Foxhounds were the very first of the canine races in Great Britain to
come under the domination of scientific breeding. There had been hounds
of more ancient origin, such as the Southern Hound and the Bloodhound;
but something different was wanted towards the end of the seventeenth
century to hunt the wild deer that had become somewhat scattered after
Cromwell’s civil war. The demand was consequently for a quicker hound
than those hitherto known, and people devoted to the chase began to
breed it.
Head:-
Somewhat broad, not peaked like the Bloodhound, but long from the apex
to the frontal bones, eyebrows very prominent, cheeks cut clean from
the eye to the nostril, ears set low and in their natural condition
thin and shapely, but not large, nose large, jaw strong and level, and
small dewlaps, expression fierce, and with the best often repellent.
Eyes:-
Very bright and deeply set, full of determination, and with a very
steady expression. The look of the Foxhound is very remarkable.
Neck Should be perfectly clean, no skin ruffle whatever. The length of
neck is of importance, both for stooping and giving an air of majesty.
Shoulders:-
The blades should be well into the back, and should slant, otherwise be
wide and strong, to meet the arms, that should be long and powerful.
Legs and feet:-
The bone should be perfectly straight from the arm downward, and
descend in the same degree of size to the ankles. The knee should be
almost flat and level; there should be no curve until coming to the
toes, which should be very strong, round, cat-shaped, and every toe
clean set as it were.
Coat:-
The coat is hard hair, but short and smooth, the texture is as stiff as bristles, but beautifully laid.
Colour:-
Belvoir tan, which is brown and black, perfectly intermixed, with white
markings of various shapes and sizes. The white should be very opaque
and clear. Black and white, with tan markings on head and stifles.
Badger pied a kind of grey and white. Lemon pied, light yellow and
white. Hare pied, a darker yellow and white.
Height:–
Dogs from 23-1/2 to 24 inches; bitches from 22 to 22-1/2 inches.
