Hounds

The foxhound is referred to as a hound, never a dog. Their use distinguishes foxhunters from all other equestrian sports. There are two groups of foxhounds in North America: those that are bred to hunt individually as in night hunting, and those that are bred to hunt in a pack. Of the pack hounds, there are different strains: Penn-Mary-Del, American, English, and the Crossbred.

Some desirable qualities in a hound are nose, cry, drive, steadiness, biddability, and conformation. The training of young entry begins at three months; as time progresses, through handling, they learn obedience to the horn, and familiarity with horses and country. Ultimately, they learn from the older experienced hounds in the pack who are the best school masters in the Field. The hounds work very hard and have the complete right of way. Look for them to put their noses down and begin to work the line (scent). The more you observe their efforts, the more you can appreciate their talent and training, and the more enjoyable the art of foxhunting will become.