My Unexpected Introduction to English Foxhounds (And Why They Deserve More Recognition)
The first time I encountered an English Foxhound was at a rural dog show in upstate New York. I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw this majestic, athletic hound with its noble bearing and friendly eyes. Despite being one of the oldest and most established dog breeds in the world, these magnificent animals remain surprisingly under-the-radar in the pet world. As someone who’s now completely enamored with the breed, I feel like I’ve discovered one of the dog world’s best-kept secrets!
If you’ve never heard of English Foxhounds or only know them as “those British hunting dogs,” you’re missing out on a breed with an incredible history, impeccable temperament, and the athletic ability that would put most canine Olympians to shame. While not as well-known as their cousin, the Beagle, or their American counterpart, the American Foxhound, these dogs have been meticulously refined over centuries to create what many consider the perfect scent hound.
Whether you’re considering adding one of these noble hounds to your family, are fascinated by their historical significance in British culture, or just love learning about different dog breeds, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to English Foxhounds. From their aristocratic origins to what they’re actually like as companions (spoiler alert: they’re sweet, social, and seriously energetic), we’ll cover everything you need to know about these classic hunting dogs. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of English Foxhounds!
Noble Heritage: The Rich History of English Foxhounds
To truly understand what makes English Foxhounds so special, we need to appreciate their deep historical roots in British culture and tradition. Their development is intertwined with the evolution of fox hunting itself – a practice that shaped the British countryside and social structure for centuries.
Aristocratic Origins and Meticulous Development
The English Foxhound’s history dates back to at least the 13th century, making it one of the oldest documented dog breeds. However, it was during the 16th and 17th centuries that the breed as we know it today began to take shape. As fox hunting evolved from a necessary form of pest control into an elaborate sport enjoyed by the British aristocracy, the dogs used for the hunt were refined with extraordinary attention to detail.
What makes the English Foxhound’s development particularly unique is the meticulous record-keeping that accompanied it. The Foxhound Kennel Stud Book, established in 1786, is the oldest breed registry in existence – predating even the Kennel Club itself by nearly a century! This careful documentation allowed for incredibly selective breeding, with each pack of hounds maintained by different estates and hunting clubs developing their own distinct characteristics while adhering to the breed standard.
Unlike many dog breeds that were developed primarily for appearance, English Foxhounds were bred almost exclusively for performance. Every aspect of their physical structure, temperament, and hunting ability was carefully selected. Packs would be culled ruthlessly – any dog that couldn’t keep up, showed poor scenting ability, or displayed undesirable traits would be removed from the breeding program.
This focus on function over form created a remarkably consistent, athletic, and healthy breed – characteristics that English Foxhounds maintain to this day.
From Hunt Fields to Family Companions
Traditionally, English Foxhounds were not kept as pets. They lived in large kennels owned by hunts or wealthy estates, working in packs that could range from 20 to 80 dogs. Their lives were devoted entirely to hunting, with their care and training overseen by professional huntsmen and whippers-in.
While fox hunting with dogs was banned in England and Wales in 2004 (though modified forms continue), English Foxhounds are still maintained by hunts for drag hunting, where hounds follow an artificially laid scent trail rather than live prey. Many historic packs continue to exist, maintaining bloodlines that have been carefully developed for centuries.
In recent decades, a small but growing number of English Foxhounds have found their way into homes as companion animals. Their transition to pet life is more recent and less widespread than many breeds, which partly explains their rarity as family dogs. However, those who do discover them often find their even temperament, social nature, and athletic abilities make them wonderful companions for the right active household.
The English Foxhound Look: Form Following Function
English Foxhounds are the embodiment of the phrase “form follows function” – every aspect of their appearance directly relates to their historical purpose as endurance hunting dogs. Let’s break down their physical characteristics and what makes them so distinctive.
Build, Size, and Overall Appearance
English Foxhounds are substantial, powerful dogs with an ideal blend of strength and speed. Males typically stand 24-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 65-75 pounds, while females are slightly smaller but still imposing at 23-25 inches and 60-70 pounds.
Their most distinctive physical features include:
- A noble, somewhat rectangular head with a long, straight muzzle
- Long, low-set ears that hang close to the cheeks
- Large, gentle brown eyes that typically have an earnest expression
- A strong, level back and deep chest that provides ample lung capacity
- Powerful, straight legs with round, tight feet built for covering miles of terrain
- A long, high-set tail carried upward but never curled over the back
Their overall appearance conveys power, symmetry, and substance. Unlike some hunting breeds that were developed for short bursts of speed, English Foxhounds were bred to maintain a steady pace for hours, sometimes covering 30-40 miles in a day’s hunt. This required a perfect balance of strength and endurance, which is reflected in their muscular but never bulky build.
