English Foxhound
Quick Summary
Athletic, pack-oriented hounds best suited for active owners with space. Key considerations include high exercise needs, strong hunting instincts, and social nature.
Contents
Weight Range
60-75 lbs
♂ Male: 60-75 lbs
♀ Female: 60-75 lbs
Height Range
61-61 inches
♂ Male: 24-24"
♀ Female: 24-24"
Life Expectancy
10-13 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #68
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Developed in England during the 16th century, these hounds excelled in fox hunting across vast territories
Popularity
#188
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 24"-24" |
| Female Height | 24"-24" |
| Male Weight | 60-75 lbs |
| Female Weight | 60-75 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $800-1500 for purchase, plus setup expenses. Monthly costs average $150-200 for food and basic care. Annual veterinary expenses typically range $500-800, excluding emergencies.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
English Foxhounds display friendly, sociable temperaments with high energy levels. They excel in pack situations and show remarkable endurance. Their hunting instincts remain strong, requiring careful management around small animals.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring constant companionship. Thrive in multi-dog households and need regular human interaction. Can become anxious if left alone for extended periods, reflecting their pack-oriented nature.
Breed Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent endurance
- ✓ Good with other dogs
- ✓ Gentle temperament
- ✓ Low grooming needs
Cons
- ✗ High exercise needs
- ✗ Strong hunting instincts
- ✗ Not apartment suitable
- ✗ Can be vocal
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Regularly |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
English Foxhounds require 2-3 hours of vigorous daily exercise, including long runs, hiking, or structured hunting activities. Their high energy demands intense physical activity, preferably with opportunities to track scents and explore safely enclosed areas.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 3-4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. Active adults need protein-rich nutrition to maintain energy levels. Special attention to portion control prevents overfeeding in this food-motivated breed.
Feed 3-4 cups premium dry food daily, split into two meals. Active adults need high-protein formulas (25-30%) with quality fats (15-20%). Monitor weight as breed can become overweight if overfed.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Requires substantial outdoor space with secure fencing. Best suited for rural or suburban settings with large yards. Adapts well to moderate climates but needs shelter from extreme weather.
Requires large, securely fenced yard minimum of 1/2 acre. Thrives in rural settings with room to run. While adaptable, not suited for apartment living due to space and exercise requirements.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
British aristocracy developed English Foxhounds in the 1500s for organized fox hunting. Careful breeding focused on creating dogs with superior scenting abilities, stamina, and the distinctive 'musical' bay that allowed hunters to track their location.
Historical Purpose
Developed in England during the 16th century, these hounds excelled in fox hunting across vast territories. Their remarkable stamina and tracking abilities made them essential to traditional British foxhunts.
Fun Fact
English Foxhounds are so rarely kept as pets that they're one of the rarest AKC-registered breeds!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires secure fencing due to strong hunting instincts. Regular exercise essential. Moderate grooming needs but vocal nature may not suit close neighbors.