Description. The Welsh Foxhound is a medium sized dog standing some 24 inches tall and weighing in at 70-75 pounds. They have a proportional head with the muzzle being about half of the total size. They have long ears that hang down to just below the jaw line. Their short neck leads down to a deep chest and their muscular shoulders, atop the straight front legs. They have a straight back with the body length being about the same as their height. The well muscled rear legs sit below the high set tail that is thick and held up in a semi-sickle. The coat of the Welsh Foxhound is medium in length with a rough feel to it, although some can be smooth coated, and can be somewhat scruffy in appearance. The common colours are red, fawn, tan, and black, may also be more than one color.

History. The ancestors of the Welsh Foxhound date back to roman times. It is thought they descended from the Segussi dogs that were present across most of northern Europe, at the time. The breed was first seen in its present form in the UK, Wales, and was popular in songs written by the ancient Bards. In the songs dogs were often referred to by name. They were so popular, and highly valued, that old records, from the 10th century, show the price of this dog to be £1 if they were trained and 10 shillings (50p) if they were not trained. At that time a pack horse was 10 shillings in value, showing how expensive the Welsh Foxhounds used to be.

Temperament. The Welsh Foxhound is 100% a working dog, they need to hunt. They have been bred specifically for hunting in the mountains and hilly regions of Wales and can not be trusted near roads or any form of normal population. They are so dedicated in their hunting they become oblivious to all else, except their masters’ commands. They need firm gentle training and rough terrain; they do not even do well on fields or other flat areas. If near any form of traffic they will be very likely to be run down, or cause an accident, they are that concentrated on their hunting. This breed needs to work and hunt; they are not at all suitable as a pet. They are, however, pack hunters and get on well with other hounds. They are easily bored and can be very destructive if left alone.

Health issues. The Welsh Foxhound has no significant health problems but it is always a good idea to look at the health records of the parents and inspect any certificates available.

Grooming. They are a short haired breed and the Welsh Foxhound has minimal grooming needs.

Living conditions. This is a dog bred only for hunting and likes to live with the pack. They are not suitable to live in a family home, at all.