Coat Colors and Grooming
The English Foxhound’s coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant – designed to protect them during long hunts in the variable British climate. The most common color pattern is tricolor (black, white, and tan), but they can also be found in hound colors like bicolor (white with larger patches of color) or badger pie (a mottled mixture of colors).
Their grooming needs are refreshingly minimal. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. They do shed moderately year-round with seasonal increases in spring and fall.
Those long, expressive ears need regular checking and cleaning to prevent infection, as their length can limit airflow. Weekly cleaning with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner helps prevent problems.
Compared to many breeds, English Foxhounds are low-maintenance in the grooming department – their coat is truly wash-and-wear, and they generally lack the “hound odor” that some scent breeds develop.
Personality & Temperament: What Makes English Foxhounds Tick
Beyond their striking appearance, what’s it actually like to live with an English Foxhound? Their personalities reflect their heritage as pack-hunting dogs, with some traits that might surprise people familiar with other hound breeds.
The Pack Mentality: Social, Steady, and Sweet
If I had to sum up the English Foxhound personality in three words, they would be: social, steady, and sweet-natured. These dogs were bred to work in large packs, which has created a breed that typically gets along exceptionally well with other dogs and craves companionship.
Their pack orientation means English Foxhounds generally thrive in households with multiple dogs and often struggle with being an “only dog.” Many owners report that their English Foxhounds seem happier and more settled with canine companions. This social nature extends to humans as well – they enjoy being part of family activities and are typically good with children when properly socialized.
Steadiness is a hallmark of the breed. Unlike some hunting breeds that can be high-strung or nervous, English Foxhounds were specifically selected for even temperaments. They needed to be level-headed enough to work in large groups without squabbling and to maintain focus during the excitement of a hunt. This translates to a generally calm demeanor in the home (provided their exercise needs are met), with less reactivity than many breeds.
Their sweet nature often surprises people who might expect a more aloof working dog. English Foxhounds are typically friendly and gentle, showing little tendency toward aggression or sharpness. They weren’t bred to be guard dogs and generally greet strangers with wagging tails rather than suspicion. While not as demonstratively affectionate as some breeds, they form strong bonds with their people and show their attachment through quiet loyalty and companionship.
Exercise Needs: The Athletic Aristocrat
Perhaps the most important aspect of the English Foxhound temperament to understand is their need for exercise – substantial, daily, vigorous exercise. These dogs were bred to run for hours, covering vast distances during hunts, and this endurance and energy level remains strong in the breed today.
A leisurely walk around the block is nowhere near sufficient for an English Foxhound. They typically need a minimum of 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily – running, hiking, cycling alongside their owner (once mature), or playing with other dogs. Without adequate physical outlets, they can become bored, destructive, and excessively vocal.
Their exercise needs make them excellent companions for very active, outdoorsy people who enjoy having a tireless partner for hikes, runs, or bike rides. They can excel in canine sports like tracking, field trials, and coursing ability tests that allow them to use their natural athleticism.
It’s worth noting that a securely fenced area is essential for English Foxhounds. Once they catch an interesting scent, their hunting instincts take over, and they can run for miles completely focused on the trail. Their recall can be unreliable at best when they’re in “hunting mode,” making off-leash exercise in unfenced areas risky.
Vocalization and Communication
As hunting hounds, English Foxhounds are naturally vocal dogs with a distinctive bay that served a practical purpose during hunts – allowing hunters to follow their progress from a distance. Most English Foxhounds have an array of vocalizations, from the classic baying howl to excited barks and friendly greetings.
This vocal nature can be challenging in suburban environments but is part of their charm for many enthusiasts. Training can help manage excessive vocalization, but it’s important to understand that some baying is simply part of who they are – expecting a completely quiet English Foxhound is unrealistic.
The Amazing Nose: Understanding Their Scenting Abilities
The English Foxhound’s most remarkable feature isn’t their noble appearance or athletic build – it’s their extraordinary sense of smell. Let’s explore what makes their scenting ability so special and how it impacts life with these dogs.
The Science Behind the Sniff
Like all scent hounds, English Foxhounds have a significantly more developed olfactory system than humans. While the human nose contains about 5-6 million scent receptors, a hound’s nose packs an estimated 220 million receptors! Their brain’s olfactory bulb (the part that processes scent information) is also proportionally much larger than ours.
