English Foxhounds are active, athletic and energetic dogs. They need a lot of physical activity and are best suited for living in rural areas.
The English Foxhound is one of the most famous hunting dog breeds. Foxhound literally means "fox chaser". Widespread fame is not only the merit of the hunting qualities of the dog, but also the age of the breed itself, since it originates from the ancient Celtic hounds, including the Talbot.
In addition, during the selection and development of the breed, the medieval breeding program included crossbreeding with dogs such as the Greyhound, some Terriers, and also the Bulldog. Medieval dog connoisseurs proceeded from very simple principles - for courage and strength, you need the blood of a bulldog; for the speed of running, and the beauty of addition - you need the blood of a Greyhound; and terriers carry in their blood a lot of positive qualities of character, as well as perseverance and intelligence. The English Foxhound is the ancestor of many hound breeds, and one of the earliest can be considered the American Foxhound.
Back in 1650, English foxhounds were taken to the American continent by Robert Brooke, a breeder, a dog lover by vocation and an adventurer by spirit. (According to other sources, the dogs were brought by Lord Fairfax in 1738). In America, subsequently, an American version of this breed was created, and now its image is the official symbol of the state of Virginia.
In England, the English Foxhound is considered something of a national treasure, and a register of pedigrees of various branches has been maintained since 1786. The 18th and 19th centuries are generally the time of the great popularity of this breed in Europe and England. For example, Napoleon's pack consisted of more than 120 dogs, and in England by the end of the 19th century there were almost 8,000 individuals.
The English Foxhound breed has been subjected to various trainings for centuries, aimed at both obedience and the development of specific qualities of a hunting dog. However, nevertheless, it cannot be said that in the process of education you will not encounter difficulties. The reason for this is innate stubbornness, without which, of course, the personality of a hound dog would be inferior.
It is thanks to its stubbornness that the foxhound can be on its feet all day with the hunter, while overcoming great distances with virtually no food. In the Middle Ages, they often ran after a rider on a horse, and thanks to this they developed amazing endurance.
The English Foxhound needs early socialization, he needs a variety of acquaintances and broadening his horizons. New sounds, smells, people, other animals will all benefit your dog. Initially, the foxhound was not intended for protection, and there are practically no such genes in it, but it will definitely bark at strangers on the street if you live in a private house.
Attitude towards strangers can vary depending on the temperament of the dog - some perceive strangers with friendliness and openness, while others, on the contrary, are more closed in this regard. By the way, keeping them in an apartment is not very convenient, since a huge supply of internal energy requires constant walks, training, games and running around. If you do not provide the animal with the proper level of activity, leaving it at home alone is a very bad idea. To say that a dog will create a mess is to say nothing.
When walking outside, try to keep your pet on a leash, as innate instincts will encourage him to run after interesting smells, sometimes even ignoring the owner's calls. Children are treated well, as well as other dogs. Cats are best introduced into the social circle from an early age. If you bring up a Foxhound and provide him with proper conditions, this is a wonderful companion for the whole family.
Dogs of the English Foxhound breed definitely need education and training, as their stubbornness must be turned into perseverance. Moreover, they love various types of activity, training and value contact with the owner. If they see you as an authoritative, fair, kind and consistent leader, they will learn with pleasure and perseverance. If you show yourself as an unfair and cruel person, the dog will avoid classes with innate stubbornness.
They should definitely be taught not only basic commands, but also develop obedience, otherwise it will be extremely difficult for you to walk the dog without a leash. Here you will have to overcome the innate instincts of the pursuer and hunter, and therefore work must begin as early as possible.
For example, at 3-4 months it is still too early to learn commands, but it is necessary to limit the puppy’s desire to run away while walking in the park. Obedience should always be rewarded, for example, by stroking, simple praise, and when the training of teams begins, something tasty.
The English Foxhound has a short, close-lying coat and does not require much grooming other than brushing once a week.
If you have walked your dog in the park or in the woods, be sure to check your ears for insects and mites. Also, always keep your pet's eyes clean, and trim the nails if necessary. Bathe your dog at least once a week.
Although the English Foxhound breed is healthy, has good immunity and amazing stamina, there are some diseases that you may come across. Namely:
