Basic Information
Fox hunting in the United States emerged around the same period as it did in Great Britain. In American dog shows and other canine events, the breed we encounter is referred to as the English Foxhound. While it may be puzzling why it bears this name rather than being called a Fox Terrier (or British Fox Terrier), the term “English Foxhound” has become firmly established.
The English Foxhound has been meticulously bred for over 150 years. The Stud Book published by the Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) in the UK traces the lineage of this breed as far back as the early 1800s. For every English Foxhound owner, tracing their hound’s pedigree is relatively easy thanks to detailed and well-maintained breeding records. The breeding of the English Foxhound is largely managed by the hound masters themselves, who preserve and protect these precise records with great care.
Physically, the English Foxhound is considerably more robust than its American cousin. Perhaps no description captures its general appearance better than a passage quoted in The Reminiscences of Frank Gillard by Cuthbert Bradley. In it, Bradley describes “Baillie Boro Gambler,” one of the largest foxhounds he ever bred and owned, painting a vivid picture of the breed’s powerful stature and character.
Temperament and Characteristics
The English Foxhound is strong, energetic, and possesses great courage and loyalty. It excels in both speed and sight, making it a highly capable hunting dog.
Pros and Cons
With proper training, the English Foxhound can accept a human as the pack leader. Without this leadership, however, it is not suitable as a household pet. The breed thrives in group environments, requires a significant amount of physical exercise, and is ill-suited to urban living. It does not tolerate solitude well and needs regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat.
Feeding Guidelines
The English Foxhound requires a diet rich in meat-based nutrients. Daily meals should include 200–250 grams of meat, balanced with an equal amount of dry vegetable feed or dog biscuits. Meat should be cooked, finely chopped, and mixed with the plant-based feed and warm water before serving. Raw meat should be avoided, and plant-based feed should be thoroughly cooked.
Feeding should take place at set times and locations to establish a consistent routine. Meals should be consumed within 15 minutes; leftover food should be promptly removed to reinforce this habit and prevent overfeeding.
Food from previous meals, especially during hot weather, should not be reused to avoid gastrointestinal issues such as enteritis. Always ensure fresh, uncontaminated food is provided to maintain the hound’s health.
