English Foxhound Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The English Foxhound is a sturdy pack hound bred for the English hunt. It has a broad chest, strong legs, a friendly manner and the stamina to run for hours, and it is happiest in company.

Origins and appearance

Packs of Foxhounds have been bred in England for centuries, and records of individual hunt kennels go back a long way. English Foxhounds are medium-large and powerful, with a broad head, drop ears, a short, dense coat in tricolor or bicolor and a straight, strong tail. They are stockier than the American Foxhound.

Temperament

They are friendly, sociable and tolerant. They are usually good with children and other dogs. They are independent and persistent on a scent. They can be vocal. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need extensive daily exercise, with running, hiking and sniffing. Secure fencing is essential, since they follow scents. Mental work matters.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, patience and food rewards. Do not expect a reliable off-lead recall. Early socialization helps. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Renal disease
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Obesity. See obesity risks in dogs

Living with an English Foxhound

They suit very active households with a secure yard and, ideally, another dog. They are poorly suited to apartments, small yards or long hours alone.

A typical day

An English Foxhound wants a long morning outing, a long nap, family time and an evening walk. Many are calm indoors once exercised.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, vet care and secure fencing. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate moderate weather well, but need shade and water in heat and a coat in the cold. They travel well with a sturdy crate or harness.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting the dog off lead, underexercising, leaving the dog alone and neglecting the ears.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip tests, hereditary conditions and the parents' temperaments. The breed is rarely sold as a pet, so retired hunt hounds may be an option.

A hunt kennel dog

Most English Foxhounds live in hunt kennels in packs, with a huntsman and daily routines. A pet Foxhound misses that structure, so owners need to supply exercise, company and a routine.

Retired hounds

Some hounds are placed as pets when they retire from the hunt. They may need patient house training, because they have not lived in homes, and careful introductions to household life.

Daily care checklist

• A long outing with room to run in a secure area.
• Scent games or tracking.
• Ear checks and brushing.
• Measured meals.
• Company and a soft bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

An English Foxhound suits very active owners who want a friendly pack hound and can provide exercise, secure fencing and company. It may not suit most households. For a related hound, see the American Foxhound.

Life in a pack

English Foxhounds are bred to work and live in groups, and many are uneasy when left alone for long hours. A household with another sociable dog, a secure yard and someone home for much of the day suits the breed far better than a small home with a long workday.

Calm after exercise

Despite their stamina, many Foxhounds settle well once exercised. A long outing followed by a comfortable bed is the usual routine. Without that outlet, expect restlessness, baying and attempts to escape in search of interesting scents.

The takeaway

English Foxhounds are sturdy, friendly pack hounds, and they need extensive exercise, secure fencing and company.