First among equals

Doghound packs are sometimes compared unfavourably to their flashier sisters, but their positive attributes of drive, tenacity and instinct to hunt as a pack are never illustrated better than at the Belvoir

- ANDREW SALLIS

THE Belvoir doghounds have an aristocratic confidence that compliments their ducal heritage. You only have to glance into their gentle yet deep eyes at a meet to realise that you are their guests. All hounds are important, but through their own history and continued success, the Belvoir hounds can be considered “first among equals.”

Rallywood 1853 lay the foundation for their provenance over the past three centuries and significance to the foxhound world. Through periods of controversy and triumph they’ve underpinned hunting, and such an establishment attracts the finest hunt staff and officers.

In some hunts, compared to their fairer siblings, the doghounds, particularly when hunted as a separate pack, can be patronised with faint praise. They’re low-scenting (tendency to dwell) and diligent (ponderous), with great voice (too much noise, not enough speed), stamina (slow) and strength (cumbersome).

Of course, such sentiments miss the point, particularly at the Belvoir. Notwithstanding their brilliant sisters it is often this venatic powerhouse, the doghounds, who produce the epic, exceptionally long hunts.

The kennels currently stands three couple of proven stallion hounds, including the prize-winning Gentry. They have been used, not only by old English packs, but modern ones too, looking for an outcross to enhance and revive positive old English attributes of drive, tenacity and instinct to hunt as a pack and not divide.