The American Foxhound, is very similar to its English Foxhound cousin, but is easily identified as the more slender and longer legged of the two. The medium-sized breed is known for its friendly and affectionate manner, and like all the foxhounds, blends a fine mix of athleticism and intelligence.
Despite their sociable nature, American Foxhounds are not overwhelmingly popular as domestic pets, primarily doing better in their traditional roles of hunting and working dogs. This breed requires ample stimulation and activity, and is less suited to a solitary life or apartment living, always preferring the great outdoors.
Similarly to their English cousins, the American Foxhound’s capabilities in performance trials, especially in events that test their hunting skills in a pack, are impressive.
American Foxhounds are members of the Hound Group in the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (KC) in the UK and the International Federation of National Kennel Clubs (International Federation of National Kennel Clubs – FCI) which is the largest international canine federation.
History Of The American Foxhound
The American Foxhound was developed by breeders from European hounds with the intention of developing a fox hunter suitable for the New World. The need for a more agile and enduring hunter that could navigate the rugged New World terrain was recognised, and so American breeders began to adapt the Foxhound. Specifically to enhance the breed’s hunting capabilities, its speed and stamina for this new place.
Work on the new breed started in the 17th Century, and could continue throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike the English Foxhound, which was used predominantly for the more enclosed, traditional fox hunts of the British Isles, the American version needed to perform well in the more open and wild territories of the United States.
Today, while traditional fox hunting has waned in popularity and faces various ethical debates, the American Foxhound remains celebrated in field trials and is cherished as a hunting companion and family pet.
Breed Origin
Its origins are deeply rooted in the early colonial era, with its lineage tracing back to the importation of English Foxhounds and other breeds to the American colonies in the 17th century. It was Robert Brooke’s pack of hounds that he sailed with in 1650 that provided the base for what would become the American Foxhound. Indeed, this same pack of hounds were a key part of the mix for many of the modern American hounds.
The exact parental mix included the bloodline of Brooke Hounds, the French ‘Grand Bleu de Gascogne‘ Foxhounds, as well as regular English Foxhounds to create the modern American Foxhound breed. We also know that it is none other than George Washington that is said to be the father of the breed, you can’t get more American than that. Washington invested great time and effort in breeding these parental lines, and documenting his methods to perfect the new breed.
Quick Facts
- Strong and Nimble – The American Foxhound is built for both strength and agility. It was designed intentionally to excel in enduring hunts across the varied American landscapes. Its physical attributes allow for continuous activity, navigating different terrains and keeping up with the pack.
- Friendly Yet Tenacious – American Foxhounds are known for their friendly personalities with family, making them excellent companions at home and relentless pursuers in the field. Their friendly nature is balanced by a strong hunting drive, which needs regular mental and physical stimulation to manage.
- Vigorous and Compliant – These foxhounds have boundless energy and need lots of daily exercise to thrive. They respond well to structured training, especially when it begins at a young age. They need this effort to foster and encourage their natural obedience and eagerness to please.
- Pack-Oriented Leaders – Naturally inclined to be part of a pack, American Foxhounds may show a tendency to take a leading role within a group. To create a harmonious home life, particularly with other pets, early and consistent socialization and training are essential.
Characteristics Of The American Foxhound
Similarly to the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is quite commonly known simply as the ‘Foxhound’ in its native United States. This can be a bit confusing because both breeds look very similar too. Telling them apart physically could be a bit challenging unless they are together where the size would give the game away. They may also look a bit similar to a beagle but it’s easier to tell those two apart. The American Foxhounds typically don’t have any other nicknames.
Puppies typically arrive in litters of five to eight, and like with all breeds, the crucial early weeks are spent under the care of their mother. By about eight weeks old, having learned vital early social skills and pack dynamics, they are usually ready for a new home. You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $1200 USD for an American Foxhound pup from reputable breeders. Puppies that come with health screening certifications and from a well-documented lineage often command higher prices.
Appearance
The American Foxhound has a lean, muscular build, standing slightly taller and more slender than its English cousin. It has long, stright legs built for speed and endurance, ideal for navigating the challenging terrain of the American wilderness.
Typically, they stand about 21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders, with males often being slightly taller than females. Their weight usually falls between 60 and 75 pounds, with a build that suits their active life, designed for stamina and speed. While these are the breed standard sizes, many of these breed lines developed for show have a taller and lighter body.
The American Foxhound’s head is marked by a long, slightly domed muzzle, expressive eyes, and ears that hang, framing the face. These features are characteristic of the foxhound breeds, but the American variety’s body is distinctly more streamlined compared to the English Foxhound or the heavier Welsh Hound, which often has a longer coat. This sleek physique is better suited to hunting in the diverse American terrains.
