English Foxhound History
The English Foxhound breed can be traced back to the early 17th century. They were used by hunters to chase game, such as foxes, hares, and deer. The breed was standardized in the late 1800s, and they were imported to the United States in the early 1900s. Today, they are used mostly as companions and dogs for show. They are still used for hunting in some parts of the world. The English Foxhound has been developed for well over two hundred years.
During the British Raj, English Foxhounds were exported to India in order to jackal coursing and were used as pack dogs. Because of the hot climate, they were not long-lived there. Foxhounds rather than greyhounds were chosen for this purpose since they were quicker.
English Foxhounds were originated in England and they are cousins of American Foxhounds which are also scent hounds that were bred to hunt foxes.
English Foxhound Appearance
English Foxhounds have a short, shiny coat that is typically black, tan, and white. The standard colors are black, white and tan, white or lemon and white. The breed is known for its strong and muscular body, long legs, and large head. They typically weigh about 65-75 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are usually a bit larger than females. They have a double coat, which means that they have a thick, outer layer of fur and a soft, inner layer of fur. This type of coat helps to protect them from the temperature and from other environmental elements.
English Foxhounds are considered to be a medium-sized breed. Their back is level always and they have a deep chest. Their coat is less allergenic than some other breeds, however they tend to shed moderately.
English Foxhound Temperament and Personality
English Foxhounds are known to have a high trainability level, which means that they are willing and able to learn new tricks and commands easily. However, they can also be stubborn and independent at times, so it is important to be consistent with training. These dogs are friendly, affectionate and sociable, making them perfect dogs for families. They are known to be working dogs and love physical and mental stimulation. They are very energetic, gentle and get along well with other animals and dogs. They are considered to be easygoing, however they may be reserved around strangers. They also are not quiet dogs, so whenever they sense something, they will let you know with their loud bark. They are registered as a sporting breed, which means that they’re bred for hunting purposes. In terms of personality, English Foxhounds are loving and protective.
English Foxhound Maintenance and Activity
English Foxhounds have short hair which does not require a lot of grooming. A weekly brushing of their short, hard and dense coat shoud be enough to remove any dead hair and keep them looking healthy. If their nails do not wear down quickly on their own, they will need to be trimmed every few weeks. It is also important to bath them occasionally with a soft shampoo and clean their ears regularly. Dogs with floppy ears like English Foxhounds are prone to ear infections, so it is important to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent any problems.
Activity Level
They do require plenty of exercise and will become bored and destructive if not given enough. A walks or a good run in a park or open field is ideal. They require at least 40 minutes of physical activity daily. They get along well with other dogs and they enjoy their company, so if you have a dog already, your English Foxhound would appreciate the fun and companionship. They are playful and social and need a plenty of physical activity and space to run and play. Apartment life is not a good ennvironment for them. They are best suited for homes with large yards where they can roam and explore freely. They are also not suitable for city living as they need a lot of space to run and play in an area where they can be off leash.
Diet
The diet of your English Foxhound largely depends on various factors, such as activity level, age, health conditions, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, this breed need about 2.5-3 cups of high quality dog food.
Training
English Foxhounds are intelligent, but they can be stubborn and independent at times. They are not the easiest breed to train, but it is possible with patience and consistency. Like all dogs, they respond best to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise and toys. Training should be started at a young age for the best results. Socialization is also important for this breed, as they can be shy around strangers if not properly introduced at an early age. They need to be exposed to different people, places and situations in a positive way so that they learn to trust and accept new things.
English Foxhounds Health and Care
The English Foxhound live for 10-13 years and are a relatively healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the health concerns that have been seen in English Foxhounds include:
- Hip dysplasia;
- Dilatation-Volvulus;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Renal disease;
- Epilepsy
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit together properly. This can cause pain and lameness in the dog.
Dilatation-Volvulus, also called “twisted stomach” or “bloat”, is a life-threatening condition that can affect many canines but English Foxhounds are especially prone to it.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can cause weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue.
Renal disease is a condition that affects the kidneys. It can lead to kidney failure and death.
Epilepsy is a condition that causes seizures. Seizures can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening.
If you are considering getting an English Foxhound, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the health conditions that may affect the breed. Since English Foxhounds have floppy ears, they are also more prone to ear infections, so be sure to check their ears regularly and clean them as needed. Remember to always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health and go for regular check-ups to help ensure a long and healthy life for your furry friend.
For Whom?
English Foxhounds require a lot of physical activity, so they are not suitable for living in an apartment or with seniors that would not be able to provide them with necessary activity. They are gentle and even-tempered, making them good companions for children. English Foxhounds are also intelligent and trainable, although they can be willful at times. They have a strong prey drive so they may not get along with other small pets, however, they love the company of other dogs and are willing to play. They do not require a lot of grooming, so they are a good choice for people who do not want to spend a lot of time maintaining their dog’s coat. Despite their hunting instincts, they are gentle and affectionate and they make great family pets, provided that they’re socialized early, especially with younger children. They are not a bad option for first-time dog owners, provided that the owner is willing to commit to giving them opportunities for plenty of activity.
English Foxhounds Puppies Price
The cost for an English Foxhound puppy can vary depending on many different factors, such as breeder experience, litter size, coat color and pattern, and more. If you want to purchase a puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800-$1,500.
This is the average price range for an English Foxhound puppy. However, the price for an English Foxhound dog breed can be even higher depending on the breeder and specific circumstances.
When looking for an English Foxhound puppy, it is important to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with all of the necessary information about the breed. A good breeder will be able to answer any questions that you have and help you choose the right puppy for your family.
Be sure to do your research before purchasing an English Foxhound puppy, as there are many things to consider before making this decision. Puppies are a lot of work, and they require a lot of care and attention. Be sure that you are ready for this commitment before moving forward.
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