How to Identify an English Foxhound

The English foxhound is a member of the hound group. It is an active breed and makes a bold and passionate hunter. While this breed is very responsive to its master, training will take some patience. If you are looking for an English foxhound as a pet, be prepared to put up with some baying. This breed also prefers the company of other dogs and animals, but is also friendly toward people, including children.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure the head is full sized, but not heavy. The nose is at least four and a half inches long, ending at open nostrils. The ears are low and lie close to the cheeks. The teeth cannot be overshot or undershot. The brown eyes should have a gentle expression.

2. Look at the long, clean neck. It should not be throaty and is not less than 10 inches from the cranium to the shoulder. The shoulders are long and have a lot of muscle, but are not heavy. They should be well sloped. The muscular back and loin run into each other without any contraction between them. For endurance, the hind quarters are quite strong. The feet are round and catlike, and have well-developed knuckles. The tail is held over its back, but not so curled over that it looks like a squirrel’s tail.

3. Check the size of the English foxhound. Males should be 22 to 25 inches at the withers and females should be 21 to 24 inches at the shoulders. Both males and females should weigh 65 to 70 pounds.

4. Look and feel the short, dense coat. It should be hard and glossy. The English foxhound may be black, tan and white. There are also pies—colors of white and a yellowish or tan color mixed.

Tips & Warnings

• While this breed only lives to be about 10 years old, it is a very healthy breed.