To my knowledge the Foxhound is not a pet, and has been used for only one purpose throughout its existence. As a species it has had its livelyhood removed(foxhunting is now band across the UK). Previousely the animals were financially viable to breed and raise.
Will(can they be) Foxhounds be domesticated as Pets?
Are they still being actively bred?
Are they at risk of becomming extinct within the next century?
Note: Im not interested in hearing the whether fox hunting in right or wrong, I'm purely interested in the Fox Hound breeds future.
2007-03-09 00:06:53 · 12 answers · asked by Link , Padawan of Yoda 5 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
There are organisations out there who deal with re-homing fox hounds, here is an example:
http://foxhoundrescue.org/
The outlawing of hunting with hounds is a threat to all hounds - foxhounds, harriers, bassets, deer hounds, mink hounds, greyhounds, salukis, whippets, lurchers and terriers.
The hunting expectancy of a hound is likely to be 5 to 6 seasons, though there are exceptions. Every fit hound should be expected to hunt 2 days each week - some may benefit from a third day. There will always be a number of hounds that have minor injuries, such as thorns in their pads, knocked up toe nails or wire cuts. After Christmas there would ordinarily be hounds that are not hunting because they are pregnant.
After 5 or 6 seasons, when they will be 7 to 8 years old, most hounds physically cannot run up with the rest of the pack. Similarly greyhounds, racehorses and athletes only have a period at their peak. Hounds that cannot keep up will adversely affect the efficiency of the pack and are liable to become a risk hazard. Hounds dislike being left behind. There is no other option other than to humanely put them down when they can no longer perform their role.
You can explain to a human athlete that there is a life after athletics but you cannot explain to a hound that there is a life after hunting. A hound that has led a kennel life that is centred on hunting does not make a manageable pet.
Working hounds need to have a routine to their lives encompassing feeding, exercising and hunting. They understand and respect a regular routine but will get frustrated and discontented if the routine goes astray. More than anything, these animals are used to living as part of a pack. This is not easily replicated by well meaning individuals who would re-home them as pets.
The figures of hounds which will now predominantly be 'out of work' is astounding:
* 14,000 foxhounds registered with the MFHA plus others from gun packs and unregistered hunts.
* 500 harriers registered with the AMHB.
* 2700 beagles registered with the AMHB.
* 350 bassets registered with the MBHA.
* 200 deerhounds registered with the MDHA.
* 720 mink hounds registered with the MMHA.
* An unknown number of:
o Greyhounds
o Lurchers
o Salukis
o Whippets
o Terriers and
o Other sporting dogs.
There are individuals who do still breed working hounds to show, and these individuals are determined that the breeds listed above should not die out. However, the scale of the current problem remains. Most hunts remain active, within the confines of the law, and maintain their packs, in the desperate hope that the law will be reversed at some point in the future...
2007-03-09 01:07:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
After being involved with foxhounds for a long time I do have to say that they do not become house dogs ! They are very distructive ! They are wonderful dogs but you have to remember they are a pack animal. As to your question of the breed dying out, I don't think it will, although saying that after hunting was banned a lot of hounds were put down. They are still being bred in small numbers in some areas though.
2007-03-11 05:56:57 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Isis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If fox hound is an actually breed, then no clue. If you are talking about the many breeds of hunting hounds in general, they are kept as pets and still used for hunting in the US. Hounds over here will be used for duck (labs are usually a bit more common though), bear, fox, raccoon, rabbit, and sometimes even deer hunting.
They are not terribly common, but I do not think they are going to become extinct. I only know of a few pet hounds though, and the other 30 or so that I know of (including from a breeder) are all hunting dogs. Some compete, others just for a companion to the hunter.
2007-03-09 10:32:40 · answer #3 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Foxhound do not make good pets. They have been bred for years to hunt and thats what they do. They are however lovely affection but rather thick animals!
They are not likely to become extinct as lots are bred each year.
We have 60 in our kennels at the min and more litters on the way.
Most of ours hunt in turn twice a week.
They are great animals but will never be good pets.
2007-03-10 17:10:22 · answer #4 · answered by icemaiden113 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Foxhounds are pets, as well as working dogs. I'm sure they will continue to be used for other hunting purposes, although the foxhunt is no longer legal. They, just as any purebred dog, will still be bred by those that love the breed for what it is, not only what it is able to do.
2007-03-09 08:22:31 · answer #5 · answered by erinn83bis 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i've been told they make wonderful pets, if you have alot of time to excercise and discipline.
i own a hound/rott/lab cross. she's very loyal, loving and a great watch dog. however, she gets a little flakey if i don't take the time to run her everyday. she also preffers to be outside to inside, although outside or in the garage w/my husband, she stays very close to us.
i 've also heard there are "no kill" fox"hunts". they just chase the fox and they return home and follow the same "game" as though the fox had been killed. the dogs get to run and do what they do and the people get the thrill of the chase. fox lives. win-win-win! perhaps you should help promote this sport if you wish to preserve the foxhound?
oh, by the by, i do hunt. i'm not at all opposed to it. but for those who don't or are oppposed, the afore mentioned sport works!
in live in sw mich/usa. i know a few people that still breed them. they just haven't been real popular here for about 10yrs or so.
they are an awesome dog though, i hope they don't disappear!
happy hound dogs!
2007-03-09 08:20:21 · answer #6 · answered by bearfox_traders 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The English and American Foxhounds are still going strong here in the US and Canada, as pets. There is no evidence that the animal will become extinct. There are bookoo breeders of the foxhound in the US and Canada.
2007-03-09 10:11:54 · answer #7 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dog now known as the foxhound used to be a normal dog just like all the rest but it was taught to kill and from birth. They have been taught this for centuries by human masters by being fed meant and raw food etc... I'm not sure but i don't think the dogs nature is to hunt and kill as it is taught this by force. They will simply just go on as a normal loving dog, it just won't kill :D
2007-03-10 14:00:00 · answer #8 · answered by kammy r 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Foxhound is still found in the US. They are used for both hunting (exhibitions only in my state) and as pets.
2007-03-09 08:17:21 · answer #9 · answered by W. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beagles and Basset hounds both used to be working hounds only and are now popular pets so I'm sure it will have a future as a pet once breeders become willing to sell puppies to people who want them as pets.
I am told that currently many won't do this.
2007-03-09 21:52:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