It might be hard to imagine, but your sweet doggo is probably from a breed developed to hunt foxes, especially if it’s showing a strong prey drive. In modern times, we might not need our pups to track and help hunt certain animals, but this specific dog career was thriving back in the day.
Dogs bred to hunt foxes and other game were supposed to have certain capabilities, like; strong sense of smell and endurance. Different breeds came with different packages of these qualities; even if now they’re not commonly used as hunting dogs, their descendants can exhibit such traits of their ancestors.
If you’re curious about the best hunting dogs bred to track foxes, this article will guide you through their fantastic world. Here, we are going to discuss the seven best dog breeds for fox hunting.
Best Dog Breeds For Fox Hunting
1. English Foxhound
The top candidate when it comes to a mutt that can track out a fox from any den, the English Foxhound is a graceful and enduring breed, and quite versatile. They make good canine companions but have a powerful prey drive as they’re built to stay determined on the field all day long.
These doggos stand up to 24 inches and weigh between 60-75 pounds, as per the American Kennel Club. They have an impressive, balanced body with long legs, a deep chest, and powerful lungs that keep them upbeat at work.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
English Foxhounds are scent hounds: their noses lead them right to many interesting smells (good luck hiding the treats), including their original target: foxes.
They have strong legs, which help them rush to chase the object of their interest.
As enduring dogs, they don’t give up easily on the field.
2. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is another famous hound breed that has also earned its place as a companion and family dog. They’re generally easy to manage and get along well with kids (if raised well and have been trained early).
These pups have legs that are quite lean and are one of the fastest hunting breeds with a sleek build. They’re 21-25 inches tall and can grow 60-70 pounds in weight. These doggos have a soft expression and loving eyes that make them forget about their hunting background.
These pooches stay happy with owners who can give them an active lifestyle; from agility training to playing fetch, they need a way to burn off their energy. While these dogs can make decent pets, one thing you’ll have to learn to put up with is their signature “bawling” bark.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
These woofers have a strong prey drive that makes them instinctively chase out foxes.
They’re resilient in nature with a strong work ethic; they’ll get their job done once they put their mind to it.
3. Beagle
Think all fox hunting canines are larger in size? Enter Beagle: a medium-sized pooch bred as a comparatively compact solution to hunters’ fox hunting problems. They come in two size varieties: under 12 inches, or 12–15 inches, weighing under 30 pounds, as per PetMD.
Beagles are an affectionate dog that will happily sit in your lap and snuggle up with you, looking at you with those gentle eyes. It’s also a playful pup, great for people who love to spend time outdoors, engaging in activities like walks or games of fetch.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
Beagles have fantastic noses that can’t just find foxes and other small game, but also help find their favorite lunch or other items wherever they’re hidden.
As curious dogs, they’re great at finding the object of their hunter’s interests.
These pooches make great hunting companions due to their long, howling barks, which help them alert their owners.
4. Bloodhound
While these two words, “blood” and “hound,” together feel intimidating, these dogs are quite awesome companions; as pack animals, they get along well with children and other dogs. Bloodhounds have a lovable, concerned-looking wrinkled face and a muscular body, covered in black and tan, red, or liver coat.
Male bloodhounds can be 25-27 inches and 90-110 pounds in size. Bloodhounds have high energy levels; it’s important that they’re getting enough mental and physical stimulation.
While they’re surprisingly good canine besties, they have a stubborn streak that can show up at times. They’re not quiet dogs; their deep howl is something they use to communicate and express their feelings.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
Bloodhounds are master trackers; great at finding not just their prey, but also humans (they’re often used as search and rescue dogs).
They literally have the best scenting ability, which makes them excellent hunting partners.
5. Russell Terrier
When it comes to the best dogs bred primarily to hunt foxes, hounds aren’t the only group that has contributed. The Terrier group has a lot of fabulous hunters under their belt; the Russell Terrier is one of the most popular ones.
This adorable, compact dog is a friendly and curious hunting companion that adds smiles and playfulness to its pet parents’ lives. This pup stands no taller than 10-12 inches with a weight range between 9-15 pounds. The American Kennel Club states that they’re extremely intelligent dogs that enjoy problem-solving; so puzzle games are an activity you can try with your pup.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
Despite being comparatively small dogs, these pooches are fearless and don’t back away from a challenge.
Their size gives them leverage in hunting foxes; As per WebMD, they would “ferret out” foxes from their dens and trap them in a place.
6. Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a beautiful and unique dog with a scruffy and wiry coat that comes in white or white with black or tan markings. This is an energetic breed with a charming personality, and it makes an amazing pet for people who have time to train them.
With a size range of 14-15 inches and 15-19 pounds, this pup can be considered a small to medium dog. They’re muscular and strong doggos with a prey drive; from chasing small animals to trying to hunt birds, they can exhibit their instincts while in nature or in parks.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
Originally bred to take out foxes, these doggos would chase foxes out of their dens so hunters could find them.
It’s an alert dog with sharp instincts (which makes it a decent watchdog) and barks to alert its humans.
7. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a rowdy and strong doggo that looks serious but actually tends to be quite affectionate with its human family.
It’s a Spitz-type dog that originated in Norway and has been used to hunt both large game and small prey for centuries. It can grow to be 19-21 inches in height and 48 to 55 pounds in weight, according to Britannica.
These pups make excellent companions and amazing watchdogs due to their alert and sharp minds. They’re also highly intelligent dogs that will appreciate it if you give them something to work on. If you don’t mind a dog with a little independent nature, give this mutt a chance, and it’ll grow to be your best friend.
What Makes Them Great at Fox Hunting?
They’re energetic dogs that can stay focused and robust in the field.
They are fabulous trackers, great at locating prey for their hunter owners.
Their laser-sharp scenting abilities match amazingly with their brave nature.
Conclusion
There are many breeds great at hunting animals like foxes; even if you do not need their hunting services, they make prized companions to dog lovers. From bird hunting to hunting large game, these breeds have left their mark while assisting their human hunter companions.
Nowadays, these doggos make great pets for active owners who love determined and fearless furry friends. They make valuable pets for people who love to go on fox hunting trips. Their presence helps the owners not only in finding foxes but also protects them.
