Scenthound Large size 29-34 kg
English Foxhound
A sociable pack hound built for stamina and following a scent, best for a rural home with room to run, not an apartment.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
29-34 kg, 58-64 cm
Very high
Activity
Very high; a working dog that needs hard daily exercise
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Copes better with another dog at home
Challenging
Trainability
The nose outranks you; consistent training needed
Low
Coat care
Low upkeep; occasional brushing
Very good
Fit with kids
Good family dog with children
Very good
Other pets
A pack hound - great with other dogs
Light
Health burden
One of the healthier large breeds
The English Foxhound typically weighs 29-34 kg, stands 58-64 cm, and lives 10-13 years.
Consider this breed if…
you run, bike or hike long distances and want a tireless partner,
you live rurally with securely fenced land,
you already have another dog - pack company suits this breed,
you accept baying as part of the soundtrack.
Do not consider this breed if…
you live in an apartment or have close neighbors - the bay carries for miles,
you want reliable off-leash recall; a fresh scent trail beats your voice,
your fence is under 6 feet or unsecured at the bottom,
you want a compliant, eager-to-please obedience dog.
A typical day with a English Foxhound
- 6:00 · MorningLong run or bike ride, 60+ minutes
- 9:00 · MidmorningNose-down patrol of the yard
- 13:00 · NoonDeep sleep after real exercise
- 16:00 · AfternoonScent games or a second long outing
- 19:00 · EveningEasygoing family time, happy in a heap of dogs
- 22:00 · NightSleeps soundly; may bay at distant sounds
Family and environment
Kids Good
Gentle and tolerant; may bowl over toddlers in play.
Dogs Excellent
Bred to live in packs; genuinely happier with company.
Cats Conditional
Household cats can work if raised together; outdoor cats get chased.
Apartment Poor fit
Energy and baying make it one of the worst apartment picks.
House with a yard Conditional
Only with tall, secure fencing and real daily exercise.
City Poor fit
Leash-only life frustrates a hound bred to run for hours.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run with the family is what it was bred for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Bloat (GDV) Life-threatening emergency in deep-chested dogs
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Lighter, racier cousin with the same pack nature
American Foxhound
A sweet, easygoing pack hound with tireless stamina and a loud voice, best for active rural homes rather than apartments.
View profile →
Same hound package a size smaller
Harrier
A sturdy, sociable pack hound like a bigger Beagle - cheerful and good with company, but energetic with a nose that pulls it away.
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The compact, house-friendly scenthound option
Beagle
A merry, kid-proof scent hound that follows its nose over your commands - and tells the whole street when left alone.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does an English Foxhound cost in the US?
It is consistently among the rarest AKC breeds, so finding one is the hard part. Most English Foxhounds live in working hunt kennels, not homes; pet puppies from the few breeders typically run $600-$1,500, and retired hunt hounds are sometimes rehomed for less. Over a 10-13 year life, budget roughly $15,000-$22,000+ for food and routine vet care.
What is the difference between an English and an American Foxhound?
They share ancestry, but the English Foxhound is stockier, heavier-boned and slightly shorter, bred for stamina in a tight pack, while the American Foxhound is taller, lighter and racier. Temperament is similar: sociable, scent-obsessed and loud. For a family home the practical differences are small - both need rural space and serious exercise.
Can an English Foxhound live in a house as a pet?
Yes, but only the right house. This is a gentle, sociable dog indoors once exercised, and it is excellent with kids and other dogs. The dealbreakers are exercise volume (up to 2 hours daily), the loud carrying bay, and a scent drive that rules out off-leash freedom. A rural home with a secure fence and another dog is the realistic setting.
Are English Foxhounds easy to train?
No. They are not stupid - they were bred to make decisions independently while following scent, which means your commands compete with their nose and often lose. House manners and basic obedience come with patient, food-driven consistency. Reliable recall around wildlife is not a realistic goal; plan on leashes and fences for life.