Foxhounds

Foxhounds

Breed: Foxhound
Temperament: Active, single-minded
Cost: $400
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Recommended for: Active, experienced dog owners
Maintenance: Low

Although this is a dog most people recognise, the Foxhound is quite rare in Australia. It's the dog seen in so many British shows and fox hunts.

Appearance: To the layman, the Foxhound is just a taller version of the Beagle, smooth-coated, with drop ears and available in the same range of colours: black, white, tan and their combinations. Beagles are small to medium dogs reaching about 40cm (16"), the Foxhound stands 58-64cm (23-25") and has a flatter skull and sharper features.

Temperament: Foxhounds are said to be typical hounds: active, friendly, outgoing, craving company but once on a scent, are oblivious to all and deaf to owners. If bored they may dig holes or bark, and secure fencing is essential to stop them escaping if the outside world looks more appealing. Being pack dogs, Foxhounds, more than most breeds, enjoy being with people and longtime owners often recommend having two dogs rather than just one.

Health:

No significant diseases recorded Very hardy and sound animal.

Breeding: Foxhounds may have up to 10 puppies a litter, more often five to seven. Very few whelping problems. They take two years to mature.

Housepet potential: Most pet owners do not recommend Foxhounds as an indoor dog because they are large and boisterous enough to send a coffee table tumbling. Good quality shelter is essential for life outdoors.

Space & exercise: Unless you're a very active person who will take the dog for a 6-8km walk three to four times a week, the Foxhound may have trouble adapting to life in a suburban backyard. These dogs are bred to chase and run all day and thrive on activity. They have no road sense and if head-down on a scent, may follow it for hours, and if young, could become hopelessly lost.

Ideal owner: Active people who are experienced with dogs and can handle the Foxhound's enthusiastic outlook, need for company and exercise. While not recommended for very young children (because of their large size) they are friendly with older children.

Grooming: Minimal, requiring a bath fortnightly and a rub over with a hound glove - a special grooming mitt for short-coated dogs available from larger pet shops or vets.

Training: Not an easy breed to train for obedience. While intelligent and amenable, they are easily distracted by interesting smells, and patience and persistence in training is vital.

Uses: In Australia most Foxhounds are still used as pack hounds for hunting. As pets they are still quite rare, and national dog registration figures show exhibition dog numbers have declined in the past decade. Hunting dogs are registered separately.

History: As the name suggests, Foxhounds were developed for hunting foxes and for hundreds of years, have been bred for use in packs. In Australia the Foxhound probably accompanied the captive foxes brought out by wealthier British settlers in the 1800s so they could ride to the hunt here, in memory of the lifestyle back "Home". Hunt packs still operate in most Australian states except WA and NT.

Further information

We filmed our segment with NSW Breeder: Grant Gibson. Phone: (02) 9632 2628.

For other breeders contact the Canine Council in your state. There are also hunt clubs throughout Australia.

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association
PO Box 815
Dickson, 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

NT
North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321
Winnellie, 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

QLD
The Canine Control Council (Qld)
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

SA
South Australian Canine Association
PO Box 844
Prospect East, 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

VIC
Victorian Canine Association Inc.
PO Box K9
Ascot Vale, 3032
Phone: (03) 9376 2255

WA
The Canine Association of WA
PO Box 301
Gosnells, 6110
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

Copyright 2006 CTC Productions