The American Foxhound, a breed known for its grace and endurance, originated in the United States. Bred primarily for hunting, the foxhound possesses a keen sense of smell and boundless energy, making them exceptional hunters and tracking companions.. They are also friendly, affectionate, and gentle, making them wonderful family dogs.
American Foxhounds are medium to large in size, standing between 21 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing around 65 to 75 pounds. The Foxhound’s sleek and athletic build enables them to excel in chasing prey over vast distances with remarkable speed and agility. Regular brushing helps keep their short, dense coat clean and healthy. In the field, American Foxhounds are actively alert and determined, tracking scents with utmost precision. To that end, their inherent hunting instincts drive them to be persistent and tenacious, traits that make them prized among hunters and farmers.
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To keep them mentally stimulated and physically satisfied, these active dogs require regular exercise. For future pet parents considering an American Foxhound puppy, walks and active play sessions are essential to maintain their overall well-being and prevent behavioral issues that may arise from pent-up energy. Additionally, proper training is vital for this breed, as their hunting instincts may lead to chasing behavior if not appropriately channeled. Early socialization and strong leadership are key.
Quick Facts
Origin: The United States
Size: Male: 21-25 inches (53-64 cm) at the shoulder, 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg); Female: 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) at the shoulder, 50-60 pounds (23-27 kg)
Breed group: Hound
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Coat: Short, smooth
Temperament: Friendly, playful, gentle, intelligent
Exercise needs: High
Training: Requires early and consistent training
Grooming: Low
Health: Some health problems that are common in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
The American Foxhound is the official state dog of Virginia.
Multiple films have featured the American Foxhound, including “Auntie Mame”, “Murder She Purred”, “Annie”, and “The Voice of Bugle Ann”.
One of George Washington’s favorite American Foxhounds was named Sweet Lips. A champion hunter, Sweet Lip was said to be very intelligent and loyal.
American Foxhound Overview
When you see foxhunters in movies or on television — or maybe out in the field if you live in hunt country — packs of American Foxhounds are leading the chase. Or perhaps you were introduced to the breed through Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy Mystery Series, set in Virginia hunt country with a number of American Foxhounds as key characters. This rare breed still lives and works the way its ancestors did when they came to this country more than 200 years ago.
Bred to hunt in large packs, American Foxhounds were developed from hounds brought by English settlers, who adapted them to suit the game and terrain of their new land. American Foxhounds like the company of other dogs but can be a single companion dog if you’re committed to giving them the exercise they’d normally get running around with their canine friends, and to spending the time to help them bond with their human family. Despite their size, they’re mild-mannered unless they’re in pursuit of their quarry. Then they become relentless in the hunt.
Like all hounds, the Foxhound is musical. Hounds are described as having bell-like voices, and their baying can carry for miles. It’s best not to bring one home unless you’re sure your neighbors will appreciate the concert or live far enough away that they won’t be disturbed.
American Foxhound Highlights
Exceptional Hunting Skills: Renowned for their superb hunting abilities, these hounds excel in tracking scents, particularly in pursuing foxes. Their endurance and determination make them valuable in the field.
Gentle and Sociable: Despite their hunting prowess, American Foxhounds are known for their gentle and sociable nature. They often form strong bonds with their families and are good with children and other pets.
Energetic and Athletic: With an energetic disposition, these hounds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy outdoor activities and long walks.
Low-Maintenance Coat: Their short coat is easy to groom, making them relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
Musical Bay: They are recognized for their melodious bay, a musical and echoing bark that serves as a functional asset during hunts, adding to their unique charm.
American Heritage: As one of the few breeds developed in the United States, American Foxhounds hold a special place in American history and culture.
Versatility: These hounds are versatile, serving as both hunting companions and affectionate family pets, combining their strong work ethic with a friendly demeanor.
American Foxhound History
When European settlers arrived in the American colonies, some brought their hounds with them, and in the late 1700s, these dogs were crossbred with Irish, English, and French hounds to create the American Foxhound. American breeders sought to develop a lighter, taller, and faster Foxhound with a keen sense of smell, better suited for the game and terrain of their new country. Among these breeders was George Washington, who kept a pack of American Foxhounds at Mount Vernon and experimented with breeding them to imported British and French hounds. Today, there are four types of American Foxhounds: field trial hounds, slow-trailing hounds, drag hounds, and pack hounds, each serving different hunting purposes.
American Foxhound Size
Male American Foxhounds typically stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 45 to 65 pounds, while females usually measure between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds.
