Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
10–13 years
Weight
25–34 kg
Height
58–64 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Tricolor · Lemon and White · Tan and White
English Foxhound
About This Breed
The English Foxhound is a stately, athletic pack hound developed for fox hunting in the English countryside. Known for their stamina and gentle nature, they are sociable dogs that thrive in the company of other animals.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a English Foxhound
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 25–34 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–13 years |
| Height | 58–64 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Tricolor · Lemon and White · Tan and White |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Friendly · Gentle · Social · Active |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
English Foxhounds are one of the rarest dog breeds in the U.S. This scarcity is in part because fox hunting—the sport for which the breed was developed in England—is no longer a popular pastime. And the breed characteristics that make English Foxhound dogs ideal for bounding across the countryside in search of prey don’t always translate well to house pet life. English Foxhounds are hound dogs, weighing between 60–75 pounds and standing about 24 inches in height. But they top the charts when it comes to energy, prey drive, and barking.
Care Guide
The English Foxhound breed isn’t a great fit for every home. For example, their barking talents and extensive exercise needs mean they’re not the ideal dog for apartment living. And while English Foxhounds are highly intelligent and capable learners, they’re also pretty opinionated, which can make training difficult for inexperienced pet parents. Moreover, with a mind bent on hunting small prey, homes with small pets may pose problems. Homes with other medium-to-large dogs, however, are a plus. The English Foxhound breed is pack-oriented and highly sociable, and not just with other canines. These hunting dogs love people of all ages, though their energy dictates that all interactions with small children be closely supervised to avoid accidental injury. As with most working breeds, English Foxhounds require very little grooming. Their short, double coat sheds a moderate amount but isn’t prone to matting.