Breed’s Original Pastime: Hunting, Chasing, Hiking, Long Walks.
Different Types of American Foxhound
American Foxhound
American Foxhound is a sweet-tempered, Independent, and easy-going breed. They are 22-25 inches tall and weigh about 65-70 pounds and belong to the Hound group. These breeds have a sleek body and longer legs than English Foxhounds. American Foxhounds are known for their speed, work ethic, and endurance.
They have soft and large eyes and arched loin at the back. Their howls and bays may be musical to hound lovers but not to others. American Foxhounds are challenging to train, especially for the new dog owners. The AKC recognized the American Foxhound in 1886.
English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a gentle, affectionate, and friendly breed. They are 24 inches tall and weigh about 60-75 pounds and belong to the Hound group. Their legs are long, sturdy, and as straight as a gatepost. The chest is deep, measuring 31 inches, giving them good lung capacity to hound all day long. These breeds are the epitome of balance, beauty, and utility. They are not suitable as house pets. Their primary instinct for pursuit is over and above other activities.
Welsh Hound
The Welsh Hound is a social and hunting dog. It is adapted to hunting in mountainous and rocky terrain in its native Wales. They are 23-25 inches tall and weigh about 65-75 pounds and belong to the Hound group. Their gentle, intelligent, and happy nature make them a good companion for children. The Welsh Hound is energetic, learns quickly if provided with the right environment.
Foxhound History
George Washington
The heritage of the American Foxhound is both specific and presidential. The breed’s origins can be traced back to an early American settler named Robert Brooke, who sailed from England in the mid-1600s with a pack of hunting dogs. Those dogs (thought to be predominantly English Foxhounds) are the ancestors of all future American Foxhounds. Other pioneers started breeding these dogs with other hound breeds to develop a larger, stronger Foxhound capable of chasing foxes in America’s more varied terrain.
George Washington was primarily responsible for establishing the American Foxhound as a separate breed over the next century. Washington kept packs of dogs at his Mount Vernon farm. Over the years, he bred these emerging Foxhounds—said to be descendants of Brooke’s original dogs—with several breeds, including the French Foxhound, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (akin to an American Bluetick Hound), and others, ultimately creating the American Foxhound as a distinct breed.
Several distinct Foxhound bloodlines developed over the next few decades, with some being well-known for particular hunting purposes. American Foxhound strains such as Walker, Goodman, Calhoun, Trigg, and Penn-Marydel are used in treeing, tracking, and pack hunting.
In the post-Colonial era, the American Foxhound was refined further throughout the South until distinguished from its relative, the English Foxhound. Before the Civil War, the American gentry’s main field activity was fox-hunting with hounds. The American Foxhound is currently Virginia’s state breed.
Foxhound Breed Overview
Hailing from the United States of America, The Foxhound dog breed is easy-going, friendly, kind, and obedient. It represents a way of life that has lasted more than two generations. However, it still can be a modern-day friend.
Despite their purebred status, American Foxhounds can be seen in shelters or rescue organizations’ custody. If you think this is the breed for you, consider adopting!
Because of their endurance and love of running, Foxhounds make ideal jogging companions for active pet owners. Their mild disposition makes them perfect family pets, as long as they get the exercise they need. Apartment dwellers and inexperienced pet owners should be wary of these low-maintenance, affectionate dogs. Because of this breed’s high energy and strength, they need plenty of room to run and plenty of active playtimes.
This rare breed continues to live and operate in the same manner that its ancestors did when they settled in the United States more than 200 years ago. Foxhounds were formed from hounds brought by English immigrants, who adapted them to accommodate their new territory’s game and terrain. They were bred to hunt in large packs.
While Foxhounds like to be in the company of other pets, they will be a single pet dog if you’re willing to give them the exercise they’d get from running around with their canine companions and use the time to help them interact with their human family. They are mild-mannered, despite their size, until they are pursuing their prey. They then become ruthless in their quest.
