Foxhound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Foxhound is a type of large hunting hounds that are mostly used to hunt foxes hence the name. There are many breeds of this type and dogs differ in appearance and character from breed to breed. Generally, the Foxhound dogs are large dogs with strong scenting sense that help the dog locate its prey from far away. These dogs are used to hunt in packs while the hunter(s) generally ride the horse. The dogs will go several miles to catch its prey.

Different breeds of Foxhound are found and each breed is called Foxhound in its native country. The breed names are American Foxhound, English Foxhound, Black and Tan Foxhound, Dumfriesshire Foxhound and Welsh Hound.

The coat is usually short and close lying and comes in different colours.

Color

The Foxhound dogs are found in different colours. Common colouring for these dogs are black and tan, tricolour, red and blue.

Coat

The coat is usually short, close-fitted and harsh to touch with minimal grooming needs.

Personality

An energetic and working dog, the Foxhound type of dogs are generally loyal, loving and friendly but some breeds may not be suitable as family pets and only love to live as primarily hunting dogs. Such breeds, the American Foxhound, although, gentle and obedient, is not particularly people oriented while other breeds such as English Foxhounds make a wonderful family pet with human loving nature. All dog types get along well with other dogs in the family as they are used to working in packs. Strong prey-drive makes these dogs unsuitable around non-canine animals unless they are fully trained not to harm them. These dogs are working dogs and need lots of exercise or tasks to perform otherwise they get bored easily. They are dogs that excel in hunting foxes but have also been used as cattle herding and driving dogs with some success.

Care

Short coat of the type is low maintenance and weekly brushing will suffice.

Training

The Foxhounds may not be easy dogs to train as they tend to have independent nature and do not take to training very willingly. The dogs need a firm and consistent owner who not only can establish himself as dogs' true packleader but also put in time and effort in training these dogs.

Activity

As with most working dogs, exercise needs are higher for Foxhound type dogs. They will need to be taken for daily long walks and physical activities.