MEET THE HOUNDS

HISTORY

Mounted hunting with hounds has existed in America since colonial days. The development of the sport kept pace with the progress of the United States as it extended its influence across the Appalachians to the West Coast. Hounds of various types were brought from Europe by the early settlers. By 1900, the American Foxhound was the product of breeding their descendants with hounds that continued to be imported, mainly from England, Ireland and France.

The earliest record of the importation of hounds to this country was June 30, 1650, when Robert Brooke arrived in Maryland with his family, 28 servants and his hounds. By the early 1700s, mounted hunting with hounds mushroomed in Maryland and Virginia. In addition, hounds were used for other forms of hunting.

Potomac Hunt has traditionally hunted with American fox hounds. Some of our foxhound descendants were actually on the titanic heading over from England. With the change in the land, including more development and smaller hunting territory, Potomac Hunt, as others in the region, have adjusted their packs to include other types of hounds, such as Penmarydales, which are bred for smaller, more congested areas.

We keep detailed records of our hounds lineage. It is common for local hunts to trade hounds as different hounds may mesh better in different packs. Several hunts boast great hounds from Potomac Hunt’s bloodlines. Likewise we proudly hunt great some great hounds bequeathed to us from neighboring packs.