The Foxhound, like all hounds, is musical. Hounds’ voices are characterized as bell-like, and their baying can be heard for miles.
Foxhound Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Generally healthy with a low maintenance coat
Requires considerable daily exercise
Easy-going and patient with kids
Loud and unique bark that may disturb neighbors
Great stamina as a hiking or running partner
Strong prey drive that tends to override dog’s obedience
Foxhound Highlights
Foxhounds are known for their voice. The howls and bays of Foxhound can be heard miles away. These breeds are not recommended for city dwellers.
Foxhound has a good sense of smell and can easily be distracted by scents. It will be difficult for you to run away if he finds a cue or follows a trail.
Foxhounds love to roam around and be outdoors.
Foxhounds are an active breed and do not like to stay in one place. They need to be exercised daily and be taken for long walks or to run with you.
Foxhounds need a large and fenced yard to play around and burn their energy. They do not like to be cramped in apartments or quarters.
Foxhounds can quickly gain weight if their diet is not monitored.
Foxhounds like to be independent and are not easy to train. Providing them early obedience training can develop better relationships with you.
Foxhounds love kids and get along with them very well. They are a gentle and tolerant breed that enjoys the company of other dogs.
Foxhound Personality
The elegant, rangy hunters known as Foxhounds are known for their strength, stamina, and work ethic. The Foxhound is distinguished from its British cousin, the English Foxhound, by the length of its legs, which are longer and finer boned, as well as the American’s slightly arched loin (back end). The eyes of Foxhounds are wide and sweet, with a friendly and pleading look.
Foxhounds need a lot of activity to prevent being stressed and destructive. The single-minded prey desire of a Foxhound must be monitored. Their loud bawling is soothing to hound fans, but it can be annoying to neighbors, and housebreaking and educating these independent souls can be difficult for new owners.
Foxhounds are primarily built with 22 to 25 inches for males and 21 to 24 inches for females. They weigh around 65 to 70 pounds. They are highly energetic, and their lifespan is 11 to 13 years. Their barking level is low, and shedding level is medium. Foxhounds have a short undercoat. They come in varieties of shades such as white and cream, red, tri-color, blue, tan, and white. They are from the United States. They are good companions for long walks. They are generally into hunting and chasing. They are stubborn but easy to train. They are obedient.
Friendliness Overview
Family-Friendly
Medium to High
Kid-Friendly
High
Dog-Friendly
High
Stranger-Friendly
Medium to High
Adaptability Overview
Apartment Living
Low
Good with New Owners
Low to Medium
Sensitivity Level
Low to Medium
Tolerates being Alone
Low
Tolerates Cold Weather
Medium to High
Tolerates Hot Weather
Medium to High
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
Low to Medium
Intelligence
Medium
Potential to Nip, Chew and Play-bite
Medium
Prey Drive
Medium to High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
High
Wandering Potential
High
Foxhound Physical Features
Head
Skull The skull is long, with a moderately domed occiput, with a complete, full cranium.
Ears Ears are positioned relatively low, long, extending almost to the nape of the nose. Excellent in texture, reasonably wide, with nearly complete absence of erectile power-setting close to the head with the forward edge marginally in-turning to the cheek-round at the border.
Eyes Big, well-spaced eyes with a quiet, hound-like expression that is gentle and pleading; The color of the eyes is brown or hazel.
Muzzle The stop is moderately defined, and the muzzle is of reasonable length, straight and square-cut. Excess of the dome; The eyes are small, sharp, and terrier-like, or noticeable and protruding; The long and snippy muzzle is cut away distinctly below the eyes. Roman nosed, or upturned, with a cluttered look. Short ears, set high, or rise above the point of origin.
Body
Neck and Throat The channel is of medium length, and it rises free and light from the shoulder. The neck is firm but not loaded. The throat does not have any fold of skin but is slightly wrinkled below the jaw.
