Get Recall AlertsAmerican Foxhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts
American foxhounds are a rare breed native to America. They are fast runners with a great sense of smell and are often used in hunting packs.
American foxhound
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
the American Foxhound Characteristics
The American Foxhound, native to the United States, is a rare and distinctive breed known for its speed and excellent sense of smell. As a member of the hound group, this breed was developed for running and hunting, which is reflected in its sleek and athletic physique.
- Size and Weight: The American Foxhound stands between 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs between 65 and 75 pounds.
- Eyes and Coat: This breed has large brown or hazel eyes. Its coat is short, hard, and can come in a variety of colors.
- Life Expectancy: The average lifespan of an American Foxhound is around 12 years.
The American Foxhound is lighter and taller than its ancestor, the English Foxhound, with a build designed for stamina and agility.
Where The American Foxhound Came From
The American Foxhound has an interesting history that dates back to the mid-1600s. A group of hounds arrived in America with Robert Brooke in 1650. Over the years, more hounds were imported from France and England to help refine the breed. By the 1700s, a cross between the French and English hounds led to the creation of the American Foxhound, which was developed in states like Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.
- Purpose of the Breed: The new breed was intended to be faster for field trials, fox hunting, trailing, and dragging. It was common for hunting clubs and farms to use a pack of 15 to 20 dogs. Additionally, the breed was used to track American Indians and later hunt wild animals.
- Recognition: The American Kennel Club officially added the breed to its registry in 1886.
Fun Fact: George Washington, the first President of the United States, had foxhounds and even ran a breeding program. Learn more about George Washington’s foxhounds.
Temperament of the American Foxhound
The American Foxhound has a unique temperament that varies depending on its environment. At home, the breed is affectionate and gentle. However, when in the field, it exhibits a focused, courageous, and fast nature that makes it an exceptional hunter.
- Good with Children and Other Dogs: Known for its pack mentality, the American Foxhound is typically great with children and other dogs.
- Strong Hunting Instincts: Because of its strong prey drive, it is not recommended to keep them near non-canine pets, though exceptions can be made if raised alongside other animals.
- Baying and Barking: Foxhounds are naturally loud, often barking or baying, especially in the presence of prey.
If your dog is prone to excessive barking, it might be worth exploring strategies to manage this behavior. Learn more about managing barking.
Is the American Foxhound the Right Dog for You?
Make no mistake about the American Foxhound: this breed is far from being a quiet, relaxed lap dog.
Having an American Foxhound as a companion means committing to daily exercise and outings. The breed has an abundance of energy, and without a proper outlet, this energy can result in behavioral issues. Therefore, access to an outdoor space is essential, and apartment living is not ideal unless you are active outdoors.
Exercise Needs
HighHIGH: The American Foxhound is a highly energetic and active breed that requires ample exercise to stay healthy and well-behaved. Apartment living is not ideal for this breed unless the owner is very active, as the Foxhound thrives in spacious environments like farms or rural areas.
- Daily Exercise: Regular walks, jogs, or vigorous play sessions are essential to expel excess energy and prevent behavioral problems. Without this, the breed can develop undesirable behaviors.
- Training Needs: Consistent training is important to address any unwanted behavior, as the breed tends to be independent thinkers. Establishing leadership over your dog early on can help manage this behavior, and understanding how to establish leadership can make a significant difference.
- Safety Concerns: Foxhounds are known for wandering off while tracking scents, similar to breeds like the Bloodhound and Treeing Walker Coonhound. Therefore, it’s important to keep them leashed or contained in an enclosed area to ensure their safety.
Check out this video of Texas and Viggo to get an idea of the sounds and playful nature of the American foxhound:
Grooming Requirements
MediumMEDIUM: The American Foxhound has a short coat that sheds an average amount, making grooming relatively simple. A weekly brushing is typically all that’s needed to keep the coat looking healthy. Bathing should only be done as necessary to avoid drying out the skin.
- Outdoor Care: For working dogs, it’s important to check their body, paws, and ears after every outing to look for bugs, debris, or injuries. Regular checks help prevent infections and discomfort.
- Maintenance Needs: Keep your Foxhound’s nails trimmed, teeth clean, and ears in good condition to maintain overall health. A tool like Pedipaws can help with nail trimming, making the process easier for both you and your dog.
- Dental Health: Oral hygiene is equally important for your dog’s health. Regular dental care can prevent many issues, and understanding why dental care is important can help you keep your dog’s teeth in top shape.
Common Health Problems
LowLOW: The American Foxhound is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, it can be prone to certain issues. One common concern is overeating, which can lead to obesity if not carefully managed.
- Portion Control: To maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to monitor their food intake and ensure proper portioning. This helps prevent weight gain and related health problems.
By being mindful of their diet and maintaining regular exercise, you can help keep your Foxhound healthy and active for years to come.
If you’re unsure about whether this breed fits your lifestyle, don’t worry. The more you understand about a breed before adopting, the better the match will be for both you and the dog. If you live in an apartment, prefer a low-energy dog, or want a lap dog to cuddle with, the American Foxhound may not be the best fit. However, if you’re an active individual who enjoys outdoor adventures and doesn’t mind consistent training, the Foxhound could be the perfect dog for you.
Adopt, Don’t Shop
American foxhounds, just like any other purebred dog, can end up in shelters and rescues. Please check our adoptable search first to see if one is out there right now who needs a loving home. If you decide to purchase a puppy or dog from a breeder, it’s important that you read Petful’s list of puppy mill red flags to ensure the breeder is responsible, reputable and raises healthy, happy dogs.
If you plan to spend more time indoors than out, look for a foxhound from a show line (dogs bred to show in conformation) instead of hunting lineages.
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frquently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the father of the american foxhound?
The father of the American Foxhound is considered to be Robert Brooke, who brought the first hounds to America in 1650.
Where did the american Foxhound originate from
The American Foxhound originated in the United States.
Where is the American Foxhound from
The American Foxhound is from Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee, where it was developed.
Additional Resources
- American Kennel Club’s American foxhound page
- American Foxhound Club of America
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