English Foxhound vs Collie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Collie
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Foxhound 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.
Collie Overview
Graceful and elegant, Collies possess a distinctive wedge-shaped head crowned by a refined muzzle and alert, almond-shaped eyes. Their double coat features a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat, coming in four recognized colors. Standing proudly with an air of intelligence and dignity, Collies exhibit a well-balanced body structure with deep chest and level topline, moving with smooth, effortless strides.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Foxhounds are more energetic than Collies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Foxhounds require less grooming attention compared to Collies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Foxhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Collies.
- Trainability: English Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their English Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Collies adapt better to apartment living, while English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Foxhound and Collie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Foxhound | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Foxhound | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Foxhound | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable | Devoted, Graceful, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Foxhound | Collie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is known for being affectionate, gentle, sociable, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Collie Temperament
The Collie is characterized by being devoted, graceful, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Foxhound and Collie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
Collie
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Collie
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Collies need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Collies require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- PRA
- MDR1
- Bloat
Pros & Cons
English Foxhound
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
Collie
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Loyal and protective
- Elegant appearance
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Sensitive personality
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Foxhound and Collie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.