Pet Wiki

English Foxhound

Also called Foxhound

Good-natured and easygoing with people and other dogs, shaped by centuries of living and working in packs.

SizeLarge
Height58 to 64 cm (23 to 25 in)123
Lifespanfrom 12 years4
CoatShort, dense, weatherproof
OriginEngland, Great Britain.13
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
friendly and not aggressive
great stamina
dignified and trustworthy
124

Personality what they are like

Good-natured and easygoing with people and other dogs, shaped by centuries of living and working in packs. It is tireless and single-minded once it picks up a scent, but calm and dignified in the house when well exercised.124

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense, weatherproof

A powerful, well-muscled galloping hound with long, straight legs, a level back and a very deep chest built for endurance. The coat is short and thick and stands up well to wind and rain.125

Coloursany recognised hound colour and markings12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an English Foxhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day, ideally in open country.4

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs a weekly brush; it sheds regularly.4

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a rural home with a large, securely fenced garden and an experienced owner who understands pack hounds.4

Company who they like around

Bred to live and hunt in a pack, so it enjoys canine company and does not like being left alone for long.41

The story where it all began

The English Foxhound was shaped in Britain to follow foxes by scent ahead of mounted hunters, with each hunt refining its own type of pack hound. Masters of Foxhounds have kept careful studbooks since the 18th century, making it one of the best-documented breeds.1324

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    More than 250 foxhound packs have been established in Great Britain.1

  2. 2

    Its studbooks go back to the 1700s, so many hounds can trace their pedigree for centuries.3

  3. 3

    The breed standard describes a hound 24 inches at the shoulder with a chest girth of up to 31 inches.5

  4. 4

    In British India it was preferred over faster sighthounds for jackal hunting because its steadier pace gave a longer chase.3

  5. 5

    The UKC recognised the breed back in 1905.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BrambleDukePippinMeadowRufusTallyBiscuitFernHectorWillowBaxterPrimrose

A day in the life told by an English Foxhound

The moment the door opens, I'm off, nose to the ground, following a scent that only I can smell. My pack, my humans and my furry siblings, join me in the field. We run for hours, over hills and through hedges, my baying a joyful song. Back home, I collapse on the cool floor, my legs twitching in a dream of chases. My human scratches my ears, and I thump my tail. Tomorrow, we'll do it all again. Life is best when it's full of scents and speed.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 159, Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds), Section 1.1 Large-sized Hounds, with working trial; standard dated 26.03.2009; FCI recognition 1964.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Hound group ('Foxhound'); Breed Watch category 1; not on the vulnerable native breeds list.4
UKC
Scenthound Group, recognised 1905.2
AKC
Hound Group; ranked 187th of 202 breeds in 2025.6

Popularity Ranked 187th of 202 AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (up from 201st).6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

English Foxhound tip

For a large, active breed like the English Foxhound, choose treats that are low in fat and calories, and always account for them within their daily food allowance to help avoid weight gain. Offer treats in moderation, and consider using part of their regular kibble as a reward during training.

Source: akc.org petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my English Foxhound, and at what times?

Feed your adult English Foxhound at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each day. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.7

What should an English Foxhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give human treats or table scraps without checking with your vet.8

How often should I bathe an English Foxhound?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a mild dog shampoo and rinse well.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an English Foxhound need brushing?

Brush your English Foxhound's short coat once a week to remove loose hair and keep it healthy. It sheds regularly, so weekly brushing helps manage shedding. Use a soft bristle brush or a grooming mitt.49 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an English Foxhound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an English Foxhound need?

The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise daily, ideally in open country. This breed is very active and needs plenty of running and play. Daily walks and off-lead time in a safe area are essential.4 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an English Foxhound's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an English Foxhound live?

The English Foxhound typically lives around 12 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many live a full and happy life. Senior years usually start around age 7.4 Pet Wiki plan

Is an English Foxhound good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is good-natured and easygoing with people and other dogs, thanks to centuries of pack living. It is calm and dignified at home when well exercised. Always supervise interactions with young children and introduce to other pets slowly.124

Can an English Foxhound be left alone?

This breed does not like being left alone for long periods because it was bred to live and work in a pack. It enjoys canine company and may become anxious or destructive if left alone too much. Consider a companion dog or doggy daycare if you are away often.41

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 159 English Foxhound fci.beused for classification, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. UKC English Foxhound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, size, coat, temperament
  3. English Foxhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, fun facts
  4. The Royal Kennel Club: Foxhound royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, habitat, temperament
  5. AKC English Foxhound akc.orgused for body description, chest girth fact
  6. AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.