English Foxhound

The English Foxhound is a sturdy, athletic pack hound bred for centuries to hunt foxes across the English countryside. While primarily a hunting breed, their gentle, sociable nature makes them wonderful companions for the right family.

Developed in England during the 16th century for mounted fox hunting. Meticulous breeding records have been kept in stud books since the 18th century. AKC recognized in 1909, they remain one of the rarest AKC breeds.

A muscular, well-balanced hound with a short, dense coat. Heavier-boned and stockier than the American Foxhound. Large, soulful eyes and long, low-set ears. Athletic build designed for stamina.

Sociable, gentle, and tolerant, the English Foxhound is a true pack animal that thrives on companionship. They are friendly with everyone and have a calm, steady temperament. They are active but not hyperactive.

Extremely social and friendly with everyone—people, dogs, and even strangers. They thrive in groups and can become lonely if left alone. Excellent with children due to their patient, tolerant nature.

Very high exercise needs—bred to run for hours. Requires at least 1-2 hours of vigorous daily exercise. Excellent running, hiking, and hunting companions. Not suitable for sedentary lifestyles.

Moderately trainable but can be stubborn. Pack mentality means they respond well to a confident leader. Positive reinforcement with consistency. Recall training is important due to their scenting drive.

Very easy coat care—weekly brushing is sufficient. Regular ear cleaning. Occasional baths. Low-maintenance overall in the grooming department.

Generally a very healthy, hardy breed. Kidney disease can be a concern in some lines. Regular health screenings are recommended. Their pack-bred heritage has kept them relatively healthy.

Active dogs requiring quality, protein-rich food. Two measured meals daily. Adjust portions based on activity level. They can gain weight if under-exercised. Fresh water should always be available.

Best suited for rural or large suburban properties. They need significant exercise space. Not suited for apartments or small homes. Their vocal nature may be problematic in dense neighborhoods.

Ideal for very active families with large properties. Excellent in multi-dog households. Great with children. Best for experienced owners who can provide ample exercise and companionship.

Practical intelligence, especially for pack work and scenting. They are not the most obedient breed but work well in groups. They understand pack dynamics intuitively.

Classic hound baying voice that carries for miles. Most vocal when on a scent or when separated from their pack. Can be a nuisance barker if left alone frequently.

Moderate shedding year-round. Weekly brushing manages loose hair effectively. Seasonal shedding is moderate.

Very rare to find in rescue. Contact breed clubs for referrals. Be prepared for high exercise needs and a strong pack mentality.

Puppies are social and energetic. Early socialization with many people and animals is important. Start training early. They thrive with canine companions from a young age.

Senior Foxhounds may slow down but still need daily exercise. Monitor for joint and kidney issues. Their pack nature means companionship remains important throughout life.