English Foxhound

Grooming Tips

The English Foxhound’s short, dense coat is easy to groom. Brush it weekly with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush to remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils. The dogs shed moderately, and regular brushing will help prevent loose hairs from settling on your floors, furniture and clothing. Bathe the dog as needed.The rest is basic care. Trim the nails every few weeks. Keep the rounded hanging ears clean and dry so bacterial and yeast infections don’t take hold. Brush the teeth for good overall health and fresh breath.

Exercise Tips

This breed has very high levels of energy and has been bred to be able to run continuously throughout the day with only a few breaks.Therefore it is extremely important to exercise it daily for at least an hour. If you are an avid marathon runner, jogger, hiker or cyclist, an English Foxhound will make an excellent exercise companion. When not exercised sufficiently these dogs can turn stubborn and destructive.

Feeding Tips

English Foxhounds are highly active dogs and require a nutritious diet. They should be fed 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food in two sittings per day.They should be fed appropriately to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet or the dog’s breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.

Health Tips

English Foxhounds, like most other large and active breeds, are prone to hip dysplasia and should be examined regularly for joint problems as the dog ages.They are also known to occasionally suffer from kidney disease and epileptic fits. The latter is a hereditary disorder that cannot be completely cured but can be treated with medication.

Trainability

Like most other hound breeds, English Foxhounds are highly independent and can sometimes be stubborn. Therefore they require firm, assertive leadership and consistent training. They are also bred to hunt in packs and require this firm leadership to be well-balanced.Obedience training can, however, take time and patience. Owners may experience trouble with the “come” command, especially when walking this dog without a leash. Their prey instincts are easily aroused and they can run off in pursuit of interesting ‘prey’ if walked off leash.

The English Foxhound dates back before the 1800s, in Great Britain. The Brits had kept records of over 250 different foxhound hunting packs, where studbooks were kept by the British Masters of Foxhounds Association since at least 1800.Records of English Foxhounds showed up in the USA dating back to the mid-1900s. They were developed by crossing a variety of hounds with theBulldog,Greyhoundand theSmooth Fox Terrier.Used in packs to chase fox with hunters on horseback, the Foxhound has impressive stamina and a good nose. He can run steadily for hours at a time. Some of the English Foxhound's talents are hunting, tracking, watchdog and agility.The English Foxhound was recognized by the AKC in 1909. The English Foxhound is a little slower and a bit stockier than theAmerican Foxhound.