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The Fox and the Hound

The Fox and the Hound is a 1981 American animated buddy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by Buena Vista Distribution.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Fox and the Hound is a 1981 American animated buddy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by Buena Vista Distribution. It is loosely based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1967 novel and follows the friendship between a red fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper as they mature into natural rivals.

Plot

The film tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Tod and Copper, who bond when young but are gradually pushed into opposing roles as a fox and a hunting dog.

Production

The Fox and the Hound was produced by Walt Disney Productions and adapted loosely from Daniel P. Mannix's 1967 novel. Its voice cast included Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Pearl Bailey, and Jack Albertson.

Release and reception

The film premiered in the United States on July 10, 1981 through Buena Vista Distribution. It is often discussed as an important transitional work in Disney animation and later became part of Disney's animated classics legacy.

Adaptations and legacy

The film later inspired The Fox and the Hound 2, a 2006 direct-to-video sequel. The original film remains the best-known screen adaptation of Mannix's novel.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 1981 as an American animated feature.
  • It was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens.
  • The story centers on Tod, a red fox, and Copper, a hound dog, whose friendship is tested by instinct and social pressure.
  • It is loosely based on Daniel P. Mannix's 1967 novel of the same name.
  • Jack Albertson appeared in his final film role.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada as part of Disney's theatrical distribution and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through television, home video, and Disney's catalog of animated classics.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Fox and the Hound?
It is a 1981 Disney animated film about the friendship between a fox named Tod and a hound named Copper.
Is The Fox and the Hound based on a book?
Yes. It is loosely based on the 1967 novel The Fox and the Hound by Daniel P. Mannix.
Who directed The Fox and the Hound?
It was directed by Ted Berman, Richard Rich, and Art Stevens.
Who voiced the main characters?
Mickey Rooney voiced Tod and Kurt Russell voiced Copper.
When was The Fox and the Hound released?
It was released in the United States on July 10, 1981.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_and_the_Hound
    Supports: 1981 American animated film; directors; voice cast; release date; Disney production; plot overview
  2. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/culture-magazines/fox-and-hound
    Supports: Story premise and relationship between Tod and Copper
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082406/
    Supports: Plot synopsis involving Tod, Copper, Widow Tweed, and Amos Slade
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fox_and_the_hound
    Supports: Release date, genre classification, and film synopsis
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_and_the_Hound_(novel)
    Supports: 1967 novel by Daniel P. Mannix and its premise