Breed History:

The English Foxhound is a traditional British hunting breed, developed in England during the 16th and 17th centuries, specifically for fox hunting. Bred by crossing Greyhounds, Bulldogs, and various scent hounds, the English Foxhound was designed for endurance, speed, and a powerful nose. These dogs worked in packs, chasing foxes across the countryside for hours on end, guided by mounted hunters.

As a breed rooted in England’s aristocratic hunting culture, the English Foxhound became synonymous with foxhunting clubs and formal hunts. While foxhunting has declined, the breed continues to be preserved in hunting packs, with some individuals kept as companion animals or shown in conformation events. The English Foxhound’s strong work ethic, sociable nature, and athleticism remain key traits today.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 10–13 years

Breed Appearance:

The English Foxhound has a strong, balanced, and athletic build, reflecting its purpose as an endurance hunting hound. It has a broad chest, long legs, and a straight back, allowing it to move with great stamina and speed. The head is moderately long with a well-defined stop, a square muzzle, and large, dark brown eyes that convey a friendly and alert expression.

Its ears are long, dropped, and lie close to the cheeks. The coat is short, hard, and dense, typically coming in classic hound colours such as tricolour (black, white, and tan), black and white, or tan and white. Its muscular structure and fluid gait highlight its breeding as a pack hunter, built for long days in the field.

Breed Type – Family/Guard:

Primarily bred as a pack hunting dog, the English Foxhound is sociable and thrives in the company of other dogs. While not typically used as a guard dog, it is loyal and alert, with a tendency to bark when it senses unusual activity. It bonds well with family members and can be affectionate, though it retains an independent streak common in hunting breeds.

Because of its background, this breed is not usually aggressive or territorial, but it requires firm guidance and a structured environment. It does best in active households or rural settings where it can engage in regular outdoor activity. Its gentle disposition and pack-oriented mindset make it well-suited for families who can match its energy and provide consistent companionship.

Training:

The English Foxhound is intelligent and trainable but requires a patient, consistent trainer due to its independent nature and strong prey drive. As a scent hound, it can become easily distracted by smells, which may complicate recall and obedience training in open environments.

Early socialisation and basic obedience training are essential. This breed responds best to positive reinforcement methods that incorporate praise and treats. Group training classes can be beneficial, especially if the dog is raised outside a hunting pack, helping it build social skills and structure. While eager to work, the Foxhound may not have the intense desire to please seen in some breeds, so patience and regular practice are key.

Health & Care:

The English Foxhound is a hardy and healthy breed overall, with few major genetic issues. However, like many active, deep-chested breeds, it may be susceptible to conditions such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and in rare cases, bloat (gastric torsion). Responsible breeders screen for common hereditary concerns, including renal and thyroid issues.

Routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are vital for long-term health. The breed’s floppy ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, particularly after outdoor activity. Maintaining a lean weight is important to protect joints and avoid stress on the body, especially in older age.

Living Conditions:

The English Foxhound was bred for rural environments and still prefers wide open spaces where it can roam and explore. It is not ideally suited to apartment life or sedentary households, unless given ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. A secure, fenced yard is a must, as the Foxhound’s nose may lead it to wander off in pursuit of scents.

This breed thrives with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or jogging. While it enjoys companionship, the Foxhound can tolerate some alone time if its physical and mental needs are met. However, it may develop undesirable behaviours such as barking or digging if bored or under-stimulated. It also enjoys the company of other dogs and may be happiest in multi-dog households.

Exercise:

The English Foxhound is an energetic and athletic breed with high endurance needs. Daily vigorous exercise is essential to maintain physical and mental health. Long walks, runs, or off-leash playtime in a secure area are important. Without sufficient exercise, the breed may become frustrated and destructive.

Mental stimulation is equally important. Scent work, tracking games, and advanced obedience tasks can help engage the Foxhound’s keen senses. If given enough activity and purpose, the breed is calm and well-behaved at home. A bored or under-exercised Foxhound, however, may bark excessively or try to escape in search of adventure.

Grooming:

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush helps remove dead hair and keeps the coat in good condition. The breed is a moderate shedder, with seasonal increases in hair loss during spring and fall.

Bathing is only needed occasionally, typically after outdoor adventures or if the dog becomes dirty. Regular ear checks are crucial due to the breed’s floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections. Nail trimming, dental care, and routine parasite checks round out the grooming routine. Overall, grooming is minimal, making the Foxhound relatively low maintenance in this area.

Advantages:

• Strong and athletic, ideal for active individuals or rural settings

• Friendly, sociable nature; generally good with other dogs

• Low grooming needs due to short, easy-care coat

• Healthy and robust with relatively few inherited health concerns

• Excellent scent hound; excels in tracking and outdoor activities

• Loyal and dependable, especially with consistent training

Disadvantages:

• High exercise requirements; not suitable for sedentary homes

• Strong prey drive and scent obsession can lead to wandering

• May be stubborn or distracted during training

• Not ideal for apartment living or small spaces

• Can bark or become destructive if bored or under-stimulated

• Needs structured leadership and mental enrichment to stay balanced