The English Foxhound is a well-balanced, powerful hound with a distinctive, soulful expression and a strong, athletic build.

Typically stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Generally weighs between 55-75 pounds.

Short, dense, and weatherproof.

Commonly seen in tri-color (black, white, and tan), but can also be bi-color (tan and white) or white with markings.

Features a broad skull and a long, strong muzzle.

Set high and carried gaily, but not curled over the back.

English Foxhounds are known for their friendly, sociable, and gentle nature, especially with their families and other dogs.

Extremely pack-oriented, thriving in the company of other dogs and people.

High-energy and enthusiastic, requiring ample outlets for their stamina.

Known for their gentle disposition, making them suitable for families with children.

Can be independent thinkers, a trait stemming from their hunting heritage.

Tendency to bay or howl, especially when they pick up a scent.

English Foxhounds are best suited for active families or individuals who can provide them with ample exercise and companionship, ideally in a rural or suburban setting.

Generally healthy and robust.

Not suitable for apartment living.

The ideal owner for an English Foxhound is someone who appreciates their energetic nature and can commit to their exercise and training needs, providing a loving and stimulating environment.

Caring for an English Foxhound involves minimal grooming, a balanced diet, and providing a suitable living environment that accommodates their high energy levels.

Requires minimal grooming; weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.

Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying out their skin.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Best suited to homes with large, securely fenced yards; not ideal for apartment living.

Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections, common in breeds with drop ears.

Training English Foxhounds requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature, and they need significant daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

English Foxhounds are intelligent but can be stubborn, making training a challenge. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work best. Consistency is key, as they can easily become distracted by scents.

These hounds require extensive daily exercise, including long walks, runs, or hikes. They also benefit from having a large, securely fenced yard where they can run freely. Mental stimulation, such as scent work or tracking games, is equally important to keep them engaged.

Focus intensely on recall training from a young age due to their strong scent-driven instincts.

Essential, as their hunting instincts can lead them to follow scents uncontrollably.

Expose them to various environments, people, and other animals to promote a well-rounded temperament.

Incorporate puzzle toys and interactive games to prevent boredom.

Be prepared for a longer training period compared to more easily trained breeds.

English Foxhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetic conditions.

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis.

Some lines may be prone to kidney problems.

A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.

Due to their floppy ears.

The English Foxhound's origins date back to the 16th century in England, where they were meticulously bred by combining various hounds, including the Greyhound, for speed, and the Bulldog, for tenacity. The breed was developed to assist in fox hunting, a popular sport among the British nobility. The English Foxhound Association, established in the late 19th century, has maintained detailed studbooks, ensuring the purity of the breed. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1909, the English Foxhound remains a testament to traditional hunting practices, though they are increasingly found as companion animals as well.

Yes, they are known for their gentle nature and are generally good with children, especially when raised with them.

They require a significant amount of daily exercise, including long walks, runs, or hikes, ideally totaling at least two hours per day.

They have a tendency to bay or howl, especially when they pick up a scent, but excessive barking can usually be managed with training.

They can be challenging to train due to their independent nature; consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial.

They are not ideally suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for space to roam.

The average lifespan of an English Foxhound is 10-13 years.

They are pack-oriented and generally get along well with other dogs. However, their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets.

Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep their coat healthy, with occasional baths as needed.

They are generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia, renal disease, and epilepsy.

Consider contacting English Foxhound breed-specific rescues or the American Foxhound Club for adoption resources.