16/05/2026
I have been asked to explain in simple terms the evolution of the Modern English Foxhound and how it came to be that they graced, in fine style, the Elysian fields of Cheshire.
About a hundred years ago, foxhounds were heavy both in body and bone, to a degree ponderous and lacking in scenting ability, cry and speed. To illustrate this, I have included a photograph of the Cheshire Hounds leaving a meet from Tattenhall - it is undated, but I think circa 1930’s. You will also notice how many hounds are knuckled over at the knee!
A number of prominent masters and huntsmen at the time were seeking a way of developing hounds that hunted in style, turning quickly and accurately on the line, fast and with bucket loads of stamina. They recognised the brilliance of the Curre hounds in Wales that, possessing English and Welsh lines, had been so carefully bred by Sir Edward Curre. They were white with a wonderful voice, and these pioneers began to cross their own ‘shorthorn’ type with his hounds to shift towards a more athletic, lighter model of hound.
This stamp of hound really came to the fore in Cheshire upon the arrival, from the Meynell, of huntsman Johnny O’Shea in 1966.
He brought with him a number of their bi***es, superbly bred by Mr Dermot Kelly, such as Rivet’62, Ripple’62 and Relic ‘61. He also used a number of his dog hounds on the Cheshire bi***es before branching out to other notable packs such as the Heythrop, Duke of Beaufort’s, Fernie and the South Dorset.
Johnny’s hounds became well known for their speed, accuracy, turning on the line and the golden sport they produced. Considerable success in the show ring only endorsed his judicious breeding programme.
From my experience of these magical individuals, one, in the right hands, has a pack full of intelligence, able to operate in the main completely independent of their huntsman, (never interfere in their work without first having a cigarette, by which time they will have regained the line) and when running, capable of throwing a blanket over them!
It is possible to trace the pedigrees of the present-day foxhound back to the mid-18th century, which makes them one of the most researched animals in the world!
A ban on trail hunting would basically exterminate them - heinous and MUST NOT be permitted to happen!
Protect them, please.
GJM.
Countryside Alliance Hunting British Hound Sports Association
