Foxhound at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 58–64 cm
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Foxhound right for you?
Like every breed, the Foxhound is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Foxhound fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Foxhound
The Foxhound is a large, powerful scent hound with a short, hard-wearing coat, drop ears, a deep chest and a strong tail carried high. Away from work it is typically tolerant, good-natured, gentle and affectionate, but it is first and foremost a working pack hound that thrives on hard work.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Can be vocal
Often quick to bark at visitors or unusual sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The English Foxhound has always been a pack hound, bred for centuries to hunt and to travel long distances at a trot and then at a gallop. Individual hunts developed their own recognisable types, so the breed standard is broad.
Foxhounds have only recently been seen in UK show rings, although they have been shown in the USA and Australia for much longer. They are more often shown at agricultural shows as packs or pairs, and the annual Festival of Hunting at Peterborough brings together exhibits from many packs. This remains very much a working hound.
Foxhound temperament
Foxhounds are usually sociable, friendly and affable, and are generally friendly with other dogs. Many are happiest in the company of other Foxhounds.
They have a very strong hunting instinct and think with their noses: once on a scent, it is hard to get their attention back. They do not do well left unsupervised or unoccupied. They tend to be vocal and will bark to alert you to visitors or anything unusual.
Size and appearance
Foxhounds are large dogs, typically standing 58–64 cm and weighing about 25–34 kg.
The short, dense coat is weatherproof and protects them while hunting. Breed standard colours include tricolour, black and white, tan and white, lemon and white, red and white, badger pied, hare pied and white, many of which also occur as mottle.
How much exercise does a Foxhound need?
Foxhounds need more than two hours of exercise a day, and this should be seen as a minimum. A mix of walking, trotting and free running across varied ground, plus scent work, suits them best. They have incredible stamina and are not put off by cold or wet weather. Because of their hunting instinct, exercise them in secure areas. Most owners find it hard to provide enough exercise.
Training a Foxhound
Training a Foxhound starts with understanding how it thinks: nose first. Owners need to understand scent hounds and find some form of daily work for their hound.
- Start recall training at a young age, and expect it to be challenging.
- Use reward-based training techniques.
- Socialise them early with livestock and smaller household pets, but never rely on this alone for safety.
- Give them daily work such as tracking, man-trailing or canicross.
Foxhound grooming
The short, smooth coat is easy to look after. A quick brush once a week removes dead hair, and they may need a wipe down after exploring. A daily check for scratches, cuts, torn nails, cut pads and thorns is sensible, as a Foxhound on a scent ignores injuries.
Living with a Foxhound
Well trained and socialised Foxhounds can be sociable and friendly at home, but they are big dogs and can be clumsy in small spaces. They tend to suit families with older teenagers who do not mind some knocking about by an enthusiastic hound. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Foxhound health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Foxhounds are a very hardy breed with no known breed-specific health problems. The Royal Kennel Club's main recommendation for breeders is to prioritise genetic diversity.
Bloating and stomach problems
With their deep chests, Foxhounds are more prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce this risk.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Foxhound home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Foxhound cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Foxhound home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Foxhound
If you have decided the Foxhound suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Foxhound
Foxhounds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Foxhounds looking for homes
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Similar breeds you may want to consider
Foxhound FAQs
Is the Foxhound good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Foxhound live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Foxhound need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Foxhound shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Foxhound need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Foxhound easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Foxhound be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Foxhound bark a lot?
Can be vocal. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Foxhound good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Foxhound live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Foxhound get?
Adults typically stand 58–64 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–34 kg.