American Foxhound Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the American Foxhound?

The origin of the American Foxhound dates all the way back to the 1600s, when Europeans settled in America. A lot of these settlers brought their dogs with them, which included the English Foxhound. At some point during the 1700s, American breeders started crossing their dogs with Irish and French foxhounds.

They wanted to create a larger hound that was both lighter and faster than the original English hound with a better sense of smell. One of the first and most notable American breeders was George Washington himself. At Mount Vernon, he had a collection of American Foxhounds, which he bred with British hounds to try and improve the breed.

His friend, Marquis de Lafayette, who he fought with during the War of Independence in America, gave him French hounds, which he also bred with his pack of American hounds. Nowadays, there are 4 main types of American Foxhounds.

There are field trial hounds that excel at dog sports due to being very fast and driven. There are the slow trailing hounds that are used for hunting foxes; these are also known as scent hounds due to their ability to track prey with their nose. Drag hounds, or trail hounds, are used for racing and hunting sports, and pack hounds are used by hunters on horseback. These hunters use a pack of up to 20 American foxhounds whilst they are out on the hunt.

It wasn't until 1886 that the American Kennel Club recognised the breed despite its presence dating back hundreds of years.

Who are American Foxhound dogs best for?

Although the American Foxhound was originally bred to hunt, they have a kind and loyal demeanour. The family Foxhound has the same energy levels as dogs that are still used for hunting but instead, they will be just as happy tiring themselves out chasing a ball.

They aren't aggressive dogs by any means and actually get on very well with other pets and children. This makes them the perfect addition to large families who are looking for furry friends to take on their adventures.

Because of their distinct howls, the American Foxhound is not recommended for those living in close quarters. They are better suited to a living arrangement with a large outdoor space where they can run around and expel their musical bays until their heart is content.

Their physical activity needs should not be underestimated, and if you don't think you will be able to make time for around 2 hours of walking a day, then this breed might not be for you. Check out the National Breed Club for more information on the breed, and maybe even have a look for breed clubs near you where you can meet up with people that have the same love for the American Foxhound.

How much grooming does a American Foxhound need?

This breed doesn't require any special grooming, and its coat is easily maintained. Weekly brushing is adequate in removing loose dog hair and keeping the coat in tip-top condition. They won't need regular bathing either; a wash once a month or if they are extra dirty and smelly is more than enough to keep your hound healthy and fresh.

Like all dog breeds, dental hygiene is important, and you should aim to brush their teeth 2 to 3 times a week. This will prevent the build-up of plaque and reduce the chance of gum disease developing. Make sure to clip their nails if they get too long and they aren't wearing them down naturally.

Do American Foxhound bark much?

The American Foxhound does have a strong tendency to bark. They are likely to bark when they are being protective or feel threatened. Other reasons include when they are seeking someone's attention or are just excited. Separation anxiety is another reason for this breed to start howling when they are left on their own for too long.

Do American Foxhound bite?

These dogs are not aggressive and have a low biting potential. They do engage with play biting sometimes, so it's best to train this habit out of them as a Foxhound puppy.

What is the temperament & personality of a American Foxhound?

The temperament of the American Foxhound is described as relaxed, gentle, and sometimes stubborn. They are very playful and reasonably intelligent, which makes them easy to train with the right dose of positive reinforcement.

They are also very loyal dogs and form strong bonds with their owners. This can, however, sometimes cause separation anxiety when they are left on their own for long periods of time.

What is the weight & size of a American Foxhound?

The American foxhound varies in size depending on its sex, males are around 55-63cm tall, and females come in at 53 - 61cm tall. You'll notice that the males are slightly heavier than the female counterpart - coming in at 20 - 29kgs compared to 18 - 27kgs.

How much training does a American Foxhound need?

If the hound has grown up around the same breed of dogs rather than humans, then it can sometimes be challenging to train them as an adult dog. They may require more obedience training and attention for them to adapt fully to the family living lifestyle.

It is best for these dogs to engage in early socialisation so they can get used to being around humans and other breeds without becoming stressed.

What are some of the most common health issues for a American Foxhound?

This dog breed is typically a super healthy breed that doesn't tend to develop genetic health problems found in dogs, such as hip dysplasia.

They have been, on occasion, found to have a condition known as thrombocytopathy, which affects the platelets in their blood, leading to excessive bleeding. Ear infections are also common in this breed, so make sure to check them regularly.

What is the lifespan of a American Foxhound?

On average, this breed has a life expectancy of somewhere between 10 and 13 years.

How much should you feed a American Foxhound?

The diet for this breed can vary slightly, but on average, it is recommended that they get around 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food, which is split up into two separate meal times.

What is the price of a American Foxhound in Australia?

The average price for an American Foxhound in Australia is $1500. The most important thing to remember is to find a reputable breeder that can provide the full medical history of both parents.