The rarest foxhound breed, English Foxhounds are loving, gentle, and friendly, but they're not usually pets. In fact, experts don't recommend the English Foxhound as a family dog because they prefer to live in packs. This is one of very few breeds still performing the job it was developed to do — these dogs are determined, fast, and strong hunters.
Originally from England, this large and medium-energy breed can grow to between 60-75 pounds and lives an average of 10-13 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Hound group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Hunting |
| Origin | England |
| Breed group | Hound |
| Average lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Size | Large |
| Bark factor | I love to talk! |
| AKC Ranking | 151 |
| Family | Scenthound |
| Date of origin | 1700s |
| Original function | Trailing fox |
| Today's function | Trailing fox |
| Average size of male | Height: 23-27 Weight: 55-75 |
| Average size of female | Height: 23-27 Weight: 55-7 |
| Other name | Foxhound |
| Energy level | High energy |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Playfullness | Moderately playful |
| Affection level | Moderately affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Friendly |
| Ease of training | Easy to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Not very protective |
| Grooming needs | Low maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS AN ENGLISH FOXHOUND'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
English Foxhounds are smart, strong, gentle, and graceful. They're sociable and great with other dogs, as you'd expect from a breed developed to hunt with its pack. They're also playful, affectionate, and often good with kids.
WHAT IS ENGLISH FOXHOUND BEHAVIOR LIKE?
English Foxhounds were bred for their speed, voice, drive, and nose. Most of the qualities that make them unparalleled hunters make them poor candidates for any other kind of living arrangement. They need constant exercise and lots of room to run. They are vigilant and alert though not particularly protective. And the voice they were bred for makes them very prone to barking.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN AN ENGLISH FOXHOUND?
English Foxhounds are independent-minded and sometimes stubborn, so be patient and consistent with your furry friend. English Foxhounds are particularly responsive to food rewards.
This dog's prey drive makes it a poor candidate for off-leash play outside a well-fenced or rural area.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO ENGLISH FOXHOUNDS SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
An English Foxhound's short, glossy single coat is dense and hard. They are seasonal shedders who require only occasional grooming. Brush your English Foxhound about once a week and bathe when it's dirty.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO ENGLISH FOXHOUNDS HAVE?
Some are born with congenital deafness; others have been known to develop hip dysplasia or kidney disease. Overall, though, English Foxhounds are a generally healthy breed.
