Southern Hound
The Southern Hound is an ancient British dog breed originating from the southern counties. The Southern Hound comes from Britain. Individual Southern Hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Britain
About the Southern Hound
The Southern Hound is an ancient British dog breed originating from the southern counties. Known for its distinctive appearance and hunting ability.
Overview
The Southern Hound was a breed of dog that existed in Britain probably until sometime in the 19th century, now extinct. The exact date of its extinction is not known; it is likely that it was gradually interbred with other breeds until the genuine Southern Hound bloodline ceased to exist.
Origins
The origins of the Southern Hound are equally unclear. Most writers suggest that it is derived from the Talbot , which was a predominantly white, slow, deep-throated, scent hound , also of uncertain origin, though it is sometimes claimed that it came from Normandy . It is suggested that at some point the Talbot was crossed with Greyhounds to give them an extra turn of speed. However, in The Dog published in 1852, William Youatt states that the Southern Hound may have existed in Britain since ancient times rather than being brought from France by the Normans .
Description
The Southern Hound was a tall, heavy dog with a square head, and long ears. It had a deep chest, a long bony body and a deep melodious voice. It was a slow dog, but with excellent scenting abilities and was employed to follow the trail of the quarry during a hunt. Because of its lack of speed and deliberate nature, it was considered best used for hunting game such as hare or deer , which would eventually be exhausted by its relentless pursuit and, unlike a fox or rabbit, could not escape to the safety of a den or burrow .
Genetic legacy
The famous bloodhound breeder Edwin Brough reported that in 1881 he used a pure bred Southern Hound, "Clara", like the one pictured in this article as a cross to his bloodhounds, and this outcross was bred on into the modern population of bloodhounds. Many of the modern hound breeds are believed to have Southern Hound blood: Beagles , Harriers , Foxhounds , Coonhounds and Bloodhounds among others.
Popularity and decline
It was still common south of the River Trent in the 18th century. Further north the North Country Beagle or Northern Hound was favoured. This was a faster dog but probably lacked the delicate nose of the Southern Hound. In his The Dog, in Health and Disease in 1859, "Stonehenge" (the pen name of John Henry Walsh, editor of The Field ) magazine says the two breeds could be differentiated by the large dewlap present in the Southern Hound, but the illustration of the Southern Hound in the same book lacks this detail. How far the Talbot, Northern Hound and Southern Hound were intermixed is impossible to ascertain: authors writing in the mid-19th century were already having difficulty distinguishing between the three breeds. The Southern Hound seems to have fallen out of favour during the 18th century as the fashion for shorter hunts led to the development of the faster Foxhound . Youatt wrote that there were still packs in use in Devon in the 19th century and that the Southern Hound was sometimes used in conjunction with Foxhound packs to help pick up the cold trail when the pack lost the scent. Some were employed in Wales on polecat hunts (that could last several days), and they appear to have been used to hunt otter before being employed as breeding stock for the development of the Otterhound .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Southern Hound?
The Southern Hound was a medium-sized scent hound with a muscular build, long legs, and a distinctive howl. Its coat was likely short and smooth, with a variety of colors including brindle, fawn, and black. The breed's exact characteristics are unclear due to its extinction, but it is believed to have been a versatile and energetic dog.
Is the Southern Hound a good family dog?
As the Southern Hound is now extinct, it is impossible to determine its suitability as a family pet. However, based on its original purpose as a hunting breed, it is likely that the Southern Hound would have been energetic and required regular exercise and attention, making it potentially challenging for families with young children.
What health problems do Southern Hounds have?
Unfortunately, the Southern Hound is an extinct breed, and therefore, there is no specific information on its health problems. However, as a scent hound, it may have been prone to common health issues affecting this breed type, such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. Regular veterinary care and genetic testing may have helped mitigate these risks.
How much does a Southern Hound puppy cost?
As the Southern Hound is an extinct breed, it is not possible to purchase a puppy. However, if you are considering a similar breed, prices can vary depending on factors such as bloodline, breeder reputation, and location. It is essential to research reputable breeders and consider the costs of ownership, including food, veterinary care, and training, before making a decision.
Where do Southern Hounds come from?
The Southern Hound comes from Britain. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Southern Hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.