The English Foxhound is a substantial galloping hound of great stamina. His long legs are straight as a gatepost, and just as sturdy, with a perfectly level back and a very deep chest that ensures plenty of lung power. One of the four foxhound breeds of dog and a cousin of the American Foxhound, the English Foxhound is a scent hound bred to hunt foxes by scent.
Traditionally a pack hound, the English Foxhound was bred to work together in packs, followed by huntsmen on horseback. Most English foxhounds today still live in packs and remain devoted to their traditional role — yet these athletic hunting dogs are quite gentle and easygoing when they return home.
The Pack Hound of the English Countryside
The English Foxhound arose in the 1700s, the answer to the quest for a dog that could scent while on the run, enabling riders to follow it on horseback. Nobody knows for sure what went into its makeup, but the breed's ancestors can be traced back to the 1600s, when people who had previously engaged in stag hunting turned their attention to a new target — the fox — due to the decrease in the deer population. They crossed their large stag-hunting hounds, with their sharp noses and good endurance, with faster and more agile greyhounds and similar dogs.
By the late 1700s the breed was sufficiently established that careful pedigrees were already being recorded — longer ago than for any other breed. Foxhunting became the pastime of the wealthy, with ceremonies accompanying each hunt, and as the aesthetics of the hunt grew in importance, so did the aesthetics of the pack — care was taken to run dogs that matched each other in color. By the late 1800s, 140 packs, each with about 50 hounds, were registered in England. The breed has been bred for over two hundred years, with stud books dating back before 1800.
Foxhounds came to America soon after their inception, but Americans preferred a faster dog, and that version is now called the American Foxhound. Fox hunting even inspired people in Colonial America, including George Washington, to create their own version. The English Foxhound also traveled to India during British rule for jackal coursing.
A Substantial Galloping Hound
The English Foxhound is a substantial galloping hound of great stamina. In many ways it looks like a tall Beagle — much stockier, with much larger bone than the American Foxhound. It has a squared head, pronounced brow, and low-set ears, a level topline, and carries its tail gaily. The forelegs are straight, with little slope to the pasterns, and the paws are rounded, almost cat-like.
The breed standards require 20 to 27 inches at the withers (most hounds stand 23–25 inches), with a deep chest "girthing" as much as 31 inches on a hound measuring 24 inches at the shoulder, ensuring plenty of lung power for the chase. Weights range from 45 to 75 pounds. The short, hard coat comes in any good hound color — some combination of tan, red, black, and white — with the most common pattern being red with a black saddle and white trim.
Friendly, Social, and Easygoing
The English Foxhound is friendly and social and gets along well with other animals and people. Though very high energy in the field and requiring significant exercise and activity, English foxhounds are quite gentle and easygoing when they return home. Foxhounds have been bred for centuries to live as a pack in the kennel, and they are ultimately agreeable as long as they get enough exercise.
Foxhounds are friendly, but not overly demonstrative — easygoing, calm, and gentle, good with children, other dogs, and other pets. They do tend to bark when excited and may start to bay when they really get going.
Exercise and Activity
Like other hunting breeds, the English Foxhound has a lot of energy and does best with a family that will spend a lot of time with them outside — exploring, getting exercise, and having fun. Foxhounds were bred to run for miles and need the chance to stretch their legs with a good jog or a long walk every day. They have a high prey drive and will chase things, so a securely fenced yard and leashed walks are essential.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 45–60 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 30–40 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
The Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise per day, and the breed is best suited to a large house with a large garden. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for a tireless hound.
Training an English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is smart and learns well, but bores easily — training sessions should be short, consistent, creative, and fun. Foxhounds also tend to ignore your commands from time to time, a classic hound trait, so patience is essential.
They're keen-nosed pack animals that respond well to consistent, positive methods. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming an English Foxhound
The English Foxhound's short, thick coat needs only occasional brushing — a once-a-week session keeps it healthy. Grooming needs are minimal overall: clip the nails, clean the teeth, and make sure those floppy ears stay clean and dry.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 1–2 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a short-coated hound.
Feeding an English Foxhound
An English Foxhound should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a very active hunting hound, it needs sound nutrition to support running and stamina.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Use a large-breed puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 2–3 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The English Foxhound has a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. The breed is generally healthy and hardy, and as with many hounds, responsible breeders screen for conditions such as hip dysplasia. Keeping a foxhound at a healthy weight supports joint and heart health.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia screening | Discuss with your vet | OFA/PennHIP on parents |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 6–7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
The English Foxhound is an ideal companion for an active, outdoorsy household. They're friendly and social, excellent with children of any age, and get along well with other dogs and pets. Their high exercise needs mean they do best with full-time owners who come home to walk or run them, and a fenced yard is essential.
Neither foxhound has ever been popular as a pet — the breed is rare and may have a waiting list — but raise one in the home and you're in for a pleasant surprise: an easygoing, affectionate, and devoted companion. If you're weighing whether an English Foxhound fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning an English Foxhound means committing to one of the highest-exercise-needs breeds around — more than two hours of daily running and activity. They have a strong prey drive and will chase anything that moves, so off-leash freedom is limited to securely fenced areas. They tend to bark and may bay when excited, they bore easily in training, and they can be selective about following commands.
Yet for the right owner, the English Foxhound is incomparable — a friendly, gentle, and devoted pack hound with the stamina of an athlete.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Friendly, social, and outgoing
- Excellent with children and other dogs
- Easygoing and gentle at home
- Hardy, healthy breed
- Low grooming needs
- Devoted and agreeable companion
Disadvantages
- Extremely high exercise needs
- High prey drive — will chase
- Tends to bark and bay
- Bores easily in training
- Rare, may have a waiting list
- Needs a fenced yard
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do English Foxhounds get? Most stand 23–25 inches (standard allows 20–27) and weigh 45–75 pounds.
How long do English Foxhounds live? Typically 10 to 13 years.
Are English Foxhounds good family dogs? Excellent — good with children, other dogs, and pets.
Are English Foxhounds easy to train? They learn well but bore easily — short, fun sessions work best.
Are English Foxhounds good for first-time owners? Their exercise and prey drive suit very active, experienced owners.
Are English Foxhounds good apartment dogs? No — they need a large house and fenced garden.
Do English Foxhounds bark a lot? They tend to bark when excited and may bay.
Are English Foxhounds rare? Yes — they were never popular as pets and may have a waiting list.
Are English and American Foxhounds the same? No — the American is faster and lighter-boned.
Do English Foxhounds get along with cats? They can, with proper training, but their prey drive is high.
What were English Foxhounds bred to do? Hunt foxes by scent in packs, followed on horseback.
What health problems do English Foxhounds have? Hip dysplasia and ear issues, as in many hounds.