Like so many other breeds, what we know today as the “English Foxhound” was developed and perfected over centuries to perform a very specialized and singular purpose in an extremely limited geographical area. In the case of the EF, its development has had the benefit of exceptionally large kennels, almost unlimited financing, and Masters and Huntsmen whose life’s work was the perfection and preservation of the breed. By tradition, a larger number of pups are born early in the year and the process of sorting out the lot to determine which of them will “enter” to the hunting pack begins almost immediately. If you have 100 or more prospects from which to choose, and a lengthy period of time to make the selection, building and maintaining a superior pack of hunting hounds is not impossible, although it may take a decade or two.

Unlike their American cousins, English Foxhounds are bred for endurance rather than speed. The UK does not have the broad plains of America, nor the coyotes either. Hounds cover great distances, to be sure, sometimes 30 miles a day or more, but it is seldom in a straight line over open country or a long run at breakneck speed. The country is cultivated with stone walls, Gorse hedges, and other obstacles in many places. Gorse is a plentiful shrub that wreaks havoc with hounds’ ears and bodies. Ground cover is quite thick and dense, especially where dens are located. Hounds are directed into this “covert” by the Huntsman, to locate and bolt the fox.

English Foxhounds are nearly always hunted as a pack. They live as a pack, work as a pack and, in truth, think as a pack. In the 1990s, there was a study at UCLA which purported to find the dumbest breed of dog and concluded that must, of course, be the Afghan Hound. When I inquired as to the criteria for that conclusion, the researcher said they had studied the performance of dogs at Obedience Trials, among other things. When I asked how many EFs he had seen at the trials, the silence was deafening. The reality is that any EF that thinks for itself to any great degree is not likely to become a part of the pack, and thus, is unlikely to be bred. The breed has a wonderful, amiable, biddable disposition, but creative thinking is not an asset in a pack. You want a single-purpose hound whose nose, brain, and body are dedicated only to following that scent line. When you marvel at a pack of hounds being paraded in such a formation that you could throw a blanket over them, remember that this is part good training and part genetics. (Trivia note: When you see those parade pictures, note that the thong of the Huntsman’s whip is hanging straight down. So too is the thong on the whips of the Whippers-In. That is a visual signal for the hounds to “pack up.” The whip itself is a signaling device. It is NEVER used to punish a hound.)

Many of the larger hunts maintain three separate packs, each of them hunting one day a week. It is seldom that hounds can hunt every other day, even when they are in the best condition. The hunt season traditionally begins on the first of November and ends in March. There is an informal training season called “Cub Hunting” wherein the young hounds are trained in locating fox in covert, but not the long runs that come in the fall.

Within each pack are several hounds which may possess just a bit better sense of smell, a bit more common sense, or just a bit more experience. Quite often it is these “strike hounds” that will pick up a scent line, speak to it with their wonderful voice, and head out of the covert on the trail. The Huntsman will urge the balance of the pack (with voice and horn) to “Hark to ‘em,” sound the unmistakable “Gone Away” on the horn, and the chase is on. Quite often in the UK, and nearly always in the US, the fox is able to get to ground which, these days, signals the end of the chase and the fox will be left to hunt another day..

That, in four short paragraphs, is a synopsis of the English Foxhound’s vocation. Simple enough to describe, but much more complicated to fulfill. Each hunt country is a bit different, and therefore, each MFH or Huntsman will seek out slightly different characteristics in their hounds. This accounts for the rise of the Modern English Foxhound which is a bit lighter in bone and body and a bit faster all around. It accounts for the Welsh Hound whose shaggy coat is great protection for adverse weather conditions. Despite the emphasis on superior hunting ability, there is now and always has been great importance attached to proper conformation to get the job done. Hounds that break down, lag, or cannot keep up are a detriment to the pack as a whole. They don’t last long and will surely not be bred.

While the very few English Foxhounds that we see in the AKC ring are usually of excellent “Old English” conformation, they don’t represent even a small fraction of the hounds that are shown at hound shows in the UK and the US. The Masters of Foxhounds Association (UK) and the Masters of Foxhounds Association of America (US) sanction these events. There are literally hundreds of hounds from recognized packs exhibited and usually there are various divisions. In the US, these divisions are for English, American, Cross-Bred, and in some cases, Penn-Marydel hounds. Most often the judge or judges are knowledgeable active or retired Masters or Huntsmen.

At hound shows held in the late spring and early summer, English hounds are shown in the US by hunt staff (either professional or honorary) clad in the traditional kennel coat and bowler hat. In the UK, they are shown by staff in full hunt livery. One holds the hound or multiple entry on a slip lead while the other attempts to bait the exhibit into a free-stack. Hounds are shown “on the flags” which are flag stones or planks set into the ground of the ring. Hounds are never touched by the judges and the flat surface of the flags enables them to clearly see and evaluate the feet of each exhibit.

