English Foxhound
Description
The English Foxhound is a sturdy, traditional British breed known for its hunting roots dating back to the 1500s. Bred to track foxes over long distances, these dogs have endurance and a sharp nose that rivals most breeds. They work best in packs, following scents with single-minded focus. Though foxhunting was banned in the UK in 2005, Foxhounds still chase artificial trails in drag and trail hunting. Friendly and social, English Foxhounds get along well with people and other dogs. They thrive on activity and companionship, making them poor candidates for long hours alone. Their hunting drive can make training a challenge, as they tend to follow their noses rather than commands. At home, they’re surprisingly calm and relaxed, but they do need plenty of exercise to stay balanced.
Grooming
English Foxhounds have a short double coat that sheds heavily in spring and fall. Brush them twice a week to keep loose hair under control, and switch to daily brushing during shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake on dense patches to remove dead fur and prevent matting. Bathe your Foxhound every 6 to 8 weeks, making sure to dry thoroughly to protect the double coat’s insulating properties. Avoid shaving the coat—it can damage the natural barrier and cause skin issues. Their coat colors—black, white, and tan; lemon and white; or all white—don’t require special stain care but do show dirt easily on lighter areas, so regular wiping helps. - Brush 2× weekly; daily in heavy sheds - Use undercoat rake on thick spots - Bathe every 6–8 weeks; dry well - Never shave the double coat Pro tip: Schedule a de-shed treatment every 6 to 8 weeks during shedding seasons to keep your home cleaner and your dog more comfortable.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
English Foxhounds need about 100 minutes of walking each day, split into two sessions. This breed was built to run and track scents for hours, so a quick stroll won’t cut it. Aim for one longer walk or run in the morning and a second session in the evening to burn off energy and satisfy their tracking instincts. Keep your Foxhound on a leash or in a secure area, as their nose can lead them far from home if they catch a scent. Vary your routes to keep their mind engaged and offer chances to sniff and explore. Example routine: - Morning: 60-minute brisk walk or jog with scent breaks - Evening: 40-minute walk with some off-leash play in a fenced area
Boarding
When boarding an English Foxhound, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium-large frame comfortably. These dogs enjoy active play, so plan for two play sessions daily that include running and chasing games. Incorporate scent and brain games to tap into their natural hunting instincts and keep them mentally sharp. Staff should note that Foxhounds are social and do best with canine companions or plenty of human interaction. They can be stubborn, so consistent, patient handling is key. Avoid long periods of isolation to prevent stress. Enrichment ideas include scent trails laid out in the yard and puzzle toys that challenge their problem-solving skills. This breed thrives on routine and activity, so keeping them busy helps maintain calm behavior in the kennel.