foxhound: see American foxhound; English foxhound.

Either of two breeds of dogs traditionally kept in packs for fox hunting. The English foxhound stands 21–25 in. (53–64 cm) high and weighs 60–70 lbs (27–32 kg). It has a short coat, which is usually a combination of black, tan, and white. The American foxhound resembles the English breed in appearance and size but is more lightly built. It is the oldest breed of sporting dog in the U.S., developed from English foxhounds imported beginning in 1650. Both breeds have been bred for strength, speed, and versatility; they are rarely kept as house pets.

Learn more about foxhound with a free trial on Britannica.com.

A foxhound is a type of large hunting hound. Foxhounds hunt in packs and, like all scent hounds, have a strong sense of smell. They are used in hunts for foxes, hence the name. When out hunting they are followed usually on horseback and will travel several miles to catch their target. These dogs have strong natural instincts to hunt and are energetic and active.

There are four breeds of foxhound, each often called simply Foxhound in their native countries:

• American Foxhound
• English Foxhound
• Black And Tan Virginia Foxhound
• Welsh Hound

AKC Registrations

The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that in 2005, the English Foxhound was the least registered breed with 22 registrations, with the American Foxhound being fourth to last with 44 registrations. For comparison, the top registered breed, the Labrador Retriever, had 137,867 registrations during the same year.

One should not, however, make a hasty conclusion about the breed's popularity. A significant portion of the breed are not registered with the AKC. They make great pets as they are loyal friends.

References