The English Foxhound isn’t your average family dog — this is a hound bred to run with a pack for hours, nose down, tail up, following scent trails across fields and hedges. They’re gentle, affectionate, and sociable, but also stubborn, noisy, and not the type you can casually unclip on a Sunday stroll. If you can offer space, structure, and plenty of exercise, you’ll find a loyal companion with a nose for mischief.
Owner insight: “The one thing I found difficult about having a hound as a house dog is that she could never, ever, be off lead, and when she was on lead, she pulled, hard.”
Still unsure? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to see if this hound’s the right fit.
Great Names for an English Foxhound
Foxhounds are noble yet clownish — their names can reflect both. For more inspiration, check out our Dog Name Generator.
- Classic English: Winston, Beatrice, Oliver, Pippa, Arthur
- Hunt-inspired: Tracker, Scout, Ranger, Chase, Bramble
- Cheeky picks: Zoom, Banger, Biscuit, Noodle
- Ironic choices: Snoozer, Velvet, Whisper
Pickles’ Aside: “Whisper? More like full-volume bugle.”
Exercise
If you’re picturing a quick garden potter — forget it. Foxhounds were bred to gallop across the countryside for hours, and that energy hasn’t gone anywhere.
They need:
- 2+ hours daily of hard exercise.
- Safe, enclosed areas — recall is unreliable at best.
- Scent games to satisfy their hunting brain.
Owner insight: “Driven by its superior sense of smell, you can expect this persistent sniffer to disregard your commands when its curiosity takes over.”
Hound Prey Drive Warning
English Foxhounds are scent-driven machines. Cats, rabbits, squirrels — all seen as prey. Strong recall training helps, but even the best-trained hound will bolt if the right scent catches their nose.
Pickles’ Aside: “Once the nose is on, the ears are off.”
Pack Dog Warning
Foxhounds and other scent hounds were bred to live, hunt, and work in packs. That instinct runs deep.
What this means for you:
- Not natural solo dogs — they can become anxious, noisy, or destructive if left alone too much.
- Thrive with other dogs or lots of human interaction.
- Expect “pack behaviour” — baying, following, and testing boundaries together.
- Training can be harder when instincts pull them to stick with their pack.
Pickles’ Aside: “One Foxhound is fun. Two is a pack. Three and you’re officially outnumbered.”
Temperament
For all their hunting heritage, Foxhounds are surprisingly gentle at home. They’re pack dogs, so they thrive on company and can be affectionate clowns when surrounded by people and dogs alike.
- Friendly and sociable with dogs and humans.
- Affectionate in the home.
- Restless or destructive if left alone.
Owner insight: “They are a pack animal and do far better in groups than alone … unless you have adequate security … they become very destructive.”
Training
Training a Foxhound is like negotiating with an Olympic athlete who only wants to talk about running. They’re intelligent but stubborn, and their nose can hijack any lesson.
- Positive reinforcement works best.
- Consistency is key.
- Patience required — recall is a lifelong project.
For guidance, try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer, especially for recall training with scent-driven breeds.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Despite their baying voices, Foxhounds are not natural guard dogs. They’ll sound the alarm but are generally too friendly to be intimidating.
- Alert but welcoming.
- Better hosts than watchdogs.
Other Animals
Foxhounds love their own kind — but smaller pets are often seen as quarry.
- Dog-friendly (especially in groups).
- Cats and small animals should be best avoided.
- Need careful introductions to live happily with other pets.
Owner insight: “It regards other pets such as cats or rodents as prey.”
Grooming
This isn’t a high-maintenance coat, but hounds bring home mud, brambles, and a strong “houndy” smell if not kept clean.
- Weekly brushing keeps the coat neat.
- Baths as needed — especially after muddy runs.
- Regular ear checks to prevent infections.
Health
Foxhounds are a hardy breed, but working dogs always come with a few risks:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections (due to long, floppy ears)
- Thrombocytopathy (a rare bleeding disorder in some lines)
- Kidney disease (inherited cases reported)
Average lifespan: 10–13 years. Choose breeders who health test — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Owning a Foxhound is less about grooming bills and more about food, space, and training.
- Puppy price: £500–£1,000 (rare as pets in the UK)
- Food: £40–£70/month (big, active appetites)
- Insurance: £25–£45/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
Famous Owners & Moments
- English Foxhounds have centuries of history in Britain, bred for organised hunts.
- They remain rare as companion dogs, but their athleticism makes them admired by enthusiasts worldwide.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Foxhounds make easy pets | They’re high-energy, stubborn, and thrive best in experienced homes. |
| They’re aggressive | Not at all — they’re friendly and sociable. |
| You can let them off-lead anywhere | Their nose takes over; recall is notoriously unreliable. |
| They’re low-maintenance indoors | Without exercise, they can be destructive and noisy. |
Foxhound FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, lightly year-round.
- Good with kids? Yes, gentle but bouncy.
- Do they bark? They bay — loudly and often.
- How long do they live? 10–13 years.
- Can they be left alone? Not for long — they’re pack dogs.
Thinking of Bringing Home an English Foxhound?
If you dream of a gentle, athletic companion with a voice that could rival a trumpet, the Foxhound might be for you. But be warned: they’re not easy pets. They need space, structure, and stamina from their humans.
Before you decide, grab our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your hound is home, capture their goofy side forever with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “They don’t just join the family — they recruit you into their pack.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 25–34 kg
- Height: 58–64 cm
- Lifespan: 10–13 years
- Best Trait: Sociable, gentle, athletic
- Challenging Trait: Stubborn, strong prey drive, loud