew that she couldn't have asked for a better partner in life.
Looking back at their journey, Jodie knew that Remy was the one who had rescued her, and not the other way around. Remy had brought unmatched love, energy, and excitement into Jodie's life, and she couldn't be happier. For Jodie, meeting Remy was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Foxhound
Thank you for reading my post about the English foxhound breed. These dogs are full of energy, loyalty, and playfulness. They can make wonderful companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle and plenty of socialization with other dogs. However, it's important to remember that English foxhounds can be strong-willed and require patience and persistence when it comes to training.
By understanding their characteristics and potential health concerns and by providing proper exercise, training and socialization, you can help ensure that your English foxhound lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
Remember, there are alternative hound breeds available as well, and it's important to consider these breeds before making a decision about which dog will become a part of your family.
Thank you again for reading and best of luck finding the perfect hound for you and your family.