The Canine Chronicles Directory
English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is very similar to the American Foxhound and the two are often
mistaken for one another. The English Foxhound's coat is generally short, dense
and coarse with black, tan and white coloring and a glossy sheen. The wide skull
should have a pronounced brow and a long muzzle. The long nose should be wide and
have open nostrils. The large eyes are brown and the low set, pendant ears lie close
to the cheeks. The teeth should meet squarely. The long neck should be slightly
convex as well as taper from the shoulders to the neck. The neck flows into muscular,
well sloped shoulders. The deep chest should be well-sprung and the topline level.
The legs should be straight and the feet round. The tail is held above the back
and is slightly curved.
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Temperament
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English Foxhounds are friendly, active, bold, and passionate dogs. They enjoy being
around people; however, they prefer the company of other dogs. They are generally
reserved with strangers but excellent with children and other household or farm
animals. They are generally stockier and slower than their American counterparts,
but have similar personalities. They love being active and will run at a consistent
speed for up to 5 or 6 hours without stopping.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 22-25" ; Weight: 65-70 lbs.
Female Height: 21-24" ; Weight: 65-70 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is very hardy and not prone to many health problems.
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Living Conditions
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It is not recommended to keep an English Foxhound in an apartment. They do best
with an average size yard.
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Exercise
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This breed needs daily vigorous exercise. They can become bored and restless. They
can run for hours and hours. Keep them on a leash as they may take off after an
interesting scent.
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Life Expectancy
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Less than 10 years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom with brushing and occasional shampooing. They are average
shedders.
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Origin
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English Foxhounds were created in the 1500s during the reign of Henry VIII. Deer
hunting had been a popular sport among English nobleman and royals. Breeds such
as the Deerhound and the Staghound had been used for this purpose. However, when
a perceived depletion of deer was identified, a new prey was chosen to hunt, the
fox. The English Foxhound was developed from a cross of Greyhound, Fox Terrier and
English Bulldog. They are usually used in packs with hunters on horseback to pursue
foxes. The British Masters of Foxhounds Association has kept the stud books for
this breed since the early 1800s. This breed has a keen sense of smell, an ardent
tenacity for the hunt and immense stamina. They are recognized by both the AKC and
the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Hound, UKC Scenthound
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