The American Foxhound is a fantastic hunting companion, just like its English counterpart. It is specifically bred for club hunting in packs. However, there are some differences between the American and European versions. The American Foxhound is lighter on its feet, taller, and faster in its pursuit. Despite its hunting prowess, this breed is known for its kind and loving nature. It is peaceful indoors but loves to run outside.
Taking care of the American Foxhound is relatively easy. It has a short, silky coat that only requires minimal upkeep. Combing it with a firm-bristle brush is recommended to keep its coat in good condition. This breed is an average shedder. One of the fascinating qualities of the American Foxhound is its melodious voice. Owners have been mesmerized by their melodic tones for many years. In large packs, owners can even recognize the unique voice of their own Foxhound.
Ahead, we look at American Foxhound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Foxhound, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Foxhounds!
| Dog Breed | American Foxhound |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs (average) |
| Height | 21-24″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | English Foxhound |
| Date of Origin | 1600s |
| Group | Hunting |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Price | $400 – $600 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The American Foxhound is a breed that originated in the United States and is known for its fox hunting abilities. They were brought to America in the mid-1600s and were initially black-and-tan in color. The working pack of Robert Brooke played a significant role in establishing the American Foxhound and also gave rise to other hound breeds like the Coonhounds. To increase the size of the Foxhound, French hound imports were introduced in the 1700s. George Washington, the first President of the United States, was known for breeding and hunting with Foxhounds. In the 1830s, Irish-descended hounds were brought in to enhance the dog’s speed. Today, the American Foxhound is a mix of English, French, and Irish hounds.
The American Foxhound was originally bred as a pack hunting dog for fox club hunting. It is highly regarded for its agility, speed, and scenting abilities, making it a favorite among American hunters. Although the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886, registration numbers remain low. However, it is still considered one of the more popular “less popular” dog breeds, as many owners choose not to register their pedigrees. These dogs are typically registered with the International Foxhunter’s Studbook, published by The Chase, and serve their owners as members of large hunting packs.
🐕 American Foxhound Appearance
Although a Foxhound can be born with any color combination, including red and blue, they are often tricolored, either black, white, and tan or white, black, and tan. The Foxhound’s tail is high set, finishes with a little brush, and does not curve over the back. To protect them while racing across tough terrain, the coat is hard, tight to the skin, and medium in length. They have a long, floppy head with low-set ears. The tip of the nose is almost, but not quite, touched by the ears when they are pulled out. They have a large lung capacity for sprinting and a deep chest to accommodate it. Their forelegs are straight from the elbows to the paws, and they have thick, firm pads on their feet. They have a straight, long, and powerful back. The powerfully muscled hips, thighs, and straight, narrow legs of this breed show off the Foxhound’s excellent agility and forceful propulsion.
| 👀 Eye Color | Hazel |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, Red, Cream, Blue, White, Pied |
⚡ Fun Fact: American Foxhound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Foxhound
The American Foxhound, like other hounds, may be obstinate and prey-focused, especially once they pick up the scent. Your Foxhound may be a highly loving dog when trained properly. They are excellent with kids and other medium to large dogs, but they do not make ideal security dogs since they are quite accepting of strangers. You must make sure to socialize your Foxhound with humans frequently and from a young age if you have other canines. Strong pack bonds will not prevail over family bonds due to human socialization. As the pack leader, you want your Foxhound to follow you rather than another dog. Unlike several other hound breeds, the Foxhound gets along well with other small animals including cats, rabbits, and birds. Though it’s not advisable to let a tiny pet alone with a Foxhound because they are bred for the hunt, you must expose the small pet to your Foxhound from a young age. The Foxhound is an affectionate, patient dog that was developed for exercise. They are not a good option for new dog owners, particularly those who live in cities. If they don’t have enough room or time to run, these breed of clever, energetic dogs will find another way to amuse themselves—possibly destructively.
🤝 Are American Foxhounds Friendly or Aggressive?
