English Foxhound

The English Foxhound is a versatile hunting dog breed that is known for its musical bark and athleticism.

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English Foxhound Breed overview

The English Foxhound breed is a scent hound that traces back to the 16th century England.

They are used to track foxes, but also excel at hunting deer and other game.

They have a friendly and sociable personality and get along well with children and other dogs.

Height:
25-27 inches
Weight:
55-75 lbs
Life expectancy:
10-13 years

What To Expect When Caring For a English Foxhound

Health

The English Foxhound is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-13 years.

They may be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and epilepsy.

Training

The English Foxhound is an independent and intelligent breed that can be a challenge to train.

Positive reinforcement techniques and early training are key to success.

Exercise

The English Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

They enjoy long walks or runs and should have access to a large, securely fenced yard.

They also excel at lure coursing and other canine sports.

Grooming

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.

Brushing once a week and the occasional bath is usually sufficient.

Nutrition

The English Foxhound has a good appetite and requires a balanced diet.

Free feeding is not recommended, as they can easily become overweight if not given enough exercise.

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English Foxhound Traits & Characteristics

Male English Foxhounds are typically 22-25 inches tall and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.

The breed has a short, dense coat that is usually tricolor (black, white, and tan).

They have long, droopy ears and a muscular body that is built for endurance and speed.

The English Foxhound is a vocal breed and known for its loud, deep baying bark.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The English Foxhound is generally a friendly and outgoing breed, but their affection level may depend on how much time they spend with their owners. Being pack dogs, they thrive in a household with multiple people but may become attached to a single person. Overall, the English Foxhound is an affectionate breed that enjoys spending time with its family.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Bred as pack dogs, English Foxhounds have a gentle and tolerant temperament that makes them suitable for homes with children. They enjoy playing and are not known to be aggressive. However, given their size, they may accidentally knock over small children during playtime. Supervision is always recommended with younger children.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The English Foxhound was bred to work in a pack and gets along well with other dogs. They enjoy socializing with other canines and typically exhibit friendly behavior. However, early socialization is suggested to ensure they develop good social skills.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

English Foxhounds are friendly dogs who typically enjoy meeting new people. Their breed was traditionally kept in packs and is known to be social. They may exhibit some wariness around strangers but typically warm up quickly.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

English Foxhounds are playful and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy outdoor activities and playtime with their owners. Overall, they are a fun breed that can keep pace with the activities of an active family.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The English Foxhound has a keen sense of smell but is not typically used for guarding or protection. They are more likely to alert their owners to the presence of other animals rather than people.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

English Foxhounds are adaptable dogs who can adjust to a variety of living situations. They can live in urban or rural environments but may require a larger space to run and play. They thrive in an active household and require regular exercise.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year and may require regular brushing during shedding season. Overall, they are moderate shedders and their coat is relatively easy to maintain.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing and bathing are enough to keep their coat healthy and clean. However, they may require more frequent bathing if they get into something smelly during outdoor activities.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

English Foxhounds are not heavy droolers and produce minimal saliva. They may drool slightly after drinking or during times of extreme excitement, but this is not a major concern for owners.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

English Foxhounds are a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 60-70 pounds and standing around 23-25 inches tall. Their size makes them suitable for homes with a larger living space.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The English Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and playtime. They were bred to run and hunt for long periods of time and need a good outlet for that energy. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy and happy.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

English Foxhounds require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They were bred to run and require regular opportunities to exercise and explore their environment.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

English Foxhounds were originally bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive. They are also used in search and rescue operations and as scent detection dogs. Their strong sense of smell allows them to excel in these working roles.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

English Foxhounds excel in hunting and were bred for this purpose. They have a strong sense of smell and a high prey drive, making them excellent at tracking and chasing game. Their hunting instincts may be difficult to train out of them.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

English Foxhounds have a high level of vigor and energy. They require regular exercise and are often used for hunting or search and rescue operations. They have a lot of stamina and are able to maintain a high level of activity for extended periods of time.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

English Foxhounds are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

English Foxhounds are prone to obesity and require regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight. Owners should monitor their food intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

English Foxhounds can tolerate moderate cold temperatures, but are not well-suited for extremely cold weather. They may require a coat or sweater when out in cold weather for extended periods of time.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

English Foxhounds can tolerate moderate heat but may require extra hydration and protection from the sun during hot weather. They should not be left outside for long periods of time in hot weather.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

English Foxhounds are not well-suited for apartment living as they require plenty of exercise and room to run. They thrive in a home with a large yard or open space where they can run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

English Foxhounds were bred to hunt, and their instinct to follow a scent can make them prone to wandering. They have a tendency to follow their nose, which can lead them astray. Proper training and a secure fenced area are necessary to prevent them from wandering off.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

English Foxhounds are generally not a sensitive breed and can adapt well to new situations. However, they may become anxious or stressed if left alone for long periods of time.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

English Foxhounds are pack animals and enjoy being around their human family. They may become destructive or anxious if left alone for long periods of time. Proper training and mental stimulation can help prevent separation anxiety.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

English Foxhounds are vocal dogs that are known for their howling and baying. They were bred to communicate with each other during hunts and may exhibit vocal behavior at home. Early training can help minimize excessive barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

English Foxhounds are intelligent and active dogs that require regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy activities that keep their minds active, such as puzzles and interactive games. However, they may become focused on a scent and ignore their surroundings when out on walks.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

