English FoxhoundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the English Foxhound has been bred to careful rules for more than two hundred years. The stud books published by the Masters of Foxhounds Association go back to before 1800, so any owner can easily trace their dog's ancestry.

Foxhound breeding has always been in the hands of the Masters of the packs, who kept very careful records. There have been more than 250 packs in Great Britain. Wikipedia says that during British rule in India the Foxhound was taken there to hunt jackals, but it coped poorly with the heat.

How the breed developed

• Before 1800 – The pack stud books begin.
• 19th century – The Foxhound is also taken to India to hunt jackals.
• 25 April 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – the current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a sturdy hound built for the gallop, with great stamina. The long legs are straight and strong, the back is level, and the very deep chest gives it the wind for a full day's hunting.

General appearance

The skull is flat and the muzzle long and square. Wikipedia says the feet are round, almost cat-like. The tail is carried high and gaily.

Any colour and any pattern recognised in hounds is accepted, most often tricolour (white, black and tan), white and tan, or white and lemon.

The standard describes it as hardy, with natural hunting ability, friendly and non-aggressive. The AKC says that, like many hounds, it is independent and can be stubborn.

Training requires consistency, patience and an understanding of a hound's nature. It responds well to calm, loving but firm leadership. As a pack dog, it loves the company of other dogs.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient and consistent. It is independent, like all hounds.
• Keep it in company. It loves being with other dogs.
• Practise recall. On the trail of a fox it forgets everything else.
• Work on the barking. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.

The AKC says it needs plenty of daily exercise and outdoor activity. It suits an active family with plenty of land and is not recommended for the city or a flat. With enough exercise, it is gentle, sociable and relaxed.

Tips for a balanced life

• It needs a large, fenced property.
• It is not suited to the city.
• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short, hard, glossy coat needs very little care: brushing once a week with a soft brush or a grooming mitt, and a bath now and then. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says the English Foxhound is generally healthy. It is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.
• Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Records of more than 200 years. The pack pedigrees go back to before 1800.
• More than 250 packs. There have been more than 250 Foxhound packs in Great Britain.
• Cat feet. Its feet are round, almost cat-like.
• A cousin of the American one. It is related to the American Foxhound.
• Big lungs. The AKC says the chest can measure 79 cm in girth on a dog 61 cm tall.

What was the English Foxhound bred for?

For hunting foxes by scent, in packs.

How big does it get?

It measures about 58–64 cm at the withers and weighs 27–34 kg.

Can it live in a block of flats?

No. The AKC recommends it for active families with plenty of land.

Does it bark a lot?

Yes, the AKC gives it top marks for barking.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–13 years.