American Foxhound dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets, and they are typically not the most cat-friendly dogs. However, they are known to be very dog-friendly and enjoy the company of other dogs. They are also average in their friendliness towards strangers, but they are exceptionally kid-friendly and enjoy being around children. This breed is a great choice for families with children or for those who want to have multiple dogs or participate in dog meetups. Additionally, American Foxhounds are considered to be one of the best breeds for elderly people, as they can provide companionship and bring joy to their lives.
This breed is known for being:
- Loving
- Independent
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Tempered
- Kind
- Sweet
🐩 American Foxhound Care & Maintenance
If you lead an active lifestyle, maintaining your American Foxhound will be pretty simple. To have a great addition to the family, pay attention to them, get them some exercise, and take care of their cleanliness requirements. Because of their low shedding and strong, straight coats, foxhounds require less frequent brushing and grooming than other breeds. However, brushing your Foxhound may strengthen your relationship and lessen the number of times it needs to be bathed. Additionally, brushing your dog will help reduce the canine stench that is frequently a hound’s defining attribute. Dogs have far more delicate skin than humans, thus the Foxhound should only be bathed when absolutely required, such as after playing in the dirt. They should brush their teeth at least twice a week to prevent dental problems. Although the nails of an energetic dog may become worn down, you should inspect them frequently for rips and grind or cut them as necessary.
American Foxhound dogs are known for their low shedding, which means you won’t have to worry about finding dog hair all over your furniture or car if you have one as a pet. This makes them a great option for those who are particular about cleanliness and don’t want to deal with excessive shedding. Additionally, these dogs typically only need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks, making grooming and maintenance relatively easy compared to other breeds.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $2.00 – $2.25 daily, or around $60.00 – $67.50 a month.
🐾 Exercise: American Foxhound dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 90 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: American Foxhound dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 American Foxhound Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Foxhound Dog Breed can be:
- Usually A Very Healthy Breed
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
- Thrombocytopathy
🤧 Important: Is American Foxhound hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Foxhound.
⚡ American Foxhound Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Foxhound a great choice for families with young children?
The American Foxhound is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be very tolerant and patient with kids. They are gentle and affectionate, making them a good companion for children to play and interact with.
Is the American Foxhound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American Foxhound breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. They are active dogs that require a lot of exercise and space to run around. Living in a confined apartment may lead to frustration and destructive behavior.
How much exercise does a American Foxhound require compared to other breeds?
The American Foxhound requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are athletic and bred for hunting, so they need daily opportunities to run and play. A long walk or jog, as well as off-leash running in a secure area, is necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the American Foxhound breed known for being good with other pets?
The American Foxhound breed is generally good with other pets, including smaller animals like cats and rabbits. However, proper socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure they see other pets as part of the family and not as prey. It’s always important to supervise interactions between the Foxhound and smaller pets.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Foxhound?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Foxhound include the Basset Hound, Beagle, and Plott Hound. These breeds have similar traits and exercise needs but may vary in size and coat type.
What are the common health issues that American Foxhounds are prone to?
American Foxhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they are prone to certain health issues. These can include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and certain eye disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these issues.
Are American Foxhounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Foxhounds can be stubborn and independent, which can make training a bit challenging. However, with consistent and patient training methods, they can be trained effectively. It’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader and use positive reinforcement techniques.
Are American Foxhounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Foxhounds are not particularly prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. However, they are pack animals and do best when they have human or canine companionship. Leaving them alone for long periods regularly can lead to boredom and potential behavioral issues.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Foxhound that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no dog breeds that are truly hypoallergenic, including the American Foxhound. However, breeds with shorter coats and minimal shedding, such as the Basenji and Portuguese Podengo Pequeno, may be more suitable for people with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Foxhound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller breeds similar to the American Foxhound, like the Beagle or Basset Hound, may be a better fit. These breeds have similar characteristics but require less space to move around.
Is the American Foxhound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Foxhound breed has a gentle and patient nature, which can make them suitable for children with special needs. However, as with any interaction between dogs and children with special needs, close supervision and teaching appropriate behavior are essential.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Foxhound?
The American Foxhound has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They are considered average shedders and only need occasional brushing with a firm-bristle brush to remove dead hair. Compared to some other breeds with longer or thicker coats, their grooming needs are relatively low.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Foxhound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