English Foxhounds are suitable for experienced dog owners who are familiar with their hunting instincts and energetic personalities. They require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved companions.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

English Foxhounds are intelligent and trainable, but they have a strong independent streak that can make training challenging. Their pack mentality can also make training a bit more difficult. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn basic obedience commands.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The English Foxhound is generally a friendly and outgoing breed, but their affection level may depend on how much time they spend with their owners. Being pack dogs, they thrive in a household with multiple people but may become attached to a single person. Overall, the English Foxhound is an affectionate breed that enjoys spending time with its family.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Bred as pack dogs, English Foxhounds have a gentle and tolerant temperament that makes them suitable for homes with children. They enjoy playing and are not known to be aggressive. However, given their size, they may accidentally knock over small children during playtime. Supervision is always recommended with younger children.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The English Foxhound was bred to work in a pack and gets along well with other dogs. They enjoy socializing with other canines and typically exhibit friendly behavior. However, early socialization is suggested to ensure they develop good social skills.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

English Foxhounds are friendly dogs who typically enjoy meeting new people. Their breed was traditionally kept in packs and is known to be social. They may exhibit some wariness around strangers but typically warm up quickly.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

English Foxhounds are playful and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy outdoor activities and playtime with their owners. Overall, they are a fun breed that can keep pace with the activities of an active family.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The English Foxhound has a keen sense of smell but is not typically used for guarding or protection. They are more likely to alert their owners to the presence of other animals rather than people.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

English Foxhounds are adaptable dogs who can adjust to a variety of living situations. They can live in urban or rural environments but may require a larger space to run and play. They thrive in an active household and require regular exercise.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they do shed moderately throughout the year and may require regular brushing during shedding season. Overall, they are moderate shedders and their coat is relatively easy to maintain.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The English Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing and bathing are enough to keep their coat healthy and clean. However, they may require more frequent bathing if they get into something smelly during outdoor activities.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

English Foxhounds are not heavy droolers and produce minimal saliva. They may drool slightly after drinking or during times of extreme excitement, but this is not a major concern for owners.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

English Foxhounds are a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 60-70 pounds and standing around 23-25 inches tall. Their size makes them suitable for homes with a larger living space.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The English Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and playtime. They were bred to run and hunt for long periods of time and need a good outlet for that energy. Regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy and happy.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

English Foxhounds require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. They were bred to run and require regular opportunities to exercise and explore their environment.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

English Foxhounds were originally bred for hunting and have a strong prey drive. They are also used in search and rescue operations and as scent detection dogs. Their strong sense of smell allows them to excel in these working roles.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

English Foxhounds excel in hunting and were bred for this purpose. They have a strong sense of smell and a high prey drive, making them excellent at tracking and chasing game. Their hunting instincts may be difficult to train out of them.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

English Foxhounds have a high level of vigor and energy. They require regular exercise and are often used for hunting or search and rescue operations. They have a lot of stamina and are able to maintain a high level of activity for extended periods of time.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

English Foxhounds are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

English Foxhounds are prone to obesity and require regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight. Owners should monitor their food intake and provide plenty of opportunities for exercise.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

English Foxhounds can tolerate moderate cold temperatures, but are not well-suited for extremely cold weather. They may require a coat or sweater when out in cold weather for extended periods of time.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

English Foxhounds can tolerate moderate heat but may require extra hydration and protection from the sun during hot weather. They should not be left outside for long periods of time in hot weather.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

English Foxhounds are not well-suited for apartment living as they require plenty of exercise and room to run. They thrive in a home with a large yard or open space where they can run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

English Foxhounds were bred to hunt, and their instinct to follow a scent can make them prone to wandering. They have a tendency to follow their nose, which can lead them astray. Proper training and a secure fenced area are necessary to prevent them from wandering off.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

English Foxhounds are generally not a sensitive breed and can adapt well to new situations. However, they may become anxious or stressed if left alone for long periods of time.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

English Foxhounds are pack animals and enjoy being around their human family. They may become destructive or anxious if left alone for long periods of time. Proper training and mental stimulation can help prevent separation anxiety.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

English Foxhounds are vocal dogs that are known for their howling and baying. They were bred to communicate with each other during hunts and may exhibit vocal behavior at home. Early training can help minimize excessive barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

English Foxhounds are intelligent and active dogs that require regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom. They enjoy activities that keep their minds active, such as puzzles and interactive games. However, they may become focused on a scent and ignore their surroundings when out on walks.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

English Foxhounds are suitable for experienced dog owners who are familiar with their hunting instincts and energetic personalities. They require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-behaved companions.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

English Foxhounds are intelligent and trainable, but they have a strong independent streak that can make training challenging. Their pack mentality can also make training a bit more difficult. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn basic obedience commands.

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History of the English Foxhound

The English Foxhound breed was developed in the 16th century, when hunting foxes in large packs became popular among British nobility.

The breed remained popular in England and was introduced to the United States in the 18th century.

Today, the English Foxhound is still used for hunting and is also a popular companion dog.

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English Foxhound Puppies

English Foxhounds are energetic puppies that need a lot of exercise and socialization.

They are usually born in litters of 6-8 puppies and have a lifespan of 10-13 years.

Early training and socialization is important to prevent behavioral problems.