Easy
English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is one of the oldest recognized dog breeds, developed over centuries in England as the definitive fox hunting hound. Bred for stamina, nose, and drive rather than appearance, their short, dense, hard hound coat is purely functional and among the lowest-maintenance coats in the dog world. The breed's elegance comes from its athletic build rather than coat complexity.
Coat Type
Short, Dense, Hard, Weather-Resistant Hound Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
2 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Standard Hound Bath
A full bath with hound shampoo, rubber mitt finish, nail trim, and ear cleaning. The complete grooming service for the English Foxhound.
2
Natural Hound
Rubber curry brush twice weekly and weekly ear cleaning at home between professional baths. Minimal and entirely sufficient for this self-maintaining breed.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Clean English Foxhound ears weekly with a veterinary ear cleanser — the breed's long, flat ear leathers seal the canal and make moisture-related infections common after hunting in wet conditions.
- The hard hound coat is naturally dirt-resistant and weather-repellent — bathing every 6-8 weeks is appropriate. More frequent bathing strips the protective skin oils without benefit.
- A rubber grooming mitt used in circular motions twice weekly removes dead short hairs efficiently and maintains the hound coat's characteristic smooth gloss.
- After pack hunting, inspect the dog's body and paws closely — field injuries including cuts, thorn punctures, and pad abrasions are common and may be hidden by the tight, flat coat during a casual visual check.
- Nail maintenance is important even for a field dog — inspect monthly and trim when nails extend beyond the pad surface, as long nails affect gait quality and foot structure over time.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
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Deep Dives
English Foxhound Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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