The English Foxhound is a very friendly and affectionate, medium sized breed. Attractive, athletic and intelligent, they are a very capable breed, and do very well in their working role. They love to be around people, other animals and are known to have a good temperament with horses too.
They are scent hounds, originally bred for hunting, and they have a real need to feel like part of a pack. You would be hard pressed to find a similar breed that competes as well in performance trials. Specifically those that grade foxhounds on their pack hunting skills.
Despite their affectionate and sociable nature, they are not a hugely popular breed outside of their working dog and hunting role. It is a very active breed and needs lots of stimulation and while it excels amongst other dogs, it doesn’t adjust well to life as a solitary pet in a household. It could never adapt well to apartment life, and will always be happier outside with it’s pack.
English Foxhounds are members of the Hound Group in the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) which is the largest international canine federation.
Learn more about the English Foxhound, it’s origins, characteristics and traits as well as their daily life below.
History Of The English Foxhound
The English Foxhound, is an enduring symbol of traditional British foxhunting. It has a lineage dating back to the late 16th century. Bred for the hunt, combining a genetic mix of several parent breeds they are designed to excel in their role. During the days of the British Empire, they were exported to India to put their hunting skills to work in coursing jackals. The hot climate was not great for them though, and while their skills did transfer to this type of hunting, they lived far shorter lives on the subcontinent.
These scent hounds are still bred to this day as hunting dogs, particularly in the UK. While foxhunting itself is deemed as a controversial sport, the breed line continues to be a work in progress for those looking to refine the perfect scent hound. It is also being promoted as a working dog breed by the International Foxhound Association since its foundation in 2012.
Breed Origin
The English Foxhound’s breeding has been meticulously recorded in the Foxhound Kennel Stud Book since before 1800. Originating in England and initially bred to hunt foxes in large packs, they are believed to be descended from a blend of Greyhound for speed, Fox Terrier and Bloodhound for hunting prowess and Bulldog for tenacity. Their line was developed to fulfil the need for a dog capable of tracking foxes over long distances.
Over centuries, their breeding has been fine-tuned to create a hound with stamina, determination, and a keen sense of smell, making them an core participant of traditional British fox hunts.
Quick Facts
- Sturdy and Agile – The English Foxhound is a sturdy and athletic breed. Built for stamina and speed and to dominate in its traditional fox hunting role. It has a balanced physique that enables sustained activity over varied terrains for a long time.
- Sociably Persistent – Renowned for their friendly nature, English Foxhounds are persistent and tenacious hunters. This persistence makes them excellent at tracking but also personable and amiable companions in domestic settings. As long as they are kept active and well stimulated.
- Energetic and Obedient – Known for their high energy levels, English Foxhounds thrive on vigorous daily activity. They need lots of exercise and time with the pack. They are highly trainable, especially in obedience but training needs to start early.
- Dominant Pack Animals – As traditional pack hounds, they generally exhibit strong social tendencies but can display dominance within the pack hierarchy. Socialization needs to start early with consistent training for them to integrate into family life, especially with other pets.
Characteristics Of The English Foxhound
Although there are three extant and one extinct foxhound breeds, the English Foxhound is commonly referred to simply as the ‘Foxhound.’ It doesn’t really have any other widely recognized nickname, though it’s crucial not to confuse them with their relatives, or similar-looking breeds and mixes.
English Foxhound puppies usually arrive in litters of five to seven. The critical early weeks are spent with their mother and siblings, where they learn important social behaviors and pack dynamics. By about eight weeks, they are generally ready to join their new families.
Prospective owners can expect the cost of an English Foxhound puppy from reputable breeders to range between £350 to £1100 in the UK. The price can vary significantly depending on lineage and breeding standards. Health screening certifications add to their value and desirability, worth the extra price.
Appearance
You might be forgiven for mistaking an English Foxhound as a Beagle from a distance. They have similar markings and form, but the foxhound is larger and generally more athletic. They also have a very different personality.
The foxhound’s appearance gracefully shows off their dignified strength. Characterized by a broad chest and a muscular, well-proportioned frame, they stand about 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders (withers), with males slightly larger than females. Their weight typically ranges between 55 and 75 pounds, with a physique built for endurance and speed.
The English Foxhound’s distinctive head features a moderately long muzzle, large eyes, and broad ears that frame the face. These are typical features for all foxhounds, but you can easily tell them apart when you see the body. The American Foxhound is more slender, and the Welsh Hound is noticeably stockier, with a longer coat.
These hounds have strong legs that support their energetic lifestyle, while the compact, hard paws are ideal for navigating various terrains. These physical traits are the result of purposeful breeding, making them excellent hunters but also adaptable companions for active families.
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 23 – 25 inches (58 – 64 cm) | 20 – 24 inches (51 – 61 cm) |
| Weight | 60 – 75 lb (25 – 34 kg) | 55 – 70 lb (25 – 32 kg) |
Coat
The English Foxhound’s coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant. It needs only minimal grooming but offers excellent protection against brush and brambles during hunts. They are medium shedders, so although they don’t need much brushing, they do lose a fair amount of hair.
Color
These hounds are typically tricolor (black, white, and tan), though a lighter ‘lemon’ and white is also acceptable as the breed standard. They can also appear in other hound colors like tan and white but these are not breed standard as accepted by the Kennel Clubs.
Temperament
English Foxhounds are sociable, gentle and friendly. They are the very definition of a pack animal though. They thrive in the company of humans and other dogs, and this can make them excellent family pets. They don’t do well in low activity households though, and do far better in a home with other dogs than where they are the solitary pet. They are a very vocal breed and boredom can make this more or problem when they become frustrated and angsty.