Shoulder, Chest, and Ribs The shoulders are not loaded, which helps move and do other activities and does not affect the strength. For lung space, the chest should be broad but smaller in proportion to depth than the English hound—28 inches (girth) in a 23-inch hound is ideal. Right ribs can stretch well back, with a three-inch flank to allow suppleness.
Back and Loin They have a moderately long, muscular, solid back and broad and slightly arched loins.
Forelegs and Feet From elbows to feet, the forelegs are straight, well boned, and muscular, with solid, flexible, and slightly sloping pasterns. Feet are like a fox. Their toes have a good arch, and their nails are powerful.
Hips, Thighs, and Hind Legs The hips and thighs are strong and muscled, giving them propelling power. The stifles are let down and strong. Their hocks are symmetrical, firm, and moderately bent.
Tail The tails are positioned moderately high, which is though not turned towards the front over the back. It has a slight curve with a slight brush.
Coat They have a medium-length hound coat that is short and thin.
Foxhound Temperament
The Foxhound is soft, affectionate, compassionate, and caring, yet on the chase, he is a courageous and intense fighter. Because of their pack-hunting experience, they are good with children and get along well with other dogs, but they cannot be trusted with non-canine pets. Stranger friendliness varies greatly. They are friendly dogs, but they can become hostile if they are encouraged to see themselves as pack leaders to people. Be mindful that the Foxhound will chase after an intriguing smell if given the opportunity. They have a melodious bark; in reality, their bark tones have been used in common songs. Owing to their past as outdoor pack kennel hounds, foxhounds do not often make good house pets. Display lines, rather than field forms, are a smart choice if you don’t want to take your pet hunting. To prevent behavior problems, include plenty of physical exercises and be your dog’s strong yet relaxed, optimistic, and consistent pack leader, regardless of the style you choose.
For children, Foxhounds are gentle and caring, and it’s not uncommon to hear about an infant learning to walk while hanging onto the family Foxhound. However, as in any breed, a dog and a young child can never be left alone together. They should still be watched to discourage chewing their ears or dragging their tails.
Foxhounds, who are known for traveling in big packs, are still delighted to be in the company of other dogs. If no one is home during the day, it’s better if he has at least one canine buddy. A lonely hound will find ways to amuse himself — disruptive ways that you won’t like — so if no one is home during the day, he should have at least one canine buddy.
If raised in the family, Foxhounds get along splendidly with cats, rabbits, and other pets. Nonetheless, don’t leave them alone with other pets until you’re sure they get along.
Foxhound Exercise Needs
The most prominent dealmaker or breaker for this breed is exercise. The Foxhound is a fantasy dog for active citizens. This dog’s enjoyment of the outdoors and boundless enthusiasm make it perfect for those who enjoy hunting, biking, climbing, or just being involved outside. When their sweet dog becomes aggressive or depressed due to a lack of exercise, more sedentary families may feel frustrated and upset. Before you adopt this breed, make sure you have plenty of exercise for it.
Long hikes, backyard playtime, canine training, and hunting are excellent opportunities to exercise this breed. Expect to devote one to two hours a day to this breed’s workout requirements.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Intensity
Medium to High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Foxhound Grooming
The medium-length coat of an American Foxhound is close to the body and has a rough feel, which protects the hound from brush and briars in the area. The coat appears in a variety of colors.
American Foxhounds are the brush-and-go breed. Once a week, give the coat a bristle brush to extract soil and spread the skin oils that keep it safe. Bathe the Foxhound only when you detect a heavy doggy odor or whether he’s gotten himself into something filthy.
Dental hygiene is another aspect of grooming. Brush the Foxhound’s teeth at least twice to three days a week to keep tartar buildup and bacteria at bay. Brushing teeth regularly is much easier if you wish to avoid gum disease and foul breath.
