English Foxhound
A traditional British pack scenthound bred for hunting fox on horseback. Sociable, gentle and tolerant, but built for stamina and rarely kept as a house pet, needing huge amounts of exercise.
English Foxhound scorecard
Overview
The English Foxhound is a large, athletic British pack scenthound traditionally bred to hunt fox in packs while followed on horseback. Standing around 58–64 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 29–34 kg, it is a well-balanced, deep-chested dog built for stamina, with a short, hard coat usually in classic hound colours of black, white and tan. It is one of the foundation breeds behind many modern hounds.
The English Foxhound is recognised by The Kennel Club but is rarely kept as a household pet; the great majority live in hunt kennels in packs. It is sociable, gentle and tolerant by nature, but it is bred for a working life and has enormous exercise needs, a powerful nose and the independence of a pack hound. As a companion it suits only very active, experienced owners who understand and can accommodate hound behaviour.
Good to know — a English Foxhound needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The English Foxhound was developed in England from at least the 16th and 17th centuries onwards, as fox hunting grew into an organised mounted field sport. Breeders combined scenthound bloodlines to create a hound with the speed, stamina, nose and pack instinct needed to follow a fox across country for hours, and detailed stud records have long been kept by hunts.
The breed became the model from which several other hounds were derived, including the American Foxhound, and it remains intimately associated with traditional pack hunting and its kennels. Because it was bred for function within packs rather than as a pet, it has changed comparatively little and is still primarily a working dog rather than a show or companion breed.
Temperament & family fit
English Foxhounds are renowned for being sociable, good-natured and gentle. Bred to live and work in large packs, they are typically very tolerant of other dogs and friendly with people, with little tendency toward aggression. A well-exercised Foxhound is an even-tempered, easy-going companion that enjoys company.
The trade-off is a strong working character. The breed has a powerful nose and an instinct to follow scent, often giving a loud, musical bay when on a trail, and its pack-bred independence makes recall unreliable once it picks up an interesting smell. It does not thrive on being alone, having been raised in company, and its size, energy and voice mean it needs careful management in a domestic setting.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As a scenthound the English Foxhound is independent and driven by its nose rather than by a desire to please, which makes it less straightforward to train than a biddable companion breed. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods work best, but owners should keep expectations realistic, particularly around off-lead recall, which is notoriously difficult once a scent takes over.
Early socialisation is generally easy given the breed's friendly nature, but secure fencing and reliable lead work are essential because a Foxhound on a trail will follow it regardless of commands. Providing plenty of exercise and scenting outlets makes for a far more manageable dog than trying to suppress its instincts.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult English Foxhound typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming is minimal. The short, dense, weatherproof coat needs only a weekly brush to remove loose hair and keep it healthy, with a little more attention during moults. Routine care otherwise covers the basics shared by all dogs: nail trimming, dental care, and regular checks of the drop ears to keep them clean and dry, since pendulous ears on an active outdoor dog can be prone to infection.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a English Foxhound
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to a large, very active dog, divided into measured meals and adjusted to the dog's workload and body condition. As a deep-chested breed, the Foxhound should not be exercised hard immediately before or after eating, and portions should be controlled to avoid excess weight that strains the joints. Keep fresh water available and seek veterinary advice on appropriate quantities for an individual.
A large breed
An adult English Foxhound typically weighs 29–34 kg, so a healthy English Foxhound eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–13 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
English Foxhounds sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through a couple of hours of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
This breed tends to bolt its food
A food-motivated dog will empty a bowl in under a minute given the chance. A slow feeder or a puzzle bowl turns a meal back into something that takes time, and splitting the daily ration across two or three meals helps as well.
How much should a English Foxhound weigh?
Adult 29–34 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.3–3.9 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5.4–6.3 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 10.8–12.6 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 21.5–25.3 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 29–34 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a English Foxhound
Complete foods from our range, matched to a English Foxhound's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
English Foxhound health & costs
Before bringing a English Foxhound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The English Foxhound is generally regarded as a healthy, hardy breed with relatively few inherited problems, a reflection of long-standing selection for working soundness within hunting kennels. It does not carry the exaggerated features seen in some pedigree dogs, and as a result has fewer well-documented breed-specific disorders.
That said, as a large, active breed it can be affected by joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, and like other deep-chested dogs there is a general awareness of the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Because so few are kept outside hunt kennels, formal companion-focused health data is limited, so owners should follow good preventive care and consult a vet about any individual concerns.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition that can affect large, active breeds; sensible to be aware of in breeding stock.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a serious, sudden emergency to which deep-chested breeds are generally more prone; avoid heavy exercise around meals and seek urgent vet help if suspected.
