| The fox | | | | English, which is the usually seen, smooth coated |
| The fox, or "Tod," as it is known in the British | | | | variant with a bias toward speed, the Welsh, |
| sport, is the target of a fox hunt. A small, | | | | which has a rougher, shaggier, coat and is bred |
| omnivorous predator, the fox is driven from its | | | | with a regard for its scenting abilities, and the |
| preferred hiding places, generally known as | | | | American, which is lighter than English hounds and |
| coverts (pronounced "covers"). In Europe the fox | | | | more capable of scenting in drier conditions. The |
| hunted is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). In North | | | | foxhound is typically a mix of black, brown, and |
| America the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) | | | | white. The (Irish) Scarteen and (Scottish) |
| or coyote (Canis latrans) are often substituted, | | | | Dumfries Hunts are known for having packs of |
| although the gray fox usually trees and is not | | | | hounds which are entirely 'black and tan'. Each |
| considered sufficiently "sporting". In India, and in | | | | pack is specifically bred for its predominant game, |
| other former British Colonies, the jackal was | | | | its climate, and its terrain. There are many types |
| often the quarry. | | | | of foxhound within the breed. For example, one |
| The coyote | | | | of the most famous hunts in America, the Red |
| The coyote is the most prevalent game of North | | | | Rock in Reno, Nevada has a tri-colored pack of |
| American hunts. The coyote is an indigenous | | | | Walker hounds, originally bred for non-pack hunting |
| predator which did not range east of the | | | | in the Southern U.S., and which can be seen more |
| Mississippi River until the latter half of the 20th | | | | easily from horseback in the high-desert terrain of |
| century. The eastward spread of the coyote has | | | | the Sierra mountains and foothills. A slower more |
| been dramatic, and now only a few hunts in | | | | methodical hunting type is the Pennmarydel hound, |
| Virginia and Maryland claim to hunt exclusively fox. | | | | bred in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware |
| The coyote is faster and wider ranging than the | | | | region. This hound is known for its long ears, |
| fox, so a much larger hunt territory is required to | | | | great scenting capabilities, and melodious voice. |
| chase it. | | | | Terriers |
| The hounds and other dogs | | | | Hunting below ground is undertaken using terriers |
| Fox hunting dogs are more properly referred to | | | | (such as the Fox Terrier). This is can be practiced |
| as hounds, and those specially bred and trained to | | | | when the fox has gone underground and the |
| assist in fox hunting are known as foxhounds. | | | | other dogs cannot reach it. This may take |
| Mostly scent hounds (trained to pursue the fox | | | | anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of |
| based on its scent), most are used for various | | | | hours. This does not take place in America. |
| types of hunting. Greyhounds (a type of sight | | | | The horse |
| hound) are used running down hares (called | | | | The most prominent hunters ride specially trained |
| coursing), while harriers are typically used for | | | | horses called field hunters. To train or ride such a |
| mounted hare hunting. (The name "harrier" | | | | horse is extremely difficult; however, casual |
| originally comes from the prey animal, and only | | | | hunters ride a wide variety of horse and pony |
| later is used in other English words such as "harry" | | | | types. The only requirements are that a horse be |
| or "harass.") Beagles are used for hunting hares | | | | well mannered, have the ability to clear the |
| on foot (called "beagling") whilst more-or-less | | | | obstacles, and the stamina to keep up with the |
| purebred English Foxhounds are used for hunting | | | | hounds. (Hunts in the U.S. and New Zealand |
| stag, otter or mink. Although it is technically | | | | typically have a non-jumping group as well as a |
| possible to course foxes with sighthounds such as | | | | group that jumps fences.) Fox hunting is the origin |
| greyhounds or lurchers, to do so is considered | | | | of many traditional equestrian sports and sports |
| unsporting because of the high mortality, and such | | | | derived from them, including the steeplechase, |
| coursing is mostly done by poachers. | | | | National Hunt racing, and hunt seat style in the |
| The foxhound is typically of three types: the | | | | United States. |