If your dog’s nails don’t break off naturally, trim them daily. They’re too long if you can hear them tapping on the cement. Short, perfectly clipped nails keep the dog’s paws in excellent shape and shield your knees from being scratched as the Foxhound jumps up to greet you happily.
When your Foxhound is a puppy, get him used to being brushed and examined. Handle his paws constantly — dogs’ feet are sensitive — and inspect his mouth and ears. Grooming is a satisfying activity for him, with plenty of attention and treats, and you’ll be setting the tone for simple vet checks and other handling when he’s older.
Check the skin, ears, nose, throat, eyes, and feet for sores, rashes, or symptoms of illness such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Ears should have a pleasant odor and be free of wax or gunk, and eyes should be clean and free of redness or discharge. Your weekly inspection will allow you to identify possible health issues early.
Grooming Overview
Shedding Amount
Medium
Drooling Potential
Low
Easy to Groom
High
Foxhound Health
This is a breed that is considered to be stable and free of genetic diseases. An American Foxhound can develop the following disorder on rare occasions:
Health Overview
General Health
High
Weight Gaining Potential
High
Size
Medium
Thrombocytopathy: Poorly working platelets induce thrombocytopathy, which results in irregular or prolonged bleeding from minor bumps or wounds. The cure is determined by the cause and severity of the problem.
Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog’s elbow, causing joint loosening. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend medication to control the pain or even surgery to correct the problem.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint where the socket portion does not entirely fit the ball portion, resulting in an ascending risk for joint dislocation. Hip dysplasia may occur at birth or in early life. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Some dogs exhibit discomfort and lameness on one or both rear legs. The Orthopedic Foundation does x-ray screening for hip dysplasia for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia should not be bred.
Patellar Luxation: It is also known as “slipped stifles,” a common problem in small dog breeds that is caused when the patella, which has 3 parts-the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf) — is not correctly bounded. This leads to lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, like a hop or a skip. This condition is caused by birth, although the actual misalignment or luxation does not always occur much later. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation leads to arthritis. There are 4 patellar luxation grades, ranging from phase I, an occasional luxation causing unstable lameness in the joint, to grade IV, where the turning of the tibia is heavy, and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives your dog a bow-legged appearance. Uphill grades of patellar luxation may require surgery.
Infections: The Foxhounds are prone to certain bacterial and viral infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. The viral infection can be prevented by giving a vaccination based on the dog’s age.
Cancer: The Foxhound has a higher life expectancy than the other breed, so they are prone to cancer as they grow older. Cancer can be cured by surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy. It is essential not to ignore the symptoms and diagnose them earlier.
Bleeding Disorders: The Foxhound is prone to a bleeding disorder. After conducting several diagnostic tests, the surgery is performed depending on the type.
Foxhound Diet and Nutrition
Foxhounds need 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food per day. Hounds are voracious eaters. Measure the Foxhound’s diet before serving it, and give meals twice a day rather than keeping food out all the time to help avoid obesity. When you look down at him, you should be able to see his waist. Place your hands around your dog’s neck, palms around the back, fingertips extended downward, regularly to make sure he’s in good health. Under a coat of muscle, you should be able to feel his ribs. Your dog deserves more exercise and fewer calories if they’re trapped under rolls of fat.
Foxhound Required Living Conditions
Foxhounds have very low adaptability in the case of apartment living. They like hunting, chasing animals, and deserve a lot of exercise. They have all kinds of climatic tolerances, making them more robust than other breeds.
Did You Know?
Foxhound’s howls and bays can be heard miles away.
If a foxhound smells a scent and follows a trail, it will be challenging to bring them back.
Foxhounds were initially bred to chase foxes and to work alongside horses.
George Washington owned 30 Foxhounds.
Foxhound Club Recognition
ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
Adding a Foxhound to Your Family
Foxhound Rescue Groups
There are countless Foxhounds in need of adoption and/or nursing, and there is a breed-specific rescue association in the country that is listed below:
