Description
Hounds on the hunt chases a fox in Nothern Virginia
A foxhound is a type of large hunting hound Foxhounds hunt in packs and, like all scent hounds have a strong sense of smell. They are used in hunts for foxes, hence the name. When out hunting they are followed usually on horseback and will travel several miles to catch their target. These dogs have strong natural instincts to hunt and are energetic and active. Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking, chase, and sometimes killing of a fox, traditionally a red fox by trained foxhounds or other scent hounds and a group of followers led by a master of foxhounds, who follow the hounds on foot or on horseback. Fox hunting originated in its current form in the United Kingdom in the 16th century, but is common all over the world. Fox hunting is usually undertaken with a pack of scent hounds and, in most cases, these are specially bred foxhounds These dogs are trained to pursue the fox based on its scent. The two main types of foxhound are the English Foxhound and the American Foxhound. Mounted hunt followers typically wear traditional hunting attire. A prominent feature of hunts operating during the formal hunt season (between late October and the end of March) is hunt members wearing 'colors'. This attire consists of the traditional scarlet coats worn by huntsmen, masters, former masters, whippers-in (regardless of sex), other hunt staff members and male members who have been invited to wear colors as a mark of honor. The coats are also known as Pinks. Ladies generally wear colored collars on their black or navy coats. These help them stand out from the rest of the field. Various theories about the derivation of this term have been given, ranging from the color of a weathered scarlet coat to the name of a purportedly famous tailor.