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English Foxhound
Hound breed from England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a large, athletic scent hound with a classic pack-hound build. It has a short, hard, dense coat and a powerful, musical voice with a distinctive bay. This breed is known for its exceptional endurance and stamina. Temperament traits include being friendly, energetic, gentle, independent, and courageous. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed's energy level is rated 5 out of 5, indicating high exercise needs. Trainability is moderate (3/5), and grooming is low (2/5). Shedding is moderate (3/5). The breed is generally suitable with children (4/5) and other dogs (4/5), but less suited to apartment living (2/5). Adult weight is estimated between 27 and 34 kg for both sexes, and height between 56 and 64 cm. Lifespan is estimated at 10 to 13 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
English Foxhound at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupHound
OriginEngland
Lifespan10–13 years
Male weight27–34 kilogram
Female weight27–34 kilogram
Male height56–64 centimetre
Female height56–64 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The English Foxhound was developed in England, with origins dating back to the 16th century. It was specifically bred for fox hunting, and its history is closely tied to the sport. Studbooks have been maintained by the Masters of Foxhounds Association since the 1700s, representing some of the most complete breed records. The breed was designed as a scent hound with exceptional endurance and stamina to keep up with horses during hunts. Its distinctive bay and pack-hound build were essential for working in groups. The breed's development focused on creating a dog that could work tirelessly in the field, and its history is rooted in English hunting traditions. The exact timeline of its recognition by various kennel clubs is not specified, but its recognition status varies by registry.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
27–34 kilogramAdult weight56–64 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyenergeticgentleindependentcourageous
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No English Foxhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
English Foxhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight27–34 kilogramAdult female weight27–34 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an English Foxhound?
The English Foxhound is a large breed. Estimated adult weight ranges from 27 to 34 kg for both males and females. Estimated adult height ranges from 56 to 64 cm. The estimated lifespan is 10 to 13 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of an English Foxhound?
The breed is described as friendly, energetic, gentle, independent, and courageous. However, individual dogs may not exhibit all these traits. They are generally good with children (suitability rated 4/5) and other dogs (compatibility rated 4/5). Their independent nature can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness.
How much exercise does an English Foxhound need?
The English Foxhound has a very high energy level (rated 5/5). It requires substantial daily exercise to stay healthy and content. This breed was developed for endurance hunting, so long walks, runs, or opportunities to explore in a safe area are recommended.
What are the grooming requirements for an English Foxhound?
Grooming is low maintenance (rated 2/5). The short, hard, dense coat needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Shedding is moderate (rated 3/5). Regular ear checks and nail trimming are also advisable.
Is the English Foxhound suitable for apartment living?
The breed is not well-suited to apartment living (rated 2/5). Due to its high energy and need for space, a home with a securely fenced yard is more appropriate. They are pack-oriented and may become restless without adequate exercise.
What is the origin of the English Foxhound?
The English Foxhound originated in England. It was developed in the 16th century specifically for fox hunting. The breed's studbooks have been maintained by the Masters of Foxhounds Association since the 1700s, making them one of the most thoroughly documented breeds.
Is the English Foxhound recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is recognized by some kennel clubs, but not all. For specific recognition details, it is best to check with individual registries.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.