There is plenty of proof that Foxhounds were the very first of the canine races in Great Britain to come under the domination of scientific breeding. There had been hounds of more ancient origin, such as the Southern Hound and the Bloodhound; but something different was wanted towards the end of the seventeenth century to hunt the
wild deer that had become somewhat scattered after Cromwell's civilwar.

The demand was consequently for a quicker hound than those hitherto known, and people devoted to the chase began to breed it. Whether there were crosses at first remains in dispute, but there is more probability that the policy adopted was one of selection; those exceptionally fast were bred with the same, until the slow, steady line hunter was improved out of his very character and shape.

At any rate, there are proofs that in 1710 hounds were to be found in packs, carefully bred, and that at that time some of the hunts in question devoted attention to the fox.

A detailed description of the Foxhound is here given:-

HEAD…
Somewhat broad, not peaked like the Bloodhound, but long from the apex to the frontal bones, eyebrows very prominent, cheeks cut clean from the eye to the nostril, ears set low and in their natural condition thin and shapely, but not large, nose large, jaw strong
and level, and small dewlaps, expression fierce, and with the best often repellent.

EYES…
Very bright and deeply set, full of determination, and with a very steady expression. The look of the Foxhound is very remarkable.

NECK…
Should be perfectly clean, no skin ruffle whatever, or neck cloth, as huntsmen call it. The length of neck is of importance, both for stooping and giving an air of majesty.

SHOULDERS…The blades should be well into the back, and should slant, otherwise be wide and strong, to meet the arms, that should be long and powerful.

LEGS AND FEET…
The bone should be perfectly straight from the arm downward, and descend in the same degree of size to the ankles, or, as the saying is, "down to his toes." The knee should be almost flat and level; there should be no curve until coming to the toes, which should be very strong, round, cat-shaped, and every toe clean set as it were.

FORE-RIBS AND BRISKET…
Deep, fine ribs are very essential, and the brisket should be well below the elbows.

BACK AND LOINS…
Back should be straight. A hollow back offends the eye much, and a roach back is worse. The loin wide, back ribs deep and long, a slight prominence over the croup.

QUARTERS AND HOCKS…
The quarters cannot be too long, full, showing a second thigh, and meeting a straight hock low down, the shank bone short, and meeting shapely feet.

COAT…
The coat is hard hair, but short and smooth, the texture is as stiff as bristles, but beautifully laid.

COLOUR…
Belvoir tan, which is brown and black, perfectly intermixed, with white markings of various shapes and sizes. The white should be very opaque and clear. Black and white, with tan markings on head and stifles. Badger pied, a kind of grey and white. Lemon pied, light yellow and white. Hare pied, a darker yellow and white.

STERN…Long and carried gaily, but not curled; often half white.

HEIGHT…Dogs from 23-1/2 to 24 inches; bitches from 22 to 22-1/2 inches.

Article Source: http://www.articleset.com