Once used as a trusty companion by hunters chasing down foxes, the English Foxhound today might be a rare sight in homes, but that doesn’t make him any less fascinating. Bred for stamina, a keen sense of smell, and a bold demeanor, these dogs have spent centuries galloping across the English countryside. But does their heritage make them good guard dogs, the kind that’ll protect your home and scare off would-be intruders? That’s a tale worth exploring.
With their lineage traced back to the late 16th century, English Foxhounds come with an impressive ancestral job resume. However, their role has never been to watch over the house or keep the family safe. Instead, they are pack animals, designed to work amicably alongside other dogs and humans, sniffing out and chasing prey during hunting expeditions. This proactive, friendly nature may throw you off the guard dog scent.
Unlike breeds specifically designed for protection, such as German Shepherds or Dobermans, English Foxhounds aren’t naturally suspicious or wary of strangers. They may bark when someone approaches, more out of excitement or to alert you to a newcomer’s presence rather than to protect their territory. If you’re looking for a four-legged alarm system, an English Foxhound might hit that note. But if it’s an intimidating presence you’re after, they might fall short.
Even though these pooches were never meant to be solitary guard dogs, their athleticism and energy do provide a unique form of home security. An English Foxhound bounding across your yard might give someone pause, at least due to their imposing size and powerful bark. But once they realize that a Foxhound’s bark is often louder than its bite, the jig is up.
One remarkable trait about English Foxhounds is their hardiness. They require plentiful exercise to stay content and healthy. Without it, they can become unhappy and destructive – and a bored Foxhound can wreak more havoc than any burglar! So, imagine you’re walking your Foxhound twice a day, letting it run and play to its heart’s content. This routine not only keeps your dog happy but also establishes a presence around your property. It’s a subtle form of security, but effective in its way.
Training plays a crucial part in an English Foxhound’s life, especially if you’re hoping for them to take on a role that doesn’t naturally fit. Starting from puppyhood, a consistent, patient, and understanding approach works best. While they can be trained to follow commands and even do some tricks, don’t expect them to turn into an overnight guardian of the fort. Their attention span can be short, and their interest in people usually outweighs their suspicion.
Socializing your Foxhound can’t be emphasized enough. These dogs thrive on interaction and are generally amiable even towards strangers. Through socialization, you can help them distinguish between normal and abnormal behaviors in people, which could make them more alert to potential dangers. Nevertheless, they’ll likely still wag more than they’ll warn.
Diet and health are equally important. Keeping your English Foxhound in top physical condition won’t just give them the stamina historically prized by their breeding; it can make them more confident and assertive, characteristics that can edge them towards being more protective. Unhealthy or unfit dogs tend to be more anxious and less likely to take on a challenge.
Beyond physical health, mental stimulation is key for a dog that’s hardwired for the hunt. Challenge their minds with puzzles and games that mimic their natural tracking instincts. This sort of engagement can sharpen their senses and may make them more attentive to the goings-on around your house.
However, expecting your Foxhound to stay vigilant while you’re away from home might be a stretch. They are sociable creatures who need activity and interaction during the day. A house left with a lonesome Foxhound is a house with a sullen dog, not an alert one. If you’re away frequently, this is something to consider. Such dogs do best with company, whether that’s human family members or other pets.
Returning to our original question, can an English Foxhound be a guard dog? The answer is nuanced. As descendants of tireless hunters, they are brave and have some of the physical attributes you might look for in a guard dog. However, their happy-go-lucky disposition and love for company make them more suited for companionship than guardianship. They may not be your first choice for a security detail, but they can certainly play a role in keeping your house lively and less appealing to a casual intruder.
Remember, a dog’s heritage can set certain expectations about its behavior, but individual dogs can buck the trend. With the right training and socialization, your English Foxhound might develop a protective streak. It’s possible, but it’s not a guarantee. The sure thing is, you’ll have a friendly, active companion eager to join you for every adventure – and sometimes, that’s all the protection you really need.
