Harambee Foxhounds

Owning a Foxhound

Strictly speaking, the Foxhound is not a rare breed although it is listed as such at the Kennel Club. There are more Foxhounds in the UK than many breeds of pedigree dog but ownership is jealously guarded by Masters of Hounds and they are rarely seen outside the pack.

Bred for centuries as hunting hounds (pedigrees date back to the early 1700s), Hunts frown upon private ownership of Foxhounds and indeed few would make suitable pets in spite of their affable nature. Energetic with great stamina, tolerant, loyal, affectionate, NEVER shy or aggressive, Foxhounds are rewarding for the hound enthusiast with time and sufficient space and energy to exercise them.

Foxhounds need a LOT of exercise and MUST have access to free running/galloping every day. A well fenced (at least 8 feet high), escape-proof enclosure is a must, and a good walk on the lead a couple of times a day should suffice. They do enjoy lazing in front of the fire just like any other dog but this is after a work-out of 5 miles or so and a good hearty meal!

Foxhounds are not the most intelligent of hounds but can be extremely crafty and will try your patience to the limit. ALL are utterly determined and quite single minded when on a scent. Forget any idea you may have of 'recall' - this is not a word which figures in the Foxhound vocabulary.

Taking on a Foxhound (if you are lucky enough to be offered one), which has hunted and lived in kennels all its life could present a few problems in a domestic situation. House training will take longer and they can be destructive if left on their own for long periods. Being a pack animal they enjoy the company of other canines so would probably settle better if there were other dogs in the household. They can be quite vocal too at times - a hound singing loudly for his supper or serenading an 'interesting' bitch by moonlight, will not be appreciated by the neighbours!

Most Foxhounds are sensitive, affectionate and adore children. Some are intensely loyal and devoted to their master, whilst others are stubborn, willful and totally self-interested. A Foxhound should NEVER be aggressive. This is very much a breed for an EXPERIENCED hound enthusiast and is NOT an ideal family dog inspite of its apparent rapport with children and affable nature. A Foxhound is real HARD work for life. Even those few puppies bred in private ownership will carry all the characteristics of the pack hound. Is this really the breed for you??

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