Foxhound

by Dogslife November 21, 2008

Foxhound

Originally developed in England several hundred years ago, the English Foxhound was bred for its great sense of smell and stamina. Foxhounds were used in packs to chase foxes, with horseback-mounted hunters following close behind.

In the 17th century, the first English Foxhound was imported to the United States, developing the initial stock of the American Foxhound. The American Foxhound is very similar to its cousin, the English Foxhound, but is leaner and a little faster.

Loyal and devoted to family
The modern Foxhound is a very sweet and affectionate breed that requires a loving, enriched environment to thrive. It is well known for its loyalty and devotion to family members, making it the perfect addition to any loving home.

The Foxhound is extremely friendly and never aloof or aggressive to strangers. They tend to meet with a wagging tail. These dogs also get along wonderfully with children and other pets, as they are very mild tempered and easygoing. As with all breeds, however, children should be supervised when playing with the dogs. Socialisation and training are a must from a young age to ensure a well-mannered and adjusted adult dog.

This easy-going, very pleasant breed is strongly devoted to the whole family and will fit in with people in most situations so long as it is given plenty of love and affection. The Foxhound is a very energetic dog and is not recommended for apartment living.

Needs extensive exercise
They need daily and extensive exercise and will be happiest in a sizeable backyard where they can run. An excellent jogging companion, the Foxhound also loves to go bush walking and hiking. This dog was bred to run for hours across countryside and was capable of running for five to six hours without stopping. Without daily exercise, it will become bored and destructive.

Be sure to only take your Foxhound off the leash when in a safe, fenced area as they may take off after an interesting scent. The Foxhound can be quite stubborn and independent at times; it requires a lot of patience so it is best to start training early, from puppy stage.

Average shedder
Their short, glossy coat is easy to maintain and keep clean. A daily brush using a hand-grooming glove or comb will remove any dirt from the coat. This breed is an average shedder.

The Foxhound is quite healthy but can suffer from a few hip problems and chronic ear complaints, although many of these issues have been eliminated due to good breeding practices. Ask your breeder about bloodlines as responsible breeding will reduce the chances of your Foxhound developing these problems.

The lifespan of this breed ranges between 10 and 13 years. If you have the time and dedication for one of these admirable dogs, you will have a great and stimulating companion for many years.