American Foxhound Personality
While generally sweet and easygoing, American Foxhounds possess the independent and stubborn nature common to hounds. Bred for hunting with minimal human direction, they may resist following commands unquestioningly. Foxhounds raised among other dogs may present additional challenges, as they often bond more closely with their pack than with humans, requiring extra time, attention, and training to adapt to family life.
Early socialization is crucial for Foxhound puppies, involving exposure to various people, dogs, sights, sounds, and experiences. This process fosters their development into friendly and well-rounded adult dogs. By providing patient training and socialization, owners can help these charming canines become cherished members of their families.
American Foxhound Health
The American Foxhound is a generally a healthy breed, but some medical conditions prospective pet parents may want to be aware of include:
Thrombopathia: Thrombopathia is a blood disorder that affects platelets. This can cause abnormal or excessive bleeding. Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
Hip Dysplaysia: Hip dysplaysia is a genetic condition in dogs that causes the hip joint to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis in dogs.
American Foxhound Care
The American Foxhound, bred for its speed and endurance in hunting, requires a considerable amount of exercise. If not used for hunting, daily runs or other forms of vigorous activity are necessary to help them burn off their abundant energy. They are best suited for homes with yards, preferably with ample space like an acre or more, as they can be too loud for condo or apartment living.
Typically accustomed to living in outdoor kennels with other dogs, the American Foxhound is resilient and can thrive outdoors with proper shelter and the company of another social dog. However, if kept as the only dog, they should live indoors with their human family to avoid loneliness. Obedience training is crucial to establish yourself as the leader, but punishment-based methods won’t work well with this independent breed. Instead, use treats and praise to motivate and reward them for following commands, as they are more responsive when treated with kindness and respect. Remember the old Southern adage: “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” when training an American Foxhound.
American Foxhound Feeding
The recommended daily amount for an American Foxhound is 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food per day. However, the actual quantity can vary based on factors such as size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Each dog is unique and may require a different amount of food. Active dogs may need more food compared to less active ones.
The quality of dog food matters too, as higher-quality food provides better nourishment, requiring less to be served in each meal. Since Foxhounds enjoy eating, it’s essential to measure their food to prevent obesity. Providing two meals a day instead of leaving food out all the time can help maintain a healthy weight.
To check your Foxhound’s condition, perform the hands-on test occasionally. Place your hands over his body with thumbs along the spine and fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel his ribs beneath a layer of muscle. If the ribs are buried under fat, adjust their exercise routine and food intake accordingly.
For more information on feeding your American Foxhound, refer to guidelines on selecting the right food, feeding puppies, and feeding adult dogs. Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining their health and well-being.
American Foxhound Coat Color And Grooming
The American Foxhound’s medium-length coat lies close to its body, featuring a hard texture that offers protection in the field against brush and briars. The coat comes in various colors, and as the saying goes, no good hound is a bad color. This breed is low-maintenance in terms of grooming, as a weekly once-over with a firm bristle brush removes dirt and distributes skin oils, promoting a healthy coat. Regular baths are unnecessary, except when you notice a strong odor or if the dog gets into something dirty.
Dental hygiene is essential for Foxhounds. Brushing their teeth two to three times a week helps prevent tartar buildup and bacteria, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath. Regular nail trimming is also necessary, ensuring the dog’s feet remain in good condition and preventing scratches when they jump up to greet you.
Introduce grooming routines to your Foxhound from puppyhood, making it a positive experience with praise and rewards. Handle their paws, inspect their mouth and ears regularly, and acclimate them to vet exams and handling as they grow. During grooming sessions, conduct a thorough examination for any sores, rashes, or signs of infection on the skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. Checking their ears for wax or gunk and ensuring clear eyes can help you spot potential health issues early on. This weekly practice fosters a strong bond with your dog and allows you to promptly address any health concerns that may arise.
American Foxhound Children And Other Pets
American Foxhounds exhibit patience and affection towards children, and it’s not uncommon to witness a child learning to walk while holding onto the family Foxhound. However, as with any breed, it’s essential never to leave a dog and a young child unattended. Supervision is crucial to prevent any accidental ear biting or tail pulling from either party.
Bred to live in large packs, American Foxhounds enjoy the companionship of other dogs. If left alone during the day, they may become bored and find destructive ways to entertain themselves, which should be avoided. Providing them with at least one canine buddy can keep them content and prevent unwanted behaviors.
American Foxhounds can coexist harmoniously with cats, rabbits, and other pets if they are raised together in the home. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to supervise interactions until you are certain that all the animals get along well. By ensuring proper supervision and positive introductions, you can create a harmonious and happy environment for all your furry family members.
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