The American Foxhound, or simply Foxhound, is a large scent hound that was developed in the United States for the purpose of hunting foxes. Although there are several strains of the American Foxhound and each of them have slightly different characteristics, they are all recognized as the same breed. American Foxhounds can be traced all the way back to 1650 when English-type hounds were shipped to the United States. These early hounds were used to hunt in packs leading men on horseback while chasing such game as foxes, deer and coyotes. The sport was particularly popular with upper class persons, and George Washington even had a pack of hounds. Over the years, breeders began crossing these English hounds with French and Irish hounds in hopes of producing a faster, more efficient hunting dog. It was these early crosses that developed the various strains of the American Foxhounds that we know today. Results of these breedings created dogs that possessed amazing speed, endurance and jumping abilities.
The American Foxhound is a tall, large hound with slightly longer legs than the English Foxhound. This dog breed is fast and a bit more agile than his cousin. Its coat is hard and short and close to the body. Grooming American Foxhounds is an easy task. They only need regular brushing and occasional bathing. Check ears regularly for infections. The average weight for an adult American Foxhound is about 65 to 75 pounds. This is a somewhat tall dog with a long tail, square muzzle and long, floppy ears. It has a smooth coat that can come in a variety of color combinations including tri-colored (most common), black and tan, red, and blue. Its eyes can be either hazel or brown.
Personality
The American Foxhound is an amiable, friendly companion. They were bred for endurance and need daily vigorous exercise, as long as possible. It is a hunter at heart and always ready to trail prey. This is why they should be walked in safe areas so they cannot run off. This dog breed will feel more comfortable living in the country, not the city. They are very sociable dogs and are good with children and other dogs. Although the Foxhound is a gentle dog that gets along quite well with children, it does not like strangers. Additionally, due to its high energy level and size, it may not be well suited for small children or some seniors. This is a dog that requires a lot of exercise and space to run and explore. The American Foxhound has an extremely strong instinct to follow a scent and will follow it no matter what. As such, you will want to be sure to begin training your Foxhound at a very early age. Furthermore, you will need to keep it in a secure yard and away from such small pets as cats, rabbits and Guinea pigs. The American Foxhound is a highly energetic dog that makes a great pet for active persons, especially those who enjoy hunting. While these dogs get along well with older kids and other dogs, they are not recommended for smaller children, seniors who have health problems or people who own such other pets as cats, rabbits or rodents.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Scenthound |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 10-12 Years |
| Nicknames: | Foxhound |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
American Foxhound Build Information
The American Foxhound is a tall, large hound with slightly longer legs than the English Foxhound. This dog breed is fast and a bit more agile than his cousin. Its coat is hard and short and close to the body. Grooming American Foxhounds is an easy task. They only need regular brushing and occasional bathing. Check ears regularly for infections. The average weight for an adult American Foxhound is about 65 to 75 pounds. This is a somewhat tall dog with a long tail, square muzzle and long, floppy ears. It has a smooth coat that can come in a variety of color combinations including tri-colored (most common), black and tan, red, and blue. Its eyes can be either hazel or brown.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The American Foxhound is an amiable, friendly companion. They were bred for endurance and need daily vigorous exercise, as long as possible. It is a hunter at heart and always ready to trail prey. This is why they should be walked in safe areas so they cannot run off. This dog breed will feel more comfortable living in the country, not the city. They are very sociable dogs and are good with children and other dogs. Although the Foxhound is a gentle dog that gets along quite well with children, it does not like strangers. Additionally, due to its high energy level and size, it may not be well suited for small children or some seniors. This is a dog that requires a lot of exercise and space to run and explore. The American Foxhound has an extremely strong instinct to follow a scent and will follow it no matter what. As such, you will want to be sure to begin training your Foxhound at a very early age. Furthermore, you will need to keep it in a secure yard and away from such small pets as cats, rabbits and Guinea pigs. The American Foxhound is a highly energetic dog that makes a great pet for active persons, especially those who enjoy hunting. While these dogs get along well with older kids and other dogs, they are not recommended for smaller children, seniors who have health problems or people who own such other pets as cats, rabbits or rodents.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
This is a breed that does not require extensive grooming other than an occasional bathing when needed. However, you will need to check its ears regularly and clean out any excess wax buildup using the tip of a soft, damp rag. Additionally, if the nails get too long, you can clip the tips of them with a pliers-type pet nail clipper.
| Colors: | Black & Cream, Black & Tan, Black & White, Blue, Cream, Red, Tan, Tri-Color, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Rough |
American Foxhound Common Health Conditions
American Foxhounds are typically healthy dogs that can live up to 12 years or longer if they are taken care of properly. Nonetheless, there are a few health issues that have been seen in the breed on occasion. The most common of these issues include obesity, thrombocytopathy (platelet disease) and Pelger-huet anomaly (white blood cell disorder).
American Foxhound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The American Foxhound is Virginia’s state animal. The American Foxhound’s howls can be heard for miles. American Foxhound females can have as many as 12 puppies in one litter.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
