The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Fox-hound

FOX-HOUND, a breed of hounds, concerning whose origin practically nothing is known, save that they were probably first bred in Great Britain. This, perhaps the handsomest and most perfect of all hounds, is essentially a field dog, presenting an eminently powerful, well-built appearance, with his clean-cut, compact body, and giving evidence of muscular strength and endurance in the hunt. The head is full, with a broad brow, a long, wide muzzle, and open nostrils. The ears are set low and lie close to the cheek. The eyes are soft and brown. The chest is broad, and the ribs are deep, so as to afford plenty of breathing space. The muscular body is set on legs as straight as a post, and very strong; and the feet are round and cat-like. The color varies from black to tan and white, and the coat is hard, smooth and glossy. The American breed is lighter and finer in lines than the English fox-hound, has longer, thinner and more pendant ears; a slightly narrower chest, and a rougher coat. He is used in fox-hunting as is the English fox-hound; but is also employed in hunting the moose, and other large game, especially in the Canadian forests. See Dog.