Male | Female | |
Height | 21 – 25 in (53 – 64 cm) | 21 – 24 in (53 – 62 cm) |
Weight | 60 – 71 lb (27 – 32 kg) | 55 – 65 lb (25 – 29 kg) |
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and designed to provide protection in the hunt and against harsh weather conditions,. It needs only minimal grooming but they can shed a fair amount of hair.
Color
The breed standard colors determined by the AKC are the standard black white and tan, or white black and tan, and while that might leave you scratching your head, they both have different registration codes.
Other colors are possible, and indeed common, including variations of white and red, white and cream, blue, tan and brown. None of these other combinations are considered to be breed standard though.
Temperament
American Foxhounds are notoriously friendly, sociable and can easily get along well with children and other animals. They thrive on companionship and are happiest when part of a pack. They love the companionship of other dogs, the pack nature is firmly a part of their makeup. It’s not just other dogs they get on with, but well socialized pups can learn to get on well with cats and other pets too. Anything that it learns is family early on will be considered a friend.
While very friendly and loyal family dogs, they are also very vocal. Known for their distinctive baying bark, a common feature of a hound and while it might seem lovely to you, it might be a potential issue for your neighbors. The foxhound can also become a bit destructive if left alone for too long. They don’t do well without their pack around. They also needs lots of stimulation or can become depressed, frustrated and again, destructive.
A well looked after foxhound will have a delightful temperament. One that’s left wanting will become a challenge, so any potential owners should know they are taking on a commitment they need to respect.
Lifespan
American Foxhounds generally enjoy a healthy lifespan of 10-12 years, with a slightly shorter average expectancy than their English Foxhound cousins. This is a fairly standard expectancy for an active and healthy dog of the hound group.
Known Health Issues
The American Foxhound, while generally a healthy breed, is prone to a few health issues, and while they may be rare they can occur. Here are some specific conditions known to affect this breed:
Hip Dysplasia – This condition is caused by a genetic misalignment of the hip joints, leading to pain, arthritis, or lameness as the dog ages.
- Treatment: Management strategies include controlled exercise, weight management to relieve stress on the joints, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgical interventions such as hip replacements.
Renal Disease – Renal disease impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and can lead to toxin buildup in the body. It’s a serious health concern that can affect the dog’s longevity and quality of life.
- Treatment: Dietary management is crucial, often involving low-protein diets and increased water intake to help the kidneys. Medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms and progression.
Epilepsy – Characterized by seizures, epilepsy can be alarming and distressing for both the dog and owner. It may affect the dog’s behavior and physical health.
- Treatment: Anticonvulsant medications are commonly used to control seizures. The specific treatment plan can vary based on the frequency and severity of the seizures.
Thrombocytopathy – This is a clotting disorder where platelets fail to function properly, which can cause excessive bleeding from minor injuries or surgeries.
- Treatment: This condition is managed with medications that help improve platelet function, and in cases where bleeding is severe, blood transfusions might be necessary.
Obesity – This is one breed that can have a tendency to put on weight easily if over fed or under exercised. As they age and move less, it can be more common.
- Treatment: Preventing and treating obesity is generally down to diet and exercise. Some specially formulated diets can help your dog to feel fuller with less, but treatment should be discussed with a professional to make sure there is no underlying condition as the cause.
Daily Life With An American Foxhound
What is the average day like for a home with an American Foxhound? From the food they eat, to training and exercise needs, let’s explore this a little.
Food and Diet
American Foxhounds, like all foxhounds, require a high-quality diet suitable for their size and high energy levels. They are bred for endurance in hunting and field activities so their bodies need optimal nutrition to support their active metabolism. The exact quantity of food varies based on their age, weight, and activity level. You need to keep an eye on their food intake as they age to prevent obesity, which can be a common issue in less active hounds.
Typically, an adult American Foxhound will need about two to three cups of kibble per day, split into two meals, or three if that is possible. Opt for kibble or wet food rich in protein and nutrients. Puppies, are really active and burn through more energy as they grow. They generally need more frequent feedings throughout the day – 4 to 5 meals – to support their growth and energy levels.
Exercise
Like all the foxhounds, this breed has a high demand for exercise. They were bred for endurance, to embark on long hunts and spend hours outdoors with their pack. They are not suitable for a sedentary or apartment life and can become destructive if not adequately exercised physically and mentally.
American Foxhounds thrive on having a purpose and excel in environments that allow them to utilize their stamina and hunting skills. They do better with vigorous exercise, rather than routine leash walks round the same route every day. Long hikes, running alongside a bike, or extended play sessions in a securely fenced area are ideal.
