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English foxhound

The English Foxhound was developed from the sixteenth century for mounted fox hunting, and it is one of the few breeds still bred almost entirely by working packs rather than by individual owners — hunt kennels keep studbooks going back centuries.

It stands 58 to 64 centimetres, weighs 29 to 34 kilograms and lives ten to thirteen years, with a short hard coat, usually tricolour. It is bred to run for hours in a pack behind a scent, with the stamina and the carrying voice that requires. Very few live as household pets, and the reason is straightforward: the exercise requirement and the noise are both beyond what a normal home can absorb.

Origin
England; bred by hunt packs since the 16th century
Size
58–64 cm; 29–34 kg
Lifespan
10–13 years
Coat
Short and hard, usually tricolour
Housing
Bred and kept in packs rather than as household dogs
Exercise
Very high; built to run for hours

Related: American English coonhound · American foxhound · English cocker spaniel · English setter · English shepherd

3 english foxhound photos, newest first

  • Trumpet, a english foxhound

    Trumpet

    Trumpet walks the lane as though leading a parade nobody else was told about.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Clemence, a english foxhound

    Clemence

    Clemence was promoted to wedding planner facing a runaway bouquet; unfortunately, a parade of rubber ducks heads the wrong way.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Clemence, a english foxhound

    Clemence

    Took eleven attempts. Clemence moved for ten of them.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a english foxhound

Understand that this is a pack animal. English Foxhounds are raised in kennels with other hounds, and a single one in a house is often anxious and vocal. Two are easier than one.

Exercise needs are genuinely high — an hour or more of hard running daily, and a lead walk does not count.

The voice carries for miles by design and is used freely.

Once on a scent, recall is gone. Secure fencing, long lines.

Grooming is trivial. Check ears weekly, keep the dog lean, and learn the signs of bloat. Retired hunt hounds are sometimes rehomed and can settle well with an experienced, rural owner.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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