The American Foxhound is a breed developed in the United States primarily for hunting. Known for its endurance, agility, and friendly demeanor, it is both a working dog and a companion.
Highlights
- Sweetlips, an American Foxhound owned by George Washington - See America’s First Dogs.
Basic Details
Origin
- Country of Origin: United States
- Development: Bred in the 18th century as a hunting dog, specifically for fox hunting
- Notable Contributor: George Washington, who is considered a founding figure in developing the breed in America
Breed Group
- Group: Hound Group (recognized by the American Kennel Club)
- Function: Hunting, particularly known for fox hunting due to their keen scenting ability and endurance
Size Group
- Size Category: Medium to Large
Appearance
- Height: Males: 22-25 inches; Females: 21-24 inches
- Weight: Males: 65-75 pounds; Females: 60-70 pounds
- Coat: Short, hard, and low-maintenance
- Colors: Typically tricolor (black, white, and tan), but can be seen in any combination of hound colors
- Build: Lean, muscular, and athletic, with long legs and a sleek, well-proportioned body
Temperament
- Personality Traits: Friendly, gentle, independent, and sometimes stubborn
- Energy Level: High; requires regular exercise and mental stimulation
- Good with Children: Generally friendly and tolerant with children
- Compatibility with Other Pets: Typically sociable with dogs; may show a strong prey drive toward smaller animals
Popularity
- Recognition: Recognized by the American Kennel Club
- Popularity Rank in the U.S.: Not as common as some other hound breeds but valued by enthusiasts, particularly for hunting
Health and Lifespan
- Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Common Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, and a tendency toward obesity if not properly exercised
- Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing and routine ear cleaning to prevent infections
Exercise and Training Needs
- Exercise Requirements: High; requires at least 1-2 hours of physical activity per day
- Best Activities: Running, hiking, and scent-based activities; ideal for outdoor spaces
- Training Approach: Moderate difficulty due to independent nature; responds well to consistent, reward-based methods
- Special Skills: Exceptional scenting and tracking abilities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the American Foxhound?
The American Foxhound originated in the United States, specifically developed for fox hunting. The breed was established in the 18th century, with George Washington playing a significant role in refining it.
What breed group does the American Foxhound belong to?
The American Foxhound belongs to the Hound Group, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This group includes breeds that are known for their exceptional scenting and tracking abilities.
What is the average size of an American Foxhound?
American Foxhounds are medium to large dogs. Males typically stand 22-25 inches tall and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 21-24 inches tall and 60-70 pounds.
What are the distinguishing appearance traits of the American Foxhound?
American Foxhounds have a lean, muscular build with long legs and a sleek body. They have a short, hard coat that is easy to care for and can come in a variety of hound colors, though tricolor (black, white, and tan) is common.
What is the temperament of an American Foxhound?
American Foxhounds are friendly, gentle, and independent dogs. They can sometimes be stubborn but are generally good-natured and make good family pets, especially in active households.
Are American Foxhounds good with children?
Yes, American Foxhounds are generally good with children. They are gentle and tolerant, but as with all dogs, supervision is recommended when they are around younger kids.
Do American Foxhounds get along with other pets?
American Foxhounds are usually sociable with other dogs, but their hunting instincts may lead them to chase smaller animals. Early socialization can help reduce this prey drive.
How much exercise does an American Foxhound need?
American Foxhounds are high-energy dogs that need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day. They enjoy running, hiking, and activities that allow them to use their scent-tracking skills.
What are the grooming needs of an American Foxhound?
American Foxhounds have low grooming needs. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance, although occasional brushing and regular ear cleaning are recommended to prevent infections.
What health issues are common in American Foxhounds?
American Foxhounds are generally healthy, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity if not properly exercised and managed with a balanced diet.
How long does an American Foxhound typically live?
The average lifespan of an American Foxhound is 10-12 years, although some may live longer with proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
Are American Foxhounds easy to train?
Training an American Foxhound can be moderately challenging due to their independent nature. They respond well to consistent, reward-based training methods but may become distracted if they catch an interesting scent.
Do American Foxhounds have a high prey drive?
Yes, American Foxhounds have a strong prey drive, which makes them excellent hunting dogs but may lead them to chase smaller animals. Proper training and early socialization can help manage this trait.
Are American Foxhounds suitable for apartment living?
American Foxhounds are not well-suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for space. They thrive in homes with large yards or access to open spaces where they can run.
What are the American Foxhound’s scenting abilities?
The American Foxhound has an exceptional sense of smell and is highly skilled in scent-tracking, making it an ideal breed for hunting and search-and-rescue work.
How much food does an American Foxhound need daily?
The food requirements of an American Foxhound depend on its age, size, activity level, and metabolism. On average, they need 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food per day, split into two meals.
Is the American Foxhound a noisy breed?
American Foxhounds are known for their distinctive bark and may howl or bay, especially if they catch a scent or are left alone for long periods. Training can help reduce excessive vocalization.
Are American Foxhounds good for first-time dog owners?
While American Foxhounds are friendly and gentle, they may not be ideal for first-time dog owners due to their independent streak, high energy levels, and specific training needs.
What types of activities do American Foxhounds enjoy?
American Foxhounds enjoy activities that allow them to use their nose, such as scent games and tracking exercises. They also love running, hiking, and any physical activity that lets them explore outdoors.
Are American Foxhounds prone to separation anxiety?
American Foxhounds can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, as they are social animals that enjoy companionship. Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help prevent anxiety.
Fun Facts
One of the Oldest American Breeds
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest breeds in the United States, with origins dating back to the early 18th century. George Washington himself helped develop the breed, making it an iconic piece of American history.
George Washington’s Favorite Dog
George Washington was a significant figure in the American Foxhound's development. He carefully bred them for fox hunting, and his passion for the breed helped set the standard for the modern American Foxhound.
A Unique Voice
The American Foxhound is known for its distinctive, melodic baying, often referred to as a “bark-howl.” This sound helped hunters locate their dogs in the field, but today it can surprise first-time owners who may not be expecting such a vocal pet!
An Incredible Sense of Smell
American Foxhounds have one of the most powerful noses in the dog world. Their sense of smell rivals that of the Bloodhound, and they are exceptionally skilled at tracking scents over long distances.
Extremely High Energy Levels
The American Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise. Originally bred to cover large distances during hunts, these dogs still have the stamina to run and explore for hours.
Can Run at High Speeds
With their long legs and lean bodies, American Foxhounds are fast runners. They can reach impressive speeds, making them excellent for competitive sports and activities that require agility and speed.
Has a Strong Pack Mentality
American Foxhounds are known for their strong pack instincts. Bred to hunt in groups, they tend to be highly sociable with other dogs and can benefit from being in multi-dog households.
Excellent in Scent Work and Tracking
The American Foxhound excels in scent work, making it a popular choice for search-and-rescue and tracking activities. Its sharp nose and persistence mean it rarely loses a scent trail.
Relatively Low Grooming Needs
Despite their active lifestyle, American Foxhounds have very low grooming requirements. Their short, hard coat is easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing to stay clean and healthy.
Rare to Find as Pets
While popular among hunting circles, the American Foxhound is relatively rare as a household pet. Its high energy and independent nature make it less common in suburban or urban homes, though it makes a loyal companion for those who appreciate its unique traits.