The foxhound needs consistent opportunities to exhaust their energy through activities that engage both their bodies and minds. Exercise helps maintain their health and their sociable and amiable nature. With plenty exercise they are better companions at home. Without it, they will take to frustration and destructive behaviors.
They are a demanding dog when it comes to this, and if you don’t lead an active life then you need to consider a less active breed.
Family Compatibility
American Foxhounds adapt to family settings really well and are particularly good with children. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, they bond well with all family members and can coexist peacefully with other pets, when socialized properly. True to their pack animal instincts, they do particularly well in a home where they are not the only pet; they often form closer bonds with other dogs, which aligns with their inherent pack mentality.
However, American Foxhounds may struggle in homes where they are the sole animal or where they lack the activity and companionship they crave. In households with a single owner and no other pets, these dogs can become bored and display signs of anxiety or loneliness. They are best suited for active families, preferably with other dogs or pets, who can provide the companionship and engagement these hounds need to be happy and healthy. Owners that have experience in managing active breeds will find American Foxhounds to be loving and loyal companions.
Training
Training should be consistent and start as early as possible. They are an intelligent and capable breed, and need a patient but firm method to work on obedience and positively channel their natural hunting instincts. American Foxhounds will let you know if you are boring them, with a tendency towards stubbornness and independence if training is not approached correctly.
Hunting dogs and particularly scent hounds have a very specific temperament and you need to understand this when it comes to their training. American Foxhounds have a strong drive to follow scents, which can sometimes lead to distractions and challenges during training sessions, which is why patience is really needed. To effectively train them, it’s important to assert a calm but firm leadership, establishing yourself clearly as the pack leader. Early training not only helps in setting boundaries but also in integrating them into the family pack.
Start with fundamental commands and gradually introduce more complex tasks as they grow. Consistent, positive reinforcement helps in reinforcing good behavior and obedience. Once an American Foxhound understands their role within the pack and what is expected of them, their training in obedience and other areas tends to progress smoothly, leading to a well-adjusted and disciplined companion.
Socializing
Socialization is crucial for American Foxhounds, for both the family and the pup to have a happy home. It should begin as soon as they join your family. They are an inherently social breed, and really benefit from early exposure to different people, animals and environments. Starting this training early helps mitigate any potential shyness or aggression, promoting a well-rounded and confident pup.
Introducing an American Foxhound puppy to various ‘normal’ environments, such as busy parks, noisy streets, and calm home settings, teaches them to adapt and react positively to the world around them. Early interactions with other dogs and pets is also really important. It helps them understand and respect their boundaries and learn the social cues of other animals.
Grooming
Regular brushing, ideally about once a week, along with occasional baths, will maintain their cleanliness and overall coat health. American Foxhounds are moderate shedders, so owners should be prepared for some hair around the house, particularly during shedding seasons.
Another important part of a regular grooming routine is to conduct regular ear inspections. American Foxhounds’ floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, potentially leading to infections if not kept clean and dry. Regular checks and gentle cleaning can prevent this. When it comes to nails, active dogs will naturally wear them down, less active dogs will need a nail trim more often.
Breed Traits
Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
Good natured with all the family, including children and other pets | Loud, baying bark that they do a lot |
Loving and amiable | High instinctive drive to chase |
Generally healthy breed with good life expectancy | Can be stubborn and strong willed |
Intelligent and playful | High exercise and mental stimulation needs |
Low grooming needs | Needs lots of open space, not a good city or apartment dog. |
Breed FAQs
Are American Foxhounds good with children?
A well socialized American Foxhound is great with children. It’s also good with other pets too, developing strong bonds with all of their ‘pack’.
Is an American Foxhound a good family dog?
They are a great family dog for an active household, where they will get lots of walks, runs and play. They are not suited to long periods of time alone, to life in an a small home, or where they are the only pet.
Do American Foxhounds bark a lot?
They do like to bark more than the average breed. They have a baying bark most hounds have, and while they won’t just start barking for no reason, they do have quite an active voice and will want to alert you to even the smallest of things.
Summary
Today, the American Foxhound maintains a high esteem in both field sports and as a loyal companion. It is a quintessential American breed. Fathered by none other than George Washington himself. With its rich heritage, loving and adaptable nature and athletic ability, it is a popular breed for good reason. Especially with those who still make use of its hunting skills in the United States. It is a demanding breed though.
The American Foxhound requires an owner who understands the demands of a hunting breed and can provide a lifestyle that accommodates its need for regular activity and engagement. In the right setting, the American Foxhound is not just a pet but a beloved member of the family pack.