The Hounds
Like everything else in this sport, foxhounds have their own terminology. For example, they are called “hounds” – never “dogs” unless you refer to a male foxhound.
It is acceptable to use the term “bitch” when referring to a female foxhound. Hounds are counted in “couples”, or by twos. When they are being broken to the pack, the puppies are often coupled collar to collar with an older, steadier hound during their first few times out. Their colors are described as “lemon & white” (light tan & white), “red & white” (dark tan & white) and “tricolor” (black, tan & white). The huntsman and some of the whips know some of the hounds by name (and all the hounds answer to their name). Many also become known individually by their distinctive “voice” as they “give tongue” during the chase. Hounds are “drafted” individually for each hunt. WHH usually hunts 15 1/2 or 17 1/2 couple each hunt. (The 1/2 is an old lucky superstition). At the beginning of a hunt, the huntsman and whippers-in will “road” the hounds to the first “covert” where they are “cast” in search of a fox. If it is not “blank” (no scent) the hounds will “strike” and the chase is on! When all the hounds are with the huntsman either during or at the end of a hunt, they are “all on”.
The Windy Hollow Hunt is proud of its foxhounds. The pack consists of American and Crossbred strains. The current pack consists of American and Crossbred strains. We have 3 couple Crossbred hounds, and 21-1/2 couple of American hounds who have been entered (hounds which have been hunted).