A forgotten Disney sequel explores the tension between ambition and childhood friendship

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Released in 2006, The Fox and the Hound 2 serves as an intermediate chapter within the timeline of the original 1981 classic. The story follows a young Copper, who finds himself tempted by the glamour of a traveling dog band, ultimately threatening his bond with his best friend, Tod.

Directed by Jim Kammerud, the film focuses on the youth of Tod and Copper, set before the events of the latter half of the original movie. The narrative catalyst is the arrival of a county fair, where Copper becomes enamored with a group of singing stray dogs known as The Singin' Strays. This band, featuring characters like Dixie, Cash, and the twin Bloodhounds Waylon and Floyd, is desperate to impress a talent scout from the Grand Ole Opry, Mr. Bickerstaff.

The plot centers on Copper’s choice to join the band after lying about his status as a stray, a decision that alienates him from Tod. The conflict escalates when Dixie, feeling sidelined, sabotages the band's performance by luring Tod into a chaotic chase that ruins their audition. This sequence of events leads to Copper being fired from the group and a temporary rift in his friendship with Tod. The film eventually resolves through a series of reconciliations, with Copper choosing to prioritize his friendship over his musical aspirations.

Critical reception for the direct-to-video release was largely negative, with many reviewers comparing it unfavorably to its predecessor. While some critics appreciated its lighter, slapstick-heavy tone, the film holds a 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 10 reviews. Despite the mixed reception, the production featured notable voice talent, including Reba McEntire as Dixie and Patrick Swayze in his only voice-acting role. The soundtrack also leaned heavily into country and bluegrass influences, featuring contributions from artists like Trisha Yearwood and Little Big Town.

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