Skip to content

American Foxhound vs English Bulldog

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

American Foxhound breed photo

American Foxhound

AKCFCIKC

The American Foxhound is a spirited and friendly breed known for its loyalty and endurance, originally bred for hunting foxes in the United States. With its keen sense of smell and melodious bay, it excels in tracking and makes for a gentle and affectionate companion.

Size

Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

11-13 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
English Bulldog breed photo

English Bulldog

AKCFCIKC

The Bulldog, known for its distinctive wrinkled face and stocky build, is a medium-sized breed that is gentle and affectionate, making it a beloved companion. Despite its tough appearance, the Bulldog is friendly and loyal, often forming strong bonds with its family.

Size

Medium

Energy

Low

Lifespan

7.2 years yrs

Height

N/A cm

Quick Comparison

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
SizeLargeMedium
Energy LevelHighLow
GroomingLowHigh
Trainabilitychallengingchallenging
Barking LevelHighLow
Shedding LevelMediumMedium
Chew strengthModerateHard
HousingAcreageApartment

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Experience LevelExperiencedExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a American Foxhound.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a English Bulldog.

American Foxhound Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

English Bulldog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 30-40 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Barking LevelHighLow
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
American Foxhound bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
English Bulldog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

American Foxhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

English Bulldog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

American Foxhound

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • Keep training sessions short and varied

English Bulldog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
** Repetitive drilling causes them to shut down. Keep sessions under 5 minutes.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards. They are food-motivated but easily bored.

American Foxhound Considerations

dealbreakerThe "Deafness" of the Nose

The most significant behavioral hurdle is their selective hearing. When an American Foxhound catches a scent, their ears effectively turn off. This is not stubbornness in the human sense; it is a biological override. Recall (coming when called) is notoriously unreliable, making off-leash activity in unfenced areas a dangerous gamble.

challengeThe Baying

This breed does not just bark; they "bay"—a loud, musical, carrying sound designed to be heard for miles across rolling hills. In a suburban neighborhood or apartment complex, this is a recipe for noise complaints and eviction notices. They often vocalize out of boredom or loneliness.

challengeWanderlust

If a gate is left unlatched or a fence is too low, they will be gone. Their stamina allows them to travel miles before they even realize they have left home.

English Bulldog Considerations

dealbreakerResource Guarding

Bulldogs can be possessive over food and toys. Their low center of gravity and jaw strength make this dangerous if not managed early.

challengeStubbornness

They score low on biddability. If a Bulldog does not want to walk, they will simply lie down. This is not a dog for owners who expect instant obedience.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
With CatsCaution - may chaseGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

American Foxhound: American Foxhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

English Bulldog: English Bulldog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
HeightN/AN/A cm
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryLargeMedium
Lifespan

11–13 years

7 years

Litter Size4-84-8

American Foxhound Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

English Bulldog Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Original Purposespeed and competitive spiritOriginally bred in England for bull-baiting (13th-19th century), the Bulldog was designed to latch o
OriginN/AN/A

Breeding Details

DetailAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

American Foxhound Health Issues

Thrombocytopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Ear Infections
Pelger-Huet Anomaly
Hypothyroidism

English Bulldog Health Issues

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Affects a vast majority to some degree; 19.2x higher risk
Hip Dysplasia: 72.1% prevalence
Skin Fold Dermatitis: 38.1x higher risk
Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane): 26.8x higher risk
Dystocia (Difficult Birth): 86% of litters are born via C-section

American Foxhound Suggested Tests

  • Thrombocytopathy Screening
  • Hip Evaluation

English Bulldog Suggested Tests

  • Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFGS)

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

American Foxhound Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

English Bulldog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

American Foxhound

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

English Bulldog

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelMedium
Seasonal SheddingMedium
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

American Foxhound Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingAcreage
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

English Bulldog Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationMedium
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Monthly Range$90–$150$80–$160
Yearly Range$1,080–$1,800$960–$1,920
Food / Month$60-90N/A
Insurance / MonthN/AN/A
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / YearN/AN/A
Monthly Cost Tier

American Foxhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

English Bulldog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkAmerican FoxhoundEnglish Bulldog
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, American Foxhounds can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For American Foxhound & English Bulldog owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a American Foxhound or English Bulldog, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View American Foxhound profile·View English Bulldog profile