History of the Foxhound
Possibly one of the oldest native breeds in the UK, the Foxhound is classed as a vulnerable breed by The Royal Kennel Club. Since 1983, the RKC have had less than 900 Foxhounds registered. Thus meaning they are classed as a vulnerable breed.
However, there are thousands of Foxhounds in packs across the United Kingdom.
The English Foxhound is often deemed the rarest of the four foxhound breeds across the world. Originating in Great Britain during the 16th century the English Foxhounds were created to hunt deer in England, but they were superseded by the Deerhound and Staghound. During Henry VIII’s reign he decided to hunt exciting new quarry – the fox. Suddenly, the Foxhound found a renewed purpose.
Apparently created by crossing a Greyhound (for their speed), a Fox Terrier (for their hunting abilities), and a Bulldog (for their determination and stubbornness) the some foxhounds can still be traced back to these mixes!
As the name suggests, historically the Foxhound was bred and used for hunting foxes by scent across country. However, the Hunting Act 2004 changed this & now Foxhounds hunt artificial trails. Packs are regulated by the British Hound Sports Authority & are expected to meet the highest standard of care & welfare. With regular spot checks and compliance standards.
Within the BHSA sits Master Of Foxhounds Association who have ownership of the Studbook.
The MFHA studbook works differently to the KC registrations. Where by the KC register puppies at a few weeks old, the MFHA studbook allow registrations of hounds once they have “entered”. This means they have had their first season trail hunting. They also might “enter” at a hunt different to where it is bred if it has been drafted out.
The Kennel Club has a breed standard for the foxhound which is similar to that of MFHA. However there are several types of foxhound with in this bracket – similarly to other hounds such as Bassets & Dachshunds.
Foxhound Traits
Andy McIllraine once said “If you are not a hound person, it may be hard to understand” I wholeheartedly agree with him.
Often people do not realise that your hound does not believe they need you. Hard to understand – yes? No. Not really.
A human is a convenience to a hound, in the way Starbucks has a drive through or adding a website to your favourites. If you don’t have them you’ll get on just fine, however life is a little easier when they’re there.
Unlike other working dogs such a retrievers or collies who work with you, the shepherd can’t move sheep without his dog & the dog can’t move sheep without the shepherd. They are programmed to keep owner/handler happy.
The foxhound? Whole other story! They are independent. Some varieties are fiercely independent (the Welsh & fell). The foxhound will (historically) have gone off in their pack to the edge of a wood or covert and use their nose to find the foxes scent. They do so with no instruction from their master.
They make their own decisions. They pick up the scent of the fox and run. They move & turn. They climb hills. Jump fences. All on their own initiative. Infact, they command their master with their cry.
Highly intelligent as they might be, the foxhound won’t do as it’s told just because you demand it. They find it a cooperative effort. They need to know what’s in it for them.
Don’t get me wrong. They make superb pets & truly encourage anyone to consider them. However, they aren’t a first time dog owner pet. Probably not even a 2nd time dog owner. They are often referred to as stubborn, like many other types of hounds (dachshunds in particular spring to mind).
Are you still with me? Are you starting to understand?
Their priorities are incredibly different to any other breed I have worked with. Example, I let my girls roam whilst I do kennels & stables. They’re never far from me, when I call they come. But not directly. They don’t arrive & sit patiently awaiting their next command. They appear. They show me they have listened but they remain independent. Following their noses for whichever piece of animal muck might be closest.
One must remember that this is how they should be. A huntsman doesn’t want a hound at his feet all day. They need to be confident to take themselves off.
You may now be wondering “so how do I make myself the priority”. Sorry to tell you it’s unlikely that you will. At best they will see you as family, as Adam puts it, a sibling or good friend. One who has a give & take relationship, a balance. You won’t get it 100% right everytime. However if you start to understand how a hound thinks, you’re already a good part of the way there
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