I saw this 'live action' film between 1975 and 1985 on television. No doubt it was made before that. The film was about a young abandoned fox and a puppy Hound. They we're 'brought up' together, on a ?farm by a young lad and his father who kept and raised hounds for fox hunts.
The story goes on to show the friendship between the 2 animals and also how their true 'instincts' were ingrained. The story is very similar to the Disney animated version but was much better because all participants were live beings.

The Belstone Fox (http://www.filmclub.org/film/11270/the-belstone-fox)?

Thank you! I'm sure this is the film, just couldn't bring the name to mind. Thanks again.

Glad to help.