English Foxhound
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Find English Foxhound BreedersGet to Know English Foxhounds
- Rare Companion: The English Foxhound is one of the rarest AKC breeds as a companion dog, as they were bred exclusively for pack hunting.
- Stud Book History: English Foxhound breeding records are among the oldest in the dog world, with some packs maintaining records for over 250 years.
- Pack Animal: English Foxhounds are bred to live and work in large packs. They thrive with canine companionship and may struggle as solo dogs.
- Stamina Champions: They were bred to run for hours during a hunt—their endurance is exceptional and they need extensive exercise.
Breed History
The English Foxhound is a classic British scenthound developed in the late 1600s for fox hunting with mounted riders. Breeding records (stud books) for English Foxhounds date back over 250 years, making it one of the best-documented breeds in history. Packs of Foxhounds were maintained by English aristocratic families and hunted across the English countryside. Though fox hunting with dogs was banned in England and Wales in 2004, the breed continues as a companion and show dog.
Personality and Behaviour
- Social & Pack-Oriented: English Foxhounds are deeply social dogs that thrive with other dogs. They were bred to work in packs and are happiest with canine companions.
- Friendly & Gentle: They are gentle, good-natured dogs that get along with everyone—people, children, and other animals.
- Active & Energetic: They have immense stamina and need significant daily exercise. A short walk will not satisfy them.
- Independent on the Trail: Like all scenthounds, they can be single-minded when following a scent. Recall training requires dedicated effort.
Care
- Exercise: At least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Running, long hikes, and active play are essential. They are ideal companions for runners and cyclists.
- Grooming: Their short, dense coat needs only weekly brushing. They are very low-maintenance. Clean ears regularly and trim nails as needed.
- Diet: Feed a high-quality food for active large breeds. They are generally not prone to obesity due to their high activity levels, but monitor portions.
- Health: Generally a very healthy breed due to centuries of careful breeding for function. Watch for hip dysplasia, renal disease, and ear infections. Their robust health is one of the breed's greatest assets.
English Foxhound Summary
How Much Does It Cost to Own an English Foxhound Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an English Foxhound is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About English Foxhound
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available English Foxhound puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for English Foxhound, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an English Foxhound is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.










