English Foxhound | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 10 years

Exercise

English Foxhounds thrive on daily long walks and regular active play sessions.

Grooming Needs

English Foxhounds have minimal grooming needs, requiring only weekly brushing to maintain their short coat and occasional baths to keep them clean.

Country of Origin

England

Adaptability

The English Foxhound thrives in rural or suburban settings with ample space to exercise but can struggle in small apartments due to its high energy levels and need for outdoor activity.

Shedding Level

English Foxhounds shed a moderate amount year-round, requiring regular brushing to manage loose hair.

Energiness

The English Foxhound is very energetic and needs plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy.

Vocality

English Foxhounds are known for their frequent and loud barking, often using their voices to communicate and alert their owners.

Trainability

The English Foxhound is moderately trainable, responding best to consistent, positive reinforcement and patience.

Dietary Needs

English Foxhounds need a balanced diet rich in protein to support their high energy levels and maintain muscle health.

Weight Range

60-75 lbs

Child Friendliness

Varies

Social Needs

For Whom?

The English Foxhound needs a home where it can fulfill its natural energy and work drive. This dog is not a couch potato; it needs space and adventure. An ideal home for this breed would be a rural environment or at least a home with access to a large, fenced yard where it can run and play safely. Foxhounds greatly enjoy being outdoors and engaging in physical activities, so an active family that enjoys outdoor activities and is willing to spend time with their dog in nature would be a perfect match for this energetic companion.

Additionally, since the English Foxhound is very social, it benefits from an environment where it has plenty of company—whether that be humans or other dogs. Loneliness does not suit this pack animal, so a home with other dogs or where someone is usually home for most of the day would be ideal. This breed can be stubborn and requires consistent training, so the owner must be prepared to commit and invest time in their dog’s training and well-being.

Overall, the English Foxhound is a fantastic family dog for an active family that understands and appreciates the dog's needs and is ready to provide a loving, yet stimulating and active home.

Character

Energetic

Friendly

Curious

Sociable

The English Foxhound is an energetic and tenacious breed, bred for endurance and a strong work drive. It has always been a reliable partner for hunters, tracking its prey persistently and passionately. Members of this breed are friendly, but they also have a strong independent side, stemming from their history as independent workers.

The English Foxhound values company – whether it's from people or other dogs. It's social and loves being part of a pack, which makes it an excellent family dog, as long as its needs for exercise and activities are met. This breed is not suited for a passive lifestyle; it constantly needs tasks and stimuli to keep its mind and body sharp.

The Foxhound's strong hunting instinct and need for movement can be challenging for an owner who is not prepared for this breed's needs. It's not satisfied with just routine walks; it needs opportunities to run free and explore the world. Therefore, it is best suited for an active family that understands and appreciates its natural behavior.

The English Foxhound is intelligent and capable of learning, but due to its independence, it can sometimes be stubborn. Training requires patience and consistency, but when approached correctly, this breed learns quickly and wants to please its owner. It is a loyal and reliable friend that enjoys being together and does everything to be part of the family.

Although the English Foxhound is active and vigorous, it also knows how to relax and enjoy quiet moments with its family. It is a balanced companion that brings joy and dynamism to life. With a Foxhound, you'll never be bored, as its adventurous spirit and positivity make every day a unique experience.

This breed is committed and protective of its family, although it is usually not as noisy as some other hunting dogs. Its harmonious nature and ability to adapt to different situations make it a beloved companion that brings both action and calm moments to the home. The English Foxhound is a versatile friend that deserves its owner's understanding and commitment.

History

The story of the English Foxhound begins in the lush countryside of England, where it was developed back in the 1600s. This bred hunting dog was tasked with following scent trails and chasing foxes during mounted hunts, a popular pastime among the nobility. The ancestors of the Foxhound are believed to include various dog breeds such as greyhounds, fox terriers, and bulldogs. By combining the traits of these breeds, breeders aimed to create the ideal hunting dog: durable, fast, and an excellent tracker.

Today, this breed is still known for its ability to work in packs and communicate with each other through almost musical howls and barks, which is essential during extensive hunting trips. The central role of Foxhounds in hunting solidified their status in British society, and they became known for both their endurance and their ability to cooperate.

By the 1800s, the English Foxhound had established itself as an icon of British hunting tradition and was bred according to precisely defined criteria. Breed associations and registries were established to ensure the purity of the breed and to define exact standards that guided breeding efforts.

With wars and societal changes, traditional fox hunting began to decline, but the popularity of Foxhounds remained. Their unique attributes, such as strength, determination, and endurance, have also made them valued in other roles, such as working alongside police forces and as search and rescue dogs.

While the English Foxhound is not as common a household pet as some other breeds, it is still valued for its historical significance and tradition. Each Foxhound carries with it traits that have been bred over generations, making it an excellent hunting dog and a fascinating part of English cultural history.