- Ear infections — drop-eared, active hounds can develop ear problems, so ears should be checked and kept clean and dry.
- Obesity — a hearty, food-motivated hound can gain weight without sufficient exercise and portion control.
- Limited companion health data — because most are kept in working packs, detailed pet-focused breed health statistics are sparse.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the English Foxhound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a English Foxhound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior English Foxhound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Very sociable, thrives with people and dogs
- Easy-care coat and gentle temperament
Things to consider
- Enormous exercise needs, built to run all day
- Strong nose, loud bay and weak recall
Compare the English Foxhound
See how the English Foxhound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the English Foxhound
Same breed group
Beagle
A merry, pack-loving scent hound — sociable and great with kids, but ruled by its nose.
Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
Whippet
A gentle, quiet "sofa sprinter" — happy to lounge at home between short bursts of explosive running.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
Similar temperament
American Foxhound
A tireless pack scenthound bred for hunting fox. Sociable and gentle with people and dogs, but high-energy, vocal and easily distracted by scent.
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
A French pack scenthound bred for hunting small game. Highly sociable with other dogs and people, but needs hard exercise and is driven by scent.
Ariégeois
A French pack scenthound bred for hare. Sociable, gentle and good in company, but a tireless worker driven by scent and best suited to active rural homes.
Beagle-Harrier
A French pack scenthound midway between Beagle and Harrier, bred for hunting hare. Highly sociable and gentle with people and dogs, but a tireless worker driven by scent and needing serious exercise.
Similar size, different type
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an English and an American Foxhound?
Both descend from English pack hounds bred to hunt fox, but the American Foxhound was developed in the United States and tends to be taller, lighter-boned and a touch faster. The English Foxhound is a more substantial, deep-chested dog built for stamina. The English breed is one of the foundation breeds behind many modern hounds.
How big is an English Foxhound?
The English Foxhound is a large, athletic scenthound, standing around 58–64 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 29–34 kg. It is a well-balanced, deep-chested dog built for stamina, with a short, hard coat usually in classic hound colours of black, white and tan.
Do English Foxhounds make good pets?
They are sociable, gentle and tolerant by nature, but they are rarely kept as household pets — the great majority live in hunt kennels in packs. Bred for a working life, they have enormous exercise needs, a powerful nose and the independence of a pack hound. As a companion the breed suits only very active, experienced owners who understand hound behaviour.
How much exercise does an English Foxhound need?
An enormous amount. The English Foxhound is built to run for hours and needs far more vigorous daily activity than most active breeds. Long runs, secure off-lead galloping where safe, and plenty of scenting opportunities all suit it. It is wholly unsuited to a sedentary home and will become restless and vocal without adequate exercise.
Are English Foxhounds good with other dogs?
Outstandingly so. Bred to live and work in large packs, they are typically very tolerant of other dogs and friendly with people, with little tendency toward aggression. They are also friendly with children. However, having been raised in company, they do not thrive on being left alone for long periods.
Are English Foxhounds easy to train?
As a scenthound the English Foxhound is independent and driven by its nose rather than a desire to please, which makes it less straightforward to train than a biddable companion breed. Patient, consistent, reward-based methods work best, but off-lead recall is notoriously difficult once a scent takes over, so secure fencing and reliable lead work are essential.
Are English Foxhounds a healthy breed?
They are generally regarded as healthy and hardy, with relatively few inherited problems thanks to long-standing selection for working soundness, and they typically live around 10–13 years. As a large, deep-chested breed they can be affected by joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, and there is a general awareness of the risk of bloat. Follow good preventive care.
Are English Foxhounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, English Foxhounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an English Foxhound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical English Foxhound needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do English Foxhounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are English Foxhounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. English Foxhounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do English Foxhounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are English Foxhounds good with other dogs?
Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do English Foxhounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A English Foxhound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — English Foxhound breed information and dog care guidance: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — English Foxhound standard, Group 6 (Scenthounds): https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- PDSA — general dog health, exercise and weight guidance: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — advice on dog exercise and behaviour: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice
Recommended for your English Foxhound
Matched to a English Foxhound's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Squeaky Rolled Plush Rabbit Dog Toy
A long plush dog toy that unrolls from a compact rabbit shape into a 72cm squeaky strip for tug, fetch and shake play. Soft corduroy fabric suits small, medium and large dogs.
£14.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.