English Foxhound

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

(Effective 31.03.2016)

UTILIZATION:
Packhound for mounted hunt.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY:
The English Foxhound has been bred along careful lines for over two hundred years, the stud books published by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of England dating back before 1800; it is an easy matter for any owner of an English Foxhound to trace the pedigree back. The breeding of Foxhounds in England has always been and is still today in hands of the masters of Foxhounds, who kept the most careful records of their breeding operations. Lately, the English Kennel Club has published an interim standard for the Foxhound. The F.C.I has recognized the breed in 1964. There have been over two hundred and fifty packs of Foxhounds in Great Britain.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Well balanced, powerful and clean cut.

BEHAVIOUR/ TEMPERAMENT:
Stamina and endurance, natural ability to hunt. Friendly and not aggressive.

HEAD:
Well balanced.
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Flat, of medium width.
Stop: Slight.

FACIAL REGION:
Nose: Large nostrils.
Muzzle: Long and square. Moderately developed flews.
Jaws/Teeth: Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Eyes: Medium size, hazel or brown. Keen expression.
Ears: Leathers pendant, carried close to the head, high set.

NECK:
Long, slightly arched, well developed without being coarse.

BODY:
Back: Broad and level.
Loin: With a slight rise over strong loins.
Chest: Deep, ribs well sprung.

TAIL:
Well set on high. Carried gaily but never curled over back.

LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
General appearance: Forelegs long, straight and well boned down to feet.
Shoulders: Well laid back, muscular without being loaded.
Metacarpus (Pasterns): Strong.

HINDQUARTERS:
General appearance: Powerful and muscular. Well boned down to feet.
Stifles: Moderate turn.
Hocks: Well let down.

FEET:
Round, tight and strong. Well padded. Nails strong.

GAIT/MOVEMENT:
Free striding, tireless with the ability to gallop. Good drive behind with no indication to roll.

COAT
HAIR:
Short and dense. Weatherproof.

COLOUR:
Any recognized hound colour and markings.

SIZE:
Height at withers approx. 58-64 cm.

FAULTS:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
• Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
• Any dog clearly showing physical of behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.

N.B.:
• Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.