With early socialization, they are known to get on well with other animals, and people including children. They are also known for getting on particularly well with horses. Well suited to long periods outdoors with all members of their traditional hunting family of animals and people.
Lifespan
English Foxhounds generally enjoy a healthy lifespan of 10-13 years, with a slightly longer average expectancy than their American Foxhound cousins. This is a fairly standard expectancy for an active and healthy dog of the hound group.
Known Health Issues
The English Foxhound is a hardy breed and in most cases live a long and healthy life. They are not completely immune to disease though, and some conditions can occur, as with any breed. Health issues that may effect these Foxhounds specifically include:
Hip Dysplasia – A common genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to potential arthritis or lameness in the dog.
- Treatment: Management includes lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly surgery in severe cases.
Renal Disease – Impacts the kidneys’ ability to function properly, which can have a knock on effect on the dog’s overall health.
- Treatment: Involves modifications to diet and medications to manage the disease effectively.
Epilepsy – A neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures, affecting the dog’s behavior and physical health. They can be pretty scary to observe.
- Treatment: Typically managed with medications that help control seizures, ensuring a better quality of life.
Daily Life
What is everyday life with the incredibly active English Foxhound actually like? Let’s explore this a little.
Food and Diet
English Foxhounds require a high-quality diet tailored to medium-sized, active breeds. They are built for long enduring days of work and hunting, and their optimal metabolism is built for this. The exact quantity varies based on their age and activity level but.
To prevent obesity—a common issue in less active individuals—it’s important to monitor their food intake closely. An adult Foxhound typically thrives on about two to three cups of kibble per day, divided into two meals. Less active dogs will not need this much, but most guides assume this breed are kept active, as they need this for their overall health.
Opt for kibble or wet food rich in protein and nutrients. Puppies, being more active, generally need more frequent feedings throughout the day to support their growth and energy levels.
Exercise
These dogs are not built for the couch, for lazy life or apartment living. They are perhaps one of the most active breeds and need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. There are more energetic breeds, but the English Foxhounds are bred for stamina, and perfect hunting finesse. They are the product of exceptional breeding selection and practice. The trade off for their exceptional qualities is that they need lots of time and exercise.
If you can give them regular long hikes, or if you are a fan of running, they will happily join you for miles and miles. If these things are not your style, then several daily walks, preferably in wide open space where they are able to safely run and burn off their energy is also advisable. They need this, not just for their physical health, but to keep their mental health, their friendly and amenable nature in good form too.
Family Compatability
English Foxhounds are excellent with children and integrate well into family life, but only when they get regular exercise and stimulation. They can make very loving companions, getting on with all the family and any other pets, but are happiest in a home where they are not the only dog. They perhaps get on better with dogs more than anything else. Its in their pack mentality. They would not do well in a home with only one owner and no other pets. In these homes they would feel disconnected and lonely. In this sense, they are most suited to experienced owners with an active family and other pets.
Training
Training should start early, focusing on obedience and social skills, to harness their hunting instincts positively. They are an intelligent breed and without proper training, they can be stubborn and independent minded.
Patience and consistency are an absolute must when it comes to training the English Foxhound. As well as an understanding of the hunting dog temperament. Scent hounds in general have a strong drive to chase, which can lead to frustration in training. You need to understand their nature, and work with them in a firm but calm manner to help them establish their place in the pack hierarchy. You need to start early, and establish yourself at the head of the pack. Once they understand the pack, then obedience will fall into place.
Socializing
As pack animals, they are inherently social but benefit from early socialization to develop well-rounded personalities and good manners. Puppy training classes can help with this and are also a good opportunity to introduce them to other dogs and environments. It also helps them to understand their place, and to bring out their more gentle and tolerant traits.
Grooming
Grooming is straightforward due to their short and cooperative coat. Regular brushing around once per week and occasional baths are enough to keep them clean. They do shed quite a bit, so expect to notice their hair around the house.
They need an occasional ear inspection and if they are not the most active you might need to keep an eye on their nails to clip them when they get a bit long. You can keep an eye on this, as they will grow at varying rates depending on their activity and the surfaces they are walking on when out and about.
Breed Traits
| Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
| Very social and amiable | They love to bark |
| Gets on well with children and other dogs | Lots of energy and need to burn this off |
| Good lifespan and health | Can be stubborn and strong willed |
| Gentle and loving nature | Not an apartment or city dog |
Breed FAQs
Are English Foxhounds good pets?
A well trained Foxhound is well mannered, good with other pets and good with children. But they are very active dogs and need an assertive owner that can assure them of their place in the pack and the family. Great for experienced owners, but not for first time owners or urban life.
Do English Foxhounds Bark a lot?
They do like to bark. They have a baying bark which you would expect given their tracking heritage. They bark to alert you when someone is approaching and also when bored, excited (which is a lot), or threatened.
Summary
The English Foxhound is a distinguished breed, a masterclass centuries in the making. Valued both in field sports and as a companion. Their rich heritage, affable nature and physical prowess, makes them a beloved choice for many, particularly popular still as hunting hounds in the UK. However, they need an experienced owner and an environment conducive to their great stamina and abundant energy.
They are hunters and they are pack animals and in these things they are a master. You wouldn’t keep a racehorse in a small garden, and in the same respect you can’t expect these dogs to be happy without space to run. In the right, active family, they can be loving and well adapted members of your pack.