Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound
The Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound is one of four American foxhound breeds. It was cross bred with Bloodhounds in the 1700s, which created the breed known as the Black and Tan Coonhound. The state of Virginia selected this breed as the official breed representing the state in 1966. These dogs are known for their pleasant and loyal temperaments. They require ample exercise and are often easily bored. Foxhounds are known for finding ways to keep themselves entertained and may become destructive in the process. For this reason, these dogs should not be left indoors by themselves for extended periods. They require careful, patient training and plenty of socialization.
This breed, along with other varieties of American foxhounds, was developed for the sole purpose of fox hunting, by the landed gentry during colonial times. Today, there are many varieties of American foxhounds. These include varieties like Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Trigg. These types are somewhat different some one another in appearance but belong to the same original breed. Out of these types, Walkers are most commonly found in shows while Penn-Marydels are commonly used as pack hounds to assist in hunting foxes.
This breed is commonly thought to have descended from the hunting dogs brought into America by Robert Brooke in 1650. These hunting dogs were the ancestors of several varieties of American hounds. These hunting dogs were part of the Brooke family for more than 300 years. Another contributor to the creation of this breed was the cross breeding of some French Foxhounds that George Washington received as gifts from the Marquis de Lafayette, with some dogs descended from Brooke’s hunting dogs. This finally created the American foxhounds as seen today. Much later, Irish Foxhounds were also introduced into the breed to increase their stamina and speed.
While these dogs are very similar to their English cousins, the English Foxhounds, the American variety has been developed to be lighter, taller and generally more agile. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are faster than other hounds while chasing game. These are large, handsome dogs, with long, straight-boned front legs. The head is long with a somewhat domed, large skull. The ears are pendant and broad and frame the face. They are wide and flat to the head. The eyes, either brown or hazel in color, are wide set and large. The expression is friendly and intelligent. The tail is set moderately high with a slight upward curve, but not so much that it turns forward over the back. The coat is hard and short, and as the name suggests, a combination of black and tan on a white base.
These dogs are not suitable to apartment living because they need a lot of exercise and also tend to put on weight easily. Otherwise, they are fairly healthy and not plagued by genetic disorders involving the hip and bones. They can grow to a height of 21-25 inches and can weigh about 65=75 pounds. Their average life span is about 10-12 years.
This breed, along with other varieties of American foxhounds, was developed for the sole purpose of fox hunting, by the landed gentry during colonial times. Today, there are many varieties of American foxhounds. These include varieties like Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Trigg. These types are somewhat different some one another in appearance but belong to the same original breed. Out of these types, Walkers are most commonly found in shows while Penn-Marydels are commonly used as pack hounds to assist in hunting foxes.
This breed is commonly thought to have descended from the hunting dogs brought into America by Robert Brooke in 1650. These hunting dogs were the ancestors of several varieties of American hounds. These hunting dogs were part of the Brooke family for more than 300 years. Another contributor to the creation of this breed was the cross breeding of some French Foxhounds that George Washington received as gifts from the Marquis de Lafayette, with some dogs descended from Brooke’s hunting dogs. This finally created the American foxhounds as seen today. Much later, Irish Foxhounds were also introduced into the breed to increase their stamina and speed.
While these dogs are very similar to their English cousins, the English Foxhounds, the American variety has been developed to be lighter, taller and generally more agile. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are faster than other hounds while chasing game. These are large, handsome dogs, with long, straight-boned front legs. The head is long with a somewhat domed, large skull. The ears are pendant and broad and frame the face. They are wide and flat to the head. The eyes, either brown or hazel in color, are wide set and large. The expression is friendly and intelligent. The tail is set moderately high with a slight upward curve, but not so much that it turns forward over the back. The coat is hard and short, and as the name suggests, a combination of black and tan on a white base.
These dogs are not suitable to apartment living because they need a lot of exercise and also tend to put on weight easily. Otherwise, they are fairly healthy and not plagued by genetic disorders involving the hip and bones. They can grow to a height of 21-25 inches and can weigh about 65=75 pounds. Their average life span is about 10-12 years.