The Elkridge-Harford hounds are a cross-bred pack; that is to say they are a cross between English and American hounds in an attempt to get the best qualities of both.  Traditionally the American hound would have a better nose, voice and ability to hunt independently while the English hound would have a better conformation, speed and biddability (a desire to do what the huntsman asks).  These distinctions have blurred somewhat in recent years however.

Our hounds have the ability to drive foxes even when the corn crop is up, the country is overgrown, and the temperature is high.   This comes from the same athleticism and conformation that wins us ribbons at hound shows.  They also have the nose to provide sport on a bad scenting day and the lovely cry of their American forebears.

The Elkridge-Harford has always hunted a bitch and a dog pack, only occasionally will they be mixed.  This way they get more used to working with the same hounds every time and function as more of a unit.  The bitches generally hunt faster while the doghounds have more cry.  Cry is very important at some meets where we can’t follow too closely due to the terrain.

The Elkridge-Harford hounds have a distinguished history of tremendous successes at prestigious hound shows as well as in the hunt field.  Most of the important perpetual trophies awarded at the Virginia Hound Show and the Bryn Mawr Hound Show evidence an engraved history of the repeated successes of the Elkridge-Harford Hounds.