The English Foxhound Breed Guide to Health and Exercise

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Posted Oct 8, 2024

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From above unhappy English Foxhound dog with brown and white fur standing behind metal bars and looking up with sadness
Credit: pexels.com, From above unhappy English Foxhound dog with brown and white fur standing behind metal bars and looking up with sadness

English Foxhounds are a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a common issue in English Foxhounds, with a significant percentage of the breed affected.

Regular exercise is essential for English Foxhounds to stay happy and healthy. They need at least two hours of exercise per day, which can include running, walking, and playing.

English Foxhounds are built for speed and endurance, so they require a lot of physical activity to keep them satisfied. They are not suited for apartment living and need plenty of space to run around.

English Foxhounds are generally long-lived, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

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Health and Care

English Foxhounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. You should expect to see health clearances from reputable organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) when buying a puppy.

Credit: youtube.com, [English Foxhound] How to Take Care of an English Foxhound || How much does an English Foxhound cost

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease that can occur in English Foxhounds, affecting the hip joint due to abnormal growth and development. Renal disease, also known as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys can't clear toxins from the blood. Epilepsy is another hereditary disorder that can cause seizures in English Foxhounds.

To ensure your English Foxhound lives a long and healthy life, it's essential to provide regular exercise, such as daily runs or playtime. Crate training is also crucial, especially for puppies, to prevent them from getting into things they shouldn't and to protect your belongings.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in English Foxhounds:

  • Hip Dysplasia: a degenerative disease in which the hip joint is weakened due to abnormal growth and development.
  • Renal Disease: occurs when the kidneys are unable to clear the blood of certain toxins such as creatinine and urea.
  • Epilepsy: a disorder that causes seizures in the dog.

Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease in dogs is a serious concern, and one notable example is the outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in a kennel of English Foxhounds in the south of England.

The outbreak impacted 180 dogs, with ages ranging from puppies to adults up to 8 years old.

Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog

This kennel worked among six counties, some of which are in the "Edge Area" affected by bovine tuberculosis.

The dogs' diet, which consisted of raw meat, was under investigation as a potential source of the infection.

TB is caused by the M. bovis bacteria, which can be present in contaminated meat.

Health

English Foxhounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. It's essential to be aware of these potential issues if you're considering bringing this breed into your family.

Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease that affects the hip joint, causing it to weaken due to abnormal growth and development. This disease is found in many breeds of dogs, and while breeders screen for it, it can still occur in puppies with healthy parents.

Renal disease, also known as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys can't clear the blood of toxins like creatinine and urea. It's crucial to take your Foxhound to regular check-ups to catch any signs of this disease early.

A Hunter with a Hunting Dog
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Epilepsy is a hereditary disorder that causes seizures in English Foxhounds. With proper medication and management, dogs with epilepsy can live full and healthy lives.

Here are some key health clearances to look for when buying a Foxhound puppy:

  • Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) clearance for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease
  • Auburn University clearance for thrombopathia
  • Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) clearance for normal eyes

Care

English Foxhounds are high-energy dogs that require a substantial amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They were bred to hunt, so if you can't take them on a hunt, daily runs or other exercise will help them burn off their natural energy.

To prevent boredom and loneliness, English Foxhounds should live indoors with their human pack if they're an only dog. They're used to kennel life, but having a companion dog and proper shelter can make a big difference.

Crate training is essential for English Foxhound puppies. It ensures their safety and the safety of your belongings by preventing them from getting into things they shouldn't.

Here are some health issues to be aware of in English Foxhounds:

  • Hip Dysplasia: a degenerative disease that can be linked to environmental conditions such as poor nutrition or putting on too much weight at an early age.
  • Renal Disease: a condition where the kidneys are unable to clear the blood of certain toxins.
  • Epilepsy: a hereditary disorder that causes seizures, but can be treated with medications.

Nutrition

Hunter and Dog on Meadow
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English Foxhounds require a high-quality dog food that is age-appropriate.

The quality of dog food you buy makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food.

The recommended daily amount for an English Foxhound is 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Monitor the amount of food you give your English Foxhound, and reduce the portions or restrict calories if your pup gains weight.

Exercise and Training

English Foxhounds require ample daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They love running and hiking, and will even enjoy long, fast-paced walks.

To keep your English Foxhound in top shape, try incorporating organized dog activities like tracking and agility into your routine. This will not only get them moving but also mentally stimulated.

English Foxhounds can be a bit stubborn at times, so early training and patience are crucial. With consistent and firm training, they'll become gentle and well-adjusted companions.

Exercise Needs

Credit: youtube.com, How much exercise does your dog REALLY need?

The English Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of daily exercise. They need at least a few hours of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.

Running and hiking are great options for this breed, as they were originally bred for hunting. They'll love exploring new trails and getting some exercise at the same time.

Long, fast-paced walks are also a good idea, especially if you don't have access to a big open space. Just be prepared for them to pull on the leash!

Organized dog activities like tracking and agility are also a great way to keep your English Foxhound entertained and exercised. They'll love the mental and physical challenge of these activities.

Training

Training is key to unlocking your English Foxhound's full potential. Early training is essential to guide your dog to become gentle and well-adjusted.

Occasional stubbornness is a trait that English Foxhounds carry with them, so be prepared to be firm and steadfast in your approach. They do best in a home where the pet parents can be consistent and patient.

With consistent training and socialization, your English Foxhound will thrive among families with kids and other dogs, making them an excellent companion.

Hound

Credit: youtube.com, Basic Training :: Hounds

Hounds are built for hunting, with some possessing acute powers of scent to follow a trail.

Their stamina is also a notable trait, allowing them to run down a quarry.

Physical Traits

The English Foxhound is a beautiful breed with a distinctive head shape, featuring a pronounced brow and ears that are rounded off at the end.

Their ears are rounded and low-lying, typically taken off at the end of the ear by approximately 1.5 inches. This unique feature adds to their overall charm.

The English Foxhound has a short, shiny, weatherproof coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, tan, black, and combinations of these colors.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are powerful and muscular. This is evident in the way they support the body's movement and balance.

The hindquarters are a crucial part of an animal's physical structure, enabling them to move with agility and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do English Foxhounds make good pets?

English Foxhounds are generally easy-going and suitable for families with children and other pets, making them a great pet option for many households. They are also known for being relatively healthy, which is a bonus for any pet owner.

Do English Foxhounds bark a lot?

English Foxhounds are known to be quite vocal, with barking and baying being a common part of their communication. They may bark frequently, especially when part of a multi-dog household or seeking attention from their human pack members.

What is the difference between an American Foxhound and an English Foxhound?

The main difference between American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds is the length and definition of their legs, with American Foxhounds having longer and more well-defined legs. This physical distinction is a key characteristic that sets these two breeds apart.

What is the difference between an American Foxhound and an English Foxhound?

American Foxhounds have longer legs and a slightly arched loin compared to English Foxhounds, with a distinctive gentle and pleading expression. These physical differences set them apart from their British cousin.

Are English Foxhounds related to beagles?

Yes, English Foxhounds and Beagles share a common ancestry, but were developed for different hunting purposes. This shared heritage led to distinct characteristics, such as Beagles' exceptional noses and Foxhounds' speed.

Shannon Stamm

Senior Copy Editor

Shannon Stamm is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax, she ensures that every article shines with clarity and precision. Shannon's experience spans a range of topics, including Dog Training and Behavior, where she has honed her skills in distilling complex information into accessible, engaging pieces.

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