General Information

Dog NameEnglish Foxhound
Other NamesFoxhound
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupHound
Breed ForTracking foxes
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited Kingdom (UK)

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span10
Max Life Span13
Min Ideal Weight for male27
Max Ideal Weight for male31
Min Ideal Weight for female27
Max Ideal Weight for male31

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentGentle, Affectionate, Independent
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyHigh
Cat FriendlyLow
Dog FriendlyHigh
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginGreat Britain
Nicknames and Other NamesFoxhound
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupHound Group
Bred ForTracking foxes and hunting other game
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, CKC, NZKC, UKC, ANKC, KC
Life Span10-13 years
Ideal Weight60-75 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height24 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeShort, dense, hard, glossy
Common ColorsBlack, White, Tan
MarkingsNone
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsPolice Dog
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToAmerican Foxhound

The English Foxhound is a dog breed that was originated in England, Great Britain in the 18th Century for the purpose of developing a determined, strong and fast hunting breed.

The large-sized and medium-energy having English Foxhound is the rarest foxhound breed and is very few in number in comparison to other foxhound breeds.

Where did the English Foxhound originate from?

The English Foxhound originated in the 18th century in England, Great Britain as hunting companions for fox hunters of the nation. Among all the Foxhounds, the English Foxhound dogs are considerably rare.

According to AKC, the traditional British foxhunt began in the 1600s with packs of bawling hounds and mounted hunters. “Masters of hounds” developed a foxhound breed by breeding big stag-hunting hounds with leggy Greyhound-type hounds.

An English Foxhound in the forest. Image Source: Instagram@joleneandnormajeane

As a result, the English Foxhound was formed with a cold nose and endurance as well as great speed and agility. The Breed became popular as time passed by and people of royalty began to buy these dogs for packs.

The English Foxhound dogs were then brought to the United States by colonists from Britain. After the breed arrived in the United States in the late 18th Century, American breeders crossed them with other dogs to produce an American Foxhound dog.

Some historians claim the initial development of the English Foxhound started back in the 13th century. The American Kennel Club listed this breed officially in 1909, however, it is still not popular as a pet or show dog.

Are they Child-friendly?

Yes, the English Foxhound is a very child-friendly breed. They are friendly and gentle with the kids. The sweet dogs get along with the kids very easily and share a friendly bond with each other.

A happy kid with two English Foxhounds. Image Source: Instagram@jbhoneycutt3

They are originally a hunting breed, so it is obvious for them to show their hunting instincts. So, it is very important to keep eyes on your children and the dog while they are playing together.

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

The English Foxhound is a very friendly breed with sometimes being as stubborn as their will. They will bay and howl at nights and when left alone. Separation is something that this breed does not like.

The English Foxhound dogs have a curious and playful temperament. Early socialization and training are very important to avoid the dog from having separation anxiety.

Talking about the personality, the English Foxhound is an active, athletic and energetic breed. They have pack mentality and like to live in group with other dogs and pets.

Trainability

As most of the hound breeds, the English Foxhound are very easy to train. They don’t have the longest attention spans which means the training should be conducted short and non-repetitive.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuydRz3g1JY/
An English Foxhound being trained.

Originally bred for hunting, these dogs will enjoy going on long walks, jogging and hiking with their owners. Their inborn intelligence and skills will make it easier to train them.

Sometimes, the English Foxhound can be very stubborn, not willing to obey his master. At that time, you have to establish leadership with your dog and make him realize that you run the show not him.

Facts about the English Foxhound

Here are some of the facts about the English Foxhound breed that you might want to know:

  • The English Foxhound dogs have a short coat that is typically black, tan and white colored.
  • They are the rarest of the foxhound breeds.
  • They have a rich, deep and mellow voice.
  • They are shorter and stouter than the American Foxhound.
  • They were originated in England in the 18th Century.
  • They like to be kept in packs with other dogs.
English Foxhound enjoying nature with its owner. Image Source: [email protected]

Common Health Issues that is seen in the English Foxhound breed

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Epilepsy, Renal Disease,
Bloat, Obesity, Heart DIsease. Ear Infection
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredCanine Distemper, Rabies, Canine Parvovirus,
Kennel Cough, Canine Coronavirus,
Leptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza
SheddingModerate Shedder
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialLow to Average
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesSkin Allergy
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 28%
fat: 15%
Multivitamins
Glucosamine
Fish Oil

The average life expectancy of an English Foxhound dog is 9 to 11 years. And during this lifetime, it suffers from various health issues. Some of them are given below:

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a very chronic disorder which causes recurrent seizures in the brain of the dogs.

An English Foxhound being treated. Photo Source: AnimalWised

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease seen in the dogs which is caused by the malformation of the hip joints.

Deafness

Deafness is a condition where the dog will stop listening anything. Most of the dogs get deafness problem as hereditary characteristic. In such condition, the dog might seem to be ignoring you though his ears seem fine.

Color patterns

The English Foxhound are found in three colors. They are white, lemon & white and tri-color.

Size of English Foxhound

The height of an English Foxhound is 53–63 cm approximately and the weight of 25-34 kg.

Price of English Foxhound Puppies

A mother English Foxhound is likely to give birth to 5-7 puppies at a time. The average price of a English Foxhound is between $800 to $1200 USD depending on the breed’s purity.

Two cute English Foxhound puppies. Image Source: Pinterest

Which dogs are they similar to?

Here are some dogs that are similar to the English Foxhound according to Animal Planet:

  • American Foxhound
  • Beagle
  • Black and Tan Coonhound
  • Bloodhound
  • Otterhound
  • Harrier

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