English Foxhound
英國獵狐犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The English Foxhound is a substantial galloping pack hound of great stamina, bred since the 1600s to run for miles ahead of mounted hunts; it has been selected for pack life for so long that the CKC notes few are kept as family pets. Gentle, sociable and affectionate, it gets on famously with other dogs and children, but its primal drive to pursue a scent can outweigh training, it bays loudly, and it needs more than two hours of exercise a day and plenty of space — not a city or apartment dog. Given that outlet it is relaxed and easy-going indoors.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 61cm |
| Weight | 27–34kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–13years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 5/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 3/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Ear infections
The AKC notes that low-hanging ears such as the Foxhound's can be prone to infection and should be checked regularly. Ask your vet how to check and clean the ears.
Behaviour
Bred for the pack, not the sofa
The CKC says Foxhounds have been bred as pack dogs for so many generations that they are happiest with their own kind and few are kept as family pets; most packs belong to hunt associations and are run several miles a day. The AKC agrees these gentle, sociable hounds are rarely seen as house pets because their primal instinct for pursuit can matter more to them than anything else, including training.
Independent scent hound — calm, firm leadership
Like many hounds it is independent and can be stubborn, so the AKC says training takes consistency, patience and an understanding of scent-hound temperament; it responds to calm, loving but firm leadership and is willing to obey once the pack order is settled. As a pack hound it loves the company of other dogs and people, does well with children, and must be kept on leash unless in a safely enclosed area.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 4/5 (high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 5/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — English Foxhound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Foxhound English (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Foxhound
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — English Foxhound (standard no. 159, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]English Foxhound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Foxhound English — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Foxhound — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]English Foxhound — FCI standard no. 159 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.