Is the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound better for families with children?

Both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound?

The American Foxhound and English Foxhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American Foxhound or English Foxhound bigger?

American Foxhound and English Foxhound are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, American Foxhound or English Foxhound?

American Foxhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Foxhound is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Foxhound or English Foxhound?

For apartment or apartment living, English Foxhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Foxhound vs English Foxhound: Which Is Quieter?

American Foxhound vs English Foxhound: full comparison

Trait	American Foxhound	English Foxhound
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very High	High
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	11 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American Foxhound is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the English Foxhound is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Foxhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The English Foxhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Foxhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The English Foxhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Foxhound needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The English Foxhound needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Foxhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas English Foxhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Foxhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Foxhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, American Foxhound and English Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, American Foxhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Foxhound and English Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Foxhound if you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the English Foxhound if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog or you prefer a quieter dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound better for families with children?: Both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound?: The American Foxhound and English Foxhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Foxhound or the English Foxhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American Foxhound or English Foxhound bigger?: American Foxhound and English Foxhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American Foxhound or English Foxhound?: American Foxhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Foxhound is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Foxhound or English Foxhound?: For apartment or apartment living, English Foxhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Foxhound vs English Foxhound