Trailing of the Hounds

Photo by Chino Rocha on unsplash

Native to the Lake District of England, or Cumbria, hound trailing is a dog sport dating back to the 18th century. A test of speed and stamina, it was originally a competition for foxhounds, but selective breeding has produced leaner and faster descendants known as “trail hounds.”

The dogs race along a trail laid down by “trailers” dragging a scented rag over a 10-mile cross country course over difficult terrain similar to steeplechasing. Dogs are lined up and held by their owners at the start of the trail, then released at the firing of a starting gun.

Trail hounds race at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and those best able to ignore distractions like rabbit scents will cover the 10 miles in a half hour or less. At the finish line, owners call out to their dogs and wave treats to speed them forward. Winning dogs earn points toward a championship title.

Hound trailing events are most popular in Northern England and the Scottish Borders. Classes of competition may include puppies, maidens, seniors, and veterans.