The AKC Breed Standard is brief and, for the most part, clear. It was originally written by two very knowledgeable Masters of Foxhounds, William Brainard MFH (Old Dominion) and A. Henry Higginson MFH (Middlesex), who scribbled it out over a weekend in Boston and sent it on to AKC. Bill Brainard was himself an AKC judge and bred Greyhounds. He was a superior judge of horses, cattle, and almost anything else with a pulse. Although there are (self-admitted) claims that they were both a bit tipsy when it was written, it has stood unchanged since 1935. Like other Standards of its day, the EF Standard contains a Scale of Points which attempts to establish priorities in conformation. They’re spot on!

Not surprisingly, the most important by far is the 20 points for legs and feet. It is impossible to overemphasize the necessity for perfectly tight, round, cat-like feet. Well-knuckled-up and looking like “upside down toadstools.” Perfectly straight pasterns and dead straight forequarters. Knuckling over is not acceptable, but many hounds of yesteryear came quite close. Some still do. (At one point in time, I was asked by a very proper and upcoming judge, DF, how to describe the forequarters of the English Foxhound. I responded, as foxhunters are wont to do, that the legs should be “like f**king fenceposts.” I had forgotten we were standing next to the PA system. I don’t know if that’s a valid answer during a breed interview, but I know one rep who will accept it.)

The ears of English hounds used to be “rounded.” In essence, the lower portion of the ear was removed. This was both a badge of honor, for it symbolized formal entry into the pack, and a preventative to tearing of the ear through the scar tissue that formed. This was as much of a necessity in the Multi-Flora Rose in Pennsylvania as it was in the Gorse of the UK. Although it served a purpose for centuries, I know of no packs rounding ears today. Suffice it to say that in an English hound one wants to see ear “leather.” Thicker, tougher, and more resilient. I honestly believe that the ears and tongue contain more blood than the rest of the body combined.

A strong back, dead level, with a high tail set comes next. So level, in fact, that you can set a 2″ x 4″ board on the backline and see no light anywhere along its length. A “stern well set on” references a longish tail. Mrs. Nancy Hannum MFH felt that a hound’s tail could not be set on too high (but at least shy of the withers) nor carried too proudly. When a hound finds a line in thick covert, all you can see is the feathering of the tail to indicate the find. Without it, you’re blind. With no voice, you’re deaf too.

Most of our breeds call for moderate rear angulation. The EF is not one of them. I’ve always equated a straight stifle with a greater transfer of energy to the lateral plane, resulting in greater endurance at the sacrifice of speed. If you’re old enough, think about pushing a hand lawn mower. The closer you brought the handle parallel to the ground plane, the easier it was to push. The end of the hunt frequently involves the need to round up stray or lagging hounds. One has an idea where they might be and takes a truck to collect them. My own experience showed that it was those that were more angulated that had trouble getting home. Give me a straighter stifle any day, both so the hound can get home and so I can get to the party.

And finally, if there’s a conformation pyramid, the very top (and perhaps least important) segment is levelness and symmetry. For all those extreme characteristics, the hound should have an unmistakable balance and elegance. Fortunately, many of the hounds being shown in the AKC ring today are splendid examples of those qualities.

So there you have it. A very brief Standard focusing almost entirely on the conformation elements necessary for the English Foxhound to do its job in the manner and place intended, both then and now. Some of the terminology is a bit confusing, but the purpose is clear; to judge the hound by the “tools of its trade” in the exact proportion to their importance in its vocation.

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The English Foxhound Today

Today, as has been true historically, the majority of English Foxhounds are registered with the Master of Foxhounds in working packs. For AKC, registrations are few, the dogs that are shown in the conformation ring are fewer, and the breed is a low entry breed. Despite this, there have been a few outstanding specimens who were also outstanding show dogs, and happily represented the breed over the years.

English Foxhounds can be great pets, and some do compete in Obedience, Rally, and Agility, though they are a true hound and present many of the challenges seen with the other hounds in performance events. The breed also has some representation in therapy dog work. The English Foxhound is primarily a hunting hound, and as such may not be as cooperative with conformation ring procedure as one would like (see the article on temperament).

Historically, there were two types acknowledged within the breed. The Peterborough Hound (see History of the Breed) was a heavier hound with a tendency to knuckle over, while other hounds were more “racy” and contributed to the American Foxhound and the Coonhounds. The true-to-type English retains many characteristics of the Peterborough hound, while maintaining soundness and ability to work in the field all day.

The AKC English Foxhound standard was adopted in 1935 with a few minor changes from the Master of Foxhounds standard for the breed. Breed aficionados are adamant about not making changes to the Standard, so much so that the English Foxhound Club of America formed in response to an AKC effort to change the Standard. This means there is still some terminology within the Standard which today requires explanation. For example, the “stern” is the tail, and the “horn” are the toenails. The Standard also retains a scale of points, which makes it very clear that the primary focus is on structure of the dog which will enable it to work in the field.

