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Foxhound vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Foxhound and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Foxhound
England

Foxhound

Hound Group
Large

Energetic, loyal, and social, this breed thrives on activity and companionship. With a keen nose and friendly nature, Foxhounds make excellent family and adventure partners.

Golden Retriever
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Short, dense

Lifespan:

10–13 years

Female:

25–32 kg

Energy:

High energy

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Foxhound

Friendliness
4/5

Generally sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence
3/5

Learns basic commands with consistent training

Energy Level
5/5

Needs regular exercise and active play

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys games and interactive activities

Adaptability
3/5

Adjusts moderately to new environments

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Foxhound

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
90–120 minutes daily
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, ear infections

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Foxhound

First-time Owner
2/5

Needs experience

Foxhounds require firm training and plenty of exercise, which may challenge beginners.

Apartment Living
1/5

Not ideal

Their high energy and vocal nature make them unsuitable for small living spaces.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Excellent fit

They thrive in active homes that provide regular outdoor activities and exercise.

Kids
4/5

Good companions

Generally gentle with kids, but their exuberance may overwhelm very young children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Foxhounds can get along with other dogs if socialized from an early age.

Being Left Alone
1/5

Prone to stress

They may become bored or destructive if left alone for extended periods.

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Foxhound

  • Excellent scent-tracking ability
  • High energy and stamina
  • Friendly with people and dogs
  • Low aggression toward strangers
  • Generally robust health

Golden Retriever

  • Friendly with children and other pets
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
  • Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Foxhound

  • Needs extensive daily exercise
  • Prone to following scents and wandering
  • Can be challenging to train recall
  • May become vocal when bored
  • Requires secure, escape-proof fencing

Golden Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
  • Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

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