This gives them the ability to detect scents at concentrations up to 100 million times lower than what humans can perceive. They can distinguish between incredibly similar scents, follow trails that are days old, and sort through a complex landscape of overlapping odors to focus on their quarry.
Their physical features enhance this natural ability. Those long, droopy ears help stir up scent particles from the ground as the dog moves. The loose skin around their muzzle can trap scent particles, and their moist, spongy noses efficiently capture scent molecules from the air.
The English Style of Trailing
English Foxhounds were specifically developed to track fox, a quarry known for its evasive tactics. This created a dog with exceptional focus and determination on a scent trail, able to follow even when the trail gets complex or crosses water.
When working, English Foxhounds traditionally operate as a pack, with each dog contributing to the overall tracking efficiency. They methodically follow the scent with their noses to the ground, occasionally lifting their heads to vocalize when the scent is strong. As they get closer to their quarry, their excitement builds, expressed through increased vocalization.
This remarkable scenting ability makes them excellent working dogs for various scent-based activities beyond traditional fox hunting. Today, some English Foxhounds serve in search and rescue, detection work, and competitive tracking events.
For pet owners, this incredible nose means that walks will frequently turn into sniffing expeditions, and secure fencing is absolutely essential. Once they catch an interesting scent, their recall reliability can drop dramatically as their hunting instincts take over.
Health and Care: Maintaining Your English Foxhound
One of the significant advantages of English Foxhounds is their robust health. As a breed developed for working ability rather than appearance, they’ve maintained a functional structure and avoided many of the health problems that plague some more popular breeds.
Common Health Considerations
While generally healthy dogs with few genetic problems, English Foxhounds can be prone to certain conditions:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These developmental conditions affect the joints and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. They’re less common in English Foxhounds than in many large breeds but still occur.
- Ear Infections: Those beautiful long ears are prone to infections due to poor air circulation.
- Epilepsy: Seizure disorders can occur in the breed, though they’re not especially common.
- Renal Disease: Some lines may have increased risk of kidney problems.
Working with a reputable breeder who conducts health testing on their breeding stock can reduce the risk of inherited conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for catching and addressing health issues early.
Lifespan and Aging Considerations
The average lifespan of an English Foxhound is about 10-13 years, which is good for a larger breed. Many remain active and healthy well into their senior years.
As they age, English Foxhounds may become more settled and less driven to follow every interesting scent, often making them more manageable as house pets. However, they typically maintain their love of exercise well into their senior years.
Senior English Foxhounds may develop arthritis, particularly if they’ve been very active throughout their lives. Weight management becomes even more critical for older dogs to reduce strain on their joints. Many owners find that joint supplements (given under veterinary guidance) help maintain mobility as their Foxhounds age.
Feeding and Diet
English Foxhounds typically do well on high-quality commercial dog foods formulated for active large breeds. As dogs bred for extensive physical activity, they have higher caloric needs than many dogs of similar size, particularly if they’re getting the exercise they require.
They generally have good appetites but aren’t typically prone to obesity if properly exercised. Still, monitoring food intake and maintaining a healthy weight is important, especially as they age and their activity level may decrease.
Some owners of working English Foxhounds opt for performance dog foods with higher protein and fat content, particularly during hunting season or periods of intense activity. As always, your veterinarian can provide specific nutritional recommendations based on your individual dog’s needs.
Training Your English Foxhound: Working With Their Nature
Training an English Foxhound requires understanding their unique mindset and working with their natural instincts rather than against them. Let’s explore effective approaches to bringing out the best in these independent-minded dogs.
Understanding the Hound Mindset
English Foxhounds were bred to work in packs, following scent trails over long distances with some human guidance but considerable independence. This created a dog with a very different learning style and motivation than breeds developed for close cooperation with humans, like herding or retrieving breeds.
They’re intelligent, but their intelligence is geared toward problem-solving in hunting scenarios rather than eager obedience. Many new Foxhound owners mistake their independent decision-making for stubbornness or lack of intelligence, when in fact they’re simply operating according to their breeding.
Additionally, their focus on scent can be all-consuming, making it challenging to maintain their attention in environments with interesting smells. This doesn’t mean they’re untrainable – just that training needs to be approached with an understanding of their natural tendencies.
Effective Training Approaches
Here are some strategies that work particularly well with English Foxhounds:
- Start early: Begin training and socialization when they’re puppies and more receptive to new experiences.
- Use positive reinforcement: Foxhounds respond much better to rewards than corrections. Find what motivates your individual dog – food rewards work for many, but some may respond better to play or praise.