The highest number of points (20) go to the legs and feet. Legs should be straight as a post and as strong, with little if any bend to the stifle when standing. Bone should be substantial and round, which is an important differentiator for the English Foxhound. There should not be bladed bone in this breed. The ankles should be a continuation of the leg, remaining substantial – no dainty ankles! Feet should be round and catlike – another significant difference from their American cousins. If knuckling over is seen in an English Foxhound, it should be considered a serious fault.

The next highest number of points (15) go to the back and loin. The topline of the English Foxhound, from the withers to the set on of the tail, should be absolutely level – like an ironing board. The back and loin should be very muscular, running into each other without any noticeable change from back to loin. There should be noticeable width to the loin. The underline of the English Foxhound should also be nearly level, with little if any tuck-up.

The hindquarters, shoulders, neck, and chest and back ribs each are accorded 10 points in the Standard. The hindquarters should be very strong, with angulation in the front and rear matching. Endurance in this breed is desired over speed, so much so that straight stifles are preferred over extreme angulation in the hindquarters, but overall balance and working ability are the desired result. The shoulders should be well laid back, with a long upper arm, and muscular, but not overdone (no fat), with the neck long (at least 10 inches), clean (no hint of dewlap), tapering from the shoulders to the head, with a slight arch. The chest should girth 31 inches in a 24-inch hound. This is depth of chest, not a barrel-chested hound. Rib spring should be moderate, and ribs should extend well back, with the majority of the length of the hound being ribs.

The head, elbows, stern, and symmetry each are accorded 5 points in the Standard. The head is described as full size but not heavy, with a girth of fully 16 inches in front of the ears, and the muzzle should be wide with a length of about 4 1/2 inches. Nostrils should be large and open. Ears should be set low and close to the face. Bite should be level or scissors, with overshot or undershot a disqualification. The elbows should be set on straight, turning neither in nor out. The tail should come directly off the level topline, with no slope to the croup, and should be carried gaily, but never over the back, squirrel-like, or curled over the topline. Symmetry and quality are of great importance and result from appropriate structure.

The color of the English Foxhound is of little importance as long as it is a “good hound color,” defined as “black, tan, and white, or any combination of these three, also the various ‘pies’ compounded of white and the color of the hare and badger, or yellow, or tan.” The coat should be “short, dense, hard, and glossy.”

The English Foxhound fancy within AKC has imported dogs from England and Australia, as well as bringing the occasional dog into the AKC registry from the packs that exist here in the United States. Many of our great show dogs have been the result of breeding these imports and pack dogs, and some few of the pack dogs have been great show dogs. Because there are so few shown, there is always concern that the quality of breed type must be maintained and that judges pay close attention to the Standard and not judge the English Foxhound as a “generic dog,” with the resultant emphasis on rear angulation and tremendous reach and drive. It is always a thrill to see an English Foxhound with bone and substance and the easy, all-day gait that would serve well in the field.

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Interview with Toni Koerber, Breeder of Monocacy Bend Kennels

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Toni Koerber: I am located in Maryland. I have 20 years in dogs, 13 years as a breeder.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Toni Koerber: Monocacy Bend Kennels currently keeps 10 dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Toni Koerber: GCHB Monocacy Bend’s Waterford (Whiskey) and GCH Monocacy Bend’s Time of Opportunity (Toki) have been noteworthy winners.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Toni Koerber: The most influential sire has been CH Mr. Stewarts Cheshire Winslow. The most influential dam has been GCH Time of Opportunity.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Toni Koerber: I have a small, separate kennel with large, fenced fields for exercise. The puppies are whelped in the house and they are raised in the house.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Toni Koerber: I watch them interact among themselves to determine their various personalities. And how they stand and move naturally is a determining factor also. Some are natural show prospects and some are natural performance prospects.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Toni Koerber: With their owners, some are successful in a variety of AKC Performance Events, including Agility, Nose Work, Carting, Fast CAT, Obedience, and Rally. A few of my hounds have been a part of a hunt pack, chasing foxes.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Toni Koerber: Conformation and structure are a part of my breeding program. A hound has to be put together properly in order to do its job.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Toni Koerber: If English Foxhounds are in the right setting, they keep themselves exercised. I have large, fenced paddocks for them to run/play in.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Toni Koerber: Not at this time.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Toni Koerber: Unfortunately, I do not. Breeding takes dedication, time, and the love of preserving the breed and a love of the Breed Standard. This is hard to find.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Toni Koerber: Because of their size and strength, they work better in a family with older children. But they are good-natured and loving. Owners who will devote time to the hound, work with them, and have patience are the best candidates for an English Foxhound.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Toni Koerber: The biggest misconception is that they are not smart and are hard to train. The best-kept secret is that they are devoted, loyal, and healthy.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Toni Koerber: Study the English Foxhound Breed Standard and what they are bred to do. Both the English and American are bred for the same purpose, but the English is designed to hunt longer, and at a slower pace, than his American cousin.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Toni Koerber: Talk to other breeders of English Foxhounds. That is how I learned and am still learning.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Toni Koerber: One of my hounds took a walkabout and ended up at a Mercedes dealership… looking for a ride.

Are you looking for an English Foxhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home an English Foxhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

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