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English Foxhound facts for kids

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English Foxhound
English Foxhound portrait.jpg
Other names Foxhound
Origin Great Britain - England
Traits
Height 23–25 inches (58–64 cm)
Classification / standards
FCI standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The English Foxhound is a special type of dog known for its amazing sense of smell. It's one of four kinds of foxhounds. This dog is like a close relative to the American Foxhound. English Foxhounds were originally bred to help hunters track foxes using their powerful noses.

Discover the English Foxhound

What English Foxhounds Look Like

English Foxhounds, Cheshire Game and Country Fair 2014 1
English Foxhounds resting.

English Foxhounds are medium to large dogs. They usually stand about 51 to 69 centimeters (20 to 27 inches) tall at the shoulder. They have a strong, thick skull and a long nose.

Their legs are muscular and straight. Their paws are round, almost like a cat's. English Foxhounds can be many colors. They are often tricolor (black, white, and tan), or just tan, red, or black with a white base.

The Friendly Foxhound's Personality

Chasse a courre
A group of English Foxhounds.

English Foxhounds are known as "pack hounds." This means they love being with other dogs. They also really enjoy being around people. They are gentle, social, and very tolerant dogs.

They get along well with children, horses, and other pets. These dogs are very active. They love to track scents and have lots of energy. They can run all day with only short breaks.

English Foxhound Health and Life

English Foxhounds are generally very healthy dogs. They don't have many common health problems. Sometimes, they might have issues like hip problems or kidney issues. A few might also experience epilepsy, which affects the brain.

These dogs typically live for about 10 to 13 years. With good care, they can be healthy companions for a long time.

A Look at Foxhound History

English Foxhound from 1915
An English Foxhound around 1915.

The English Foxhound has a long history, going back over 200 years. Records of their breeding, called "stud books," started even before the year 1800. These books help track their family trees.

Long ago, during a time when Britain ruled parts of India, English Foxhounds were sent there. They were used to hunt jackals, which are wild animals similar to foxes. The weather in India was often too hot for them, so they didn't live as long there. People preferred foxhounds for hunting because they weren't as fast as greyhounds. This made the chase last longer and more exciting.

Keeping careful breeding records is very important for this working dog breed. "Puppy shows" are big events for hunters. They allow people to see the newest puppies from a hound pack. In 2012, the International Foxhound Association was created. Its goal is to help promote and protect the English Foxhound breed.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Foxhound inglés para niños

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