- Keep sessions short and engaging: Foxhounds can become bored with repetitive training. 5-10 minute sessions several times a day are more effective than one long session.
- Be consistent but flexible: Consistency in rules and commands is important, but flexibility in training approaches may be necessary as you discover what works best for your individual dog.
- Consider their social nature: English Foxhounds often learn well from other well-behaved dogs, so training in a positive group setting can be effective.
- Channel natural instincts: Rather than fighting against their tracking instincts, provide appropriate outlets through activities like nosework or tracking trials.
Special Training Challenges
Two aspects of training deserve special attention with English Foxhounds: recall and containment.
Reliable recall (coming when called) is perhaps the biggest training challenge with this breed. Once they catch an interesting scent, their hunting instincts can override their response to commands. For safety, most experienced Foxhound owners never allow their dogs off-leash in unsecured areas, regardless of how well-trained they seem. For those determined to improve recall, long-line training and high-value rewards can help, but expectations should remain realistic.
Containment is essential for English Foxhounds. They’re notorious escape artists when motivated by an interesting scent, capable of climbing, digging under, or jumping over inadequate fencing. A minimum 6-foot fence with no gaps and preferably with dig guards is recommended for yards where Foxhounds will spend time unsupervised.
Is an English Foxhound Right for You? Honest Assessment
After learning all about these distinctive dogs, you might be wondering if an English Foxhound would fit well in your lifestyle. Let’s take an honest look at who should (and perhaps shouldn’t) consider this breed.
You Might Be a Great English Foxhound Owner If…
An English Foxhound might be right for you if:
- You’re very active and enjoy outdoor activities like running, hiking, or cycling
- You have other dogs or can provide extensive socialization opportunities
- You have a securely fenced yard or reliable access to safe exercise areas
- You appreciate their vocalization or live in an area where it won’t disturb neighbors
- You have patience for training a dog with an independent streak
- You’re looking for a sweet-natured, gentle dog with high energy
- You have space for a large dog with significant exercise needs
- You can provide consistent daily exercise regardless of weather or schedule changes
- You appreciate their hunting heritage and natural instincts
English Foxhounds can adapt well to family life and generally do well with children, especially older children who can respect their space. They often thrive in households with multiple dogs, benefiting from canine companionship.
A Different Breed Might Be Better If…
An English Foxhound might not be the best choice if:
- You lead a sedentary lifestyle or have limited time for exercise
- You live in an apartment or area with strict noise ordinances
- You want a dog that’s easy to train with high reliability off-leash
- You’re looking for a guard dog (they’re typically friendly to everyone)
- You have small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs (strong prey drive)
- You’re away from home for long periods regularly
- You want a dog that focuses primarily on you rather than environmental stimuli
- You’re looking for a very demonstrative, “velcro” dog that shadows your every move
- You want a dog that’s easy to find in rescue or from breeders (they’re relatively rare as pets)
Finding Your English Foxhound
If you decide an English Foxhound is right for you, be prepared for a bit of a search, as they’re relatively uncommon as pets:
In the United States, the English Foxhound Club of America can be a good starting point for finding reputable breeders. Given their rarity, you may need to be patient and willing to travel or have a puppy shipped.
English Foxhounds occasionally appear in general hound rescues or larger animal shelters, particularly in areas with active hunt clubs. Adopting an adult English Foxhound can be a wonderful option, particularly if the dog has already shown an ability to adapt to home life.
In the UK, connections with local hunts can sometimes lead to retired hunting dogs that are suitable for pet homes. These dogs may require a transition period to adapt to home living but often settle in beautifully with patient guidance.
Conclusion: The Classic Hunting Hound as Modern Companion
There’s something timeless about English Foxhounds. From their aristocratic heritage to their athletic build and sweet temperament, these dogs represent centuries of careful breeding and tradition while offering companionship to those who understand their needs.
Living with an English Foxhound certainly comes with unique challenges – their substantial exercise requirements, pack orientation, and that independent streak that can make training interesting. But for active people who appreciate them for exactly who they are, these challenges are far outweighed by the joy of sharing life with such a noble, good-natured, and capable companion.
Whether they’re covering ground with seemingly effortless strides on a trail run or stretched out contentedly after a day of adventures, English Foxhounds bring a special quality to the lives of those lucky enough to know them. They connect us to centuries of rural tradition while forming bonds with their modern families.
If you decide to welcome one of these classic hounds into your home, prepare for an adventure filled with sweet companionship, impressive athletic feats, and the privilege of stewarding a living piece of history. It’s a unique journey – and for the right person, an incredibly rewarding one.
