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Pet Insurance for English Foxhounds

Find out all about English Foxhounds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 19th, 2023       

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Price range

$500–$1,000

Height

52cm - 63cm

Weight

25kg - 34kg

Personality

Gentle, friendly, independent

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 13 years

English Foxhound

Overview

The British Foxhound is closely related to its American cousin, the American Foxhound. It is an ancient breed of scent hound that has been a favourite hunting dog of the British gentry since the 16th Century. It was bred by crossing a greyhound, a fox terrier and a bulldog. It was introduced into Australia in the mid-1840's, around the same time that foxes were introduced into the country. It is a medium-sized breed characterised by its incredible stamina, speed, and determination when tracking scents. They possess an acute sense of smell and the endurance required for long hunts. They can also make friendly and sociable pets when given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. 

In a home environment, Foxhounds are known to be gentle, friendly, and good with children. They tend to get along well with other dogs and can adapt to family life with the right training and exercise routine. Due to their strong prey drive and love for tracking scents, it's important to provide them with a secure backyard to prevent them from wandering off when they catch an intriguing scent. While they can be delightful companions, potential owners should be aware of their energetic nature and the need for regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. 

Common diseases and conditions of English Foxhounds

  • Hip dysplasia: a degenerative joint disease of the ball and socket joint in the hind legs of dogs, which can require surgery in later life. 
  • Ear infections: Foxhounds' floppy ears make them prone to ear infections due to the warm, moist environment. Regular cleaning and inspections are crucial to prevent discomfort and complications.
  • Thrombocytopathy: Thrombocytopathy is a platelet disorder in Foxhounds that can lead to abnormal bleeding tendencies. It requires veterinary diagnosis and may involve medication to improve platelet function.
  • Pelger-Huët Anomaly: The Pelger-Huët anomaly is a white blood cell disorder in Foxhounds, often inherited from their parents. 

Breed-specific issues: 

The Foxhound's strong hunting instinct can lead them to wander off if they are let off their lead. Secure fencing and supervision during off-leash activities are very important, as are regular long walks and intellectual stimulation to stop unwanted digging. They can also be very noisy dogs, and there can be barking issues if a Foxhound is allowed to become bored. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Foxhound?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about English Foxhounds

What are the differences between the American Foxhound and the British Foxhound?

The American Foxhound and the British Foxhound are two distinct breeds that share a common ancestry. The American Foxhound tends to be taller and more streamlined, built for endurance in hunting foxes over long distances. They have a smoother coat and a sweeter temperament, making them more adaptable as family pets. In contrast, the British Foxhound is stockier and bulkier, designed for hunting in the rough terrains of the UK. They have a rougher coat and a more independent, reserved temperament, primarily bred for their exceptional scenting abilities in packs.

Are Foxhounds known for being vocal?

Yes, Foxhounds can be vocal dogs, especially when they catch an interesting scent or want to alert their owners to something. As well as a loud bark, they have a distinctive baying howl, which they may vocalise when excited. Training can help manage their barking tendencies. 

 
 
Are Foxhounds suitable for families with other pets, like cats?

Foxhounds typically have a strong prey drive due to their hunting background, so they should never be left alone with smaller animals. They can get along with cats and other pets, but early socialisation and close supervision is crucial to ensure a harmonious relationship.  

Do English Foxhounds shed a lot of hair?

Foxhounds do shed, but they are not considered heavy shedders compared to some other breeds. They have a short, dense waterproof coat that benefits from regular brushing. 

 

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English Foxhound

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