English Foxhound Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Care and Adoption

English Foxhound history and overview

The American Kennel Club places the English Foxhound in the Hound Group and lists England as its origin. The United Kennel Club says the breed was developed in Great Britain to trail the red fox during a mounted hunt, and that its breeding has long been in the hands of the Masters of Foxhounds. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1905, and the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1909.

How big is an English Foxhound? Size and weight

The American Kennel Club puts the English Foxhound in its large size category and gives a height of 24 inches, while the United Kennel Club describes approximately 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder. The American Kennel Club gives a weight of 60-75 pounds.

VCA Animal Hospitals describes the dog as looking like a tall Beagle, but stockier and with much larger bone than the American Foxhound.

English Foxhound temperament: are English Foxhounds aggressive?

The United Kennel Club describes the breed as friendly and not aggressive, with a natural ability to hunt. The American Kennel Club uses the words sociable, affectionate and gentle for its temperament. VCA Animal Hospitals says raised in the home they tend to be easygoing and calm, and often get along with children, other dogs and other pets. They tend to bark when excited, may bay when they really get going, and tend to ignore commands.

Exercise needs

Foxhounds were bred to run for miles, so they need a good jog or a long walk every day. They tend to stay agreeable as long as they get enough exercise.

Do English Foxhounds shed? Coat and grooming

The American Kennel Club lists a short, double coat and rates the breed's shedding at 3 of 5 and its grooming frequency at 1 of 5. VCA Animal Hospitals says the coat needs only occasional brushing, along with nail clipping, tooth cleaning and keeping the floppy ears clean and dry.

English Foxhound training

VCA Animal Hospitals says the breed was not bred to follow human orders, so owners need to show that their ideas are fun by combining training with play or treats. It also advises keeping sessions short, since the dog is smart but has limits when it comes to studying.

English Foxhound health issues, lifespan and life expectancy

The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 10-13 years for the breed. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that hip dysplasia has been reported occasionally in the breed, and says breeding stock should have hips screened, so ask a veterinarian about hip checks.