Plot

Tod and Copper still go together like an itch and a scratch, but when Copper gets a shot at the big time with a nutty group of hound dog howlers, their purebred friendship is put to the test.

In this midquel of the original The Fox and the Hound (1981), Tod and Copper are drawn toward a local carnival. Among these attractions is a group of singing dogs, who hope to one day make it to the Grand Ole Opry. Along the way, Tod and Copper's friendship is tested as they spend so much time away from each other. Hopefully, they'll make amends before facing this challenge again in the original film.

Together, Tod and Copper are pursuing a cricket. Copper is enthralled by the sound of dogs singing together in an old school bus with the phrase "The Singin' Strays" painted on the side as they watch a line of trucks transport the county fair to town. They both can not wait to visit the fair, but when Copper's poor tracking again lets his master, Amos Slade, down, the pup is tethered in the yard, and Slade and Chief leave him behind. When Tod shows up, he removes Copper's collar, and the two of them leave for the fair.

The Singin' Strays are introduced to Tod and Copper. Granny Rose, twin brothers Waylon and Floyd (bloodhounds), Cash (Spanish Hound), and Dixie (Saluki) make up the band's five members. A Grand Ole Opry talent scout will be at the fair, so it is crucial that they do well. After arguing with Cash, Dixie leaves before their performance, so they have to go on stage without her. During the performance, Cash brings the dog up on stage to join them in singing while Copper joins in. The musical piece is a hit. After Tod pretends that Copper is a stray, Cash extends an invitation to Copper to join the band, and he accepts. Ignoring his pledge to watch fireworks with Tod, Copper spends the entire day with Cash.

Dixie locates Tod and understands his sense of desolation. Tod implies that Copper is not a stray during their chat. After that, Dixie comes up with a scheme to have Copper expelled from the band. In a furious pursuit, Tod lures Chief and Slade to the fair by sneaking into their barrel. The pursuit causes chaos throughout the fair, and the Singin' Strays' performance is ruined in front of Mr. Bickerstaff, the talent scout. After being dismissed from the band, Copper and Slade head back home. Cash chastises Dixie for the consequences of her actions after the band disbands because Granny Rose and the other members feel sorry for Copper. Because Tod ruined everything, Copper breaks off their friendship, but Dixie tells him that she, not Tod, came up with the idea to blow Copper's cover. Widow Tweed, Tod's owner, brings him home. Along the way, Bickerstaff's hat flies off his head and lands on Tod, and Tweed barely escapes being struck by the talent scout's vehicle.

Tod and Copper get back together the next day. In an attempt to make amends, Tod hands Copper Bickerstaff's hat, which he uses to locate the talent scout at a nearby diner. The band gathers at the diner after Tod deceives Cash and Dixie into believing the other is in danger. The Singin' Strays howl a reprise of their song We are in Harmony to catch the attention of the talent scout and bring the band back together after Copper persuades them of the value of harmony. He sets up the dogs' performance at the Grand Ole Opry after being impressed by the band. As the movie comes to a close, Copper decides to break away from the band and play with Tod once more.