American Foxhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

20-29 kg

Height

55-63 cm

Lifespan

11-14 years

Jump To

About the American Foxhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

American Foxhounds are purebred dogs that have been around for over two centuries. They are compassionate and loyal dogs that have plenty of energy to run around all day. They are perfect for families that are active and ready to shower them with lots of love and affection.

Their kind and gentle nature make them perfect for those with kids and even other pets, as they tend to get on just fine in busy households. It should be stressed that these are high-energy dogs that will need lots of time to run about. If you don’t think you can meet this dog’s exercise needs, then perhaps the American Foxhound is not the breed for you.

Nevertheless, after you have had a good read through this guide, you should have more than enough information to decide whether this breed will be suitable for you.

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.

What is an American Foxhound Breed?

The American Foxhound dog is still a relatively rare breed that maintains the same role that it was first created centuries ago. To this day, they are widely used as hunting dogs and in large packs. You recognise the breed if you happen to live in the countryside where hunting is still prevalent.

Other places you might have seen the breed are on the famous Rita Mae Brown’s Mrs. Murphy series, which is set in Virginia hunt country and features the American Foxhound dog. The American Foxhound is a dog breed that doesn’t mind being independent but can also be friendly with other dogs.

As long as they get the required amount of physical activity each day, they are happy to cuddle up on the sofa at home with their family, including other dogs. Despite being vicious hunters whilst out in the countryside, the American Foxhound is relatively tame and well-mannered.

For this reason, they are great with canine companionship as well as humans, happy to spend their days playing in the park with their family and snuggling at home. It should be noted that this breed has quite a loud voice, so be wary if you live somewhere with neighbours close by.

Who is an American Foxhound 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.

American Foxhound Grooming & Shedding

This breed doesn’t require any special grooming, and its coat is easily maintained. Weekly brushing is adequate for removing loose dog hair and keeping the coat in tip-top condition. They won’t need regular bathing either; a bath 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 Foxhounds bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of an American Foxhound dog?

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.

Are American Foxhounds easy to train?

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.

How do American Foxhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the American Foxhound have any common health issues?

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 an American Foxhound?

On average, this breed has a life expectancy of somewhere between 11 and 14 years.

How much does an American Foxhound need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for an 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.

American Foxhound FAQs

Is an American Foxhound ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes! They are fun and loving, and if you think you can match their physical activity levels, then they will make a great addition to your family.

Do American Foxhounds suffer from separation anxiety?

Because this breed does tend to form a strong attachment to its owners, they are susceptible to developing separation anxiety. For this reason, it is best that they are not left on their own for long periods of time.

Are American Foxhounds hypoallergenic dogs?

No, this breed is not suitable for those that suffer from dog allergies.

Will an American Foxhound need professional grooming?

No, their coat is relatively short and can be maintained to a high standard with weekly brushing. This means that you won’t have to spend lots of money on professional grooming.