Let's talk American Foxhounds
As their name suggests, the jovial and carefree American Foxhound has a history almost as long as America itself. Early colonists brought the dog with them from England, for use primarily in the foxhunt, a very popular sport for the elite at the time. They remain a beloved breed in the equestrian sporting community, treasured not only for their tireless nature but their congenial temperament - not to mention their gorgeous looks. The American Foxhound makes a first-rate addition to any household.
Official name: American Foxhound
Other names: Foxhound, Hounds
Origins: USA
| Drooling tendencies |
|
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding needs |  |
Suited to apartment living ? |  |
| Energy level* | High | Family pet?* | |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* |  |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
56 - 64 cm
Height
29.5 - 31.5 kg
Weight
Female
53 - 61 cm
Height
27 - 29.5 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
They remain a beloved breed in the equestrian sporting community, treasured not only for their tireless nature but their congenial temperament
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Get to know the American Foxhound
All you need to know about the breed
Walk into any historic American dwelling and chances are, paintings of steeplechase and foxhunt adorn the walls, depicting riders and their dogs, the American Foxhound. Foxhunt was popular with early British colonists at the time.
It’s the sweet and sociable nature of the breed that’s given them staying power. The American Foxhound is very kid-friendly and dog-friendly so bound to fit into the family pack with aplomb, especially once trained. Their tri-colour coat with its coarse texture is easy-care, another plus for a dog that already scores well. Their health is so robust that one-year-old puppies are as physically mature as a 15-year-old teenager.
A distinctive hound trait - their bark - is a bit of a drawback for the American Foxhound. The breed has a long bay that ensures those in the distance that he’s on the job. Quite melodious, it can also be hard on the ears, and on the neighbors. Train your American Foxhound early to help curb any disquietude.
Fun American Foxhound facts: their ears have twice as many muscles as humans. Needless to say, the American Foxhound is unique, especially when it comes to their off-the-charts energy and playfulness, so best suited to an equally energetic household and a more rural, rather than urban, environment.
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2 facts about American Foxhounds
1. The nose knows
The American Foxhound has a nose like no other. This dog was specifically bred for the chase - which doesn’t mean they’re ill-tempered, it just means their ability to follow a scent is fairly superb. Keep them happy by keeping them in a well-enclosed area where they can run free but not run off in pursuit of any given scent that wafts their way.
2. Eating their fill - and then some
Dogs who are active need a higher energy intake than those who aren’t, but the American Foxhound is a breed that likes to eat a little too much. They can be prone to getting overweight - which could easily happen when a dog runs as much as this one and owners think they need extra calories. Ward off any weight gain with careful feeding twice a day only; free feeding will only add extra weight (even more if neutered) your American Foxhound dog doesn’t need.
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History of the breed
As the United States was finding its footing and the British were settling in, they brought a new way of life with them which included leisure activity. Those in the upper classes engaged in the sport of foxhunt, accompanied by their energetic companion, the English Foxhound. The country soon grew and the breed with it, bred throughout the 1700s to become the affectionate and doting dog we know today, the American Foxhound.
One of the only true American breeds, the resulting dog was lighter, taller, and faster than their English ancestor, with a keener sense of smell. Even the first American president, George Washington, loved his hounds, so much so that he kept a pack at Mount Vernon which he interbred with imported English hounds and French ones from the Marquis de Lafayette, his compatriot in the Revolutionary War.
The adored American Foxhound breed is still found aplenty throughout the south especially in the rolling countryside of Maryland, as well as Virginia where they’re the official state dog.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of American Foxhounds
1. الأذنان
آذان مرنة ولكن ليست ثقيلة تتدلى بجانب رأس الكلب
2. الشعر
شعر قصير وكثيف فوق طبقة سفلية مقاومة للماء
3. الفراء
فراء يتراوح بين الأسود إلى لون الشوكولاتة أو الأصفر، ومن الكريمي الفاتح إلى المحمر
4. الذيل
ذيل منتصب وهو بطبيعته طويل ونادرًا ما يتوقف عن الاهتزاز – والجسم كله يمكن يهتز في بعض الأحيان.
5. الساقان والعمود الفقري
متناسب بشكل جيد، مع توازن جيد بين طول الساق والعمود الفقري.
The American Foxhound is very kid-friendly and dog-friendly so bound to fit into the family pack with aplomb, especially once trained
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your American Foxhound
Prick up their ears
Those sweet ears are just one of the many
endearing traits on the American Foxhound. Give them a weekly cleaning since
this is a breed that may spend time out of doors where debris could be picked
up. They also may (or may not) have the gene for congenital deafness. The BAER
test (brainstem auditory evoked response) should be performed on puppies -
affected animals shouldn‘t be used for reproduction. Have your veterinarian
check your pet for hearing loss at their regular check-ups.
It's in the blood
Generally quite healthy, the American
Foxhound does however have a predisposition to thrombocytopenia, a blood
disease where the platelet count is below the lower limit - too few platelets
in fact. Hemorrhage may occur with organs - even internal ones - which may not
be seen. A small cut or scratch can also bleed more than normal. A minor health
risk, your American Foxhound should be screened by a vet with blood tests early
on that may show signs of the disorder.
The American Foxhound is unique, especially when it comes to their off-the-charts energy and playfulness, so best suited to an equally energetic household and a more rural, rather than urban, environment
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Caring for your American Foxhound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Luckily for owners, the American Foxhound has a short, tight coat so grooming is a breeze. Nonetheless, make sure it’s done on a regular-enough basis to keep them looking sharp. Weekly brushing should be sufficient, and baths can come as needed. Since the breed spends a good amount of time outside, that may have to be more frequent, depending on the dirt they get into. Given their history as a sporting dog, the breed requires a lot of exercise. The American Foxhound was bred to be a sporting dog from Day 1. They are extremely high energy and will need at least two walks a day, with any other exercise you can give them a plus. To note: They must be kept on a leash at all times, otherwise they’ll be inclined to chase whatever may cross their path. The American Foxhound is great at agility sport, since years of leaping over rugged countryside makes them a natural. Training the American Foxhound as early as possible is very important since they are stubborn. They are a very friendly and affable dog, but are extremely smart so will need positive reinforcement to make sure that commands are understood - and obeyed.
All about American Foxhounds
The answer is somewhat frequently. That may sound nebulous but the American Foxhound is used to being on the trail and still feels duty bound to alert the pack at any given turn. The breed is known to bay - a longer pronounced howl - which is their way of informing those in the distance about the goings-on. In more suburban environments, the American Foxhound’s unique expression could be a factor - for you and neighbours alike. Knowing how much sound a dog will emit is key to domestic bliss.
The American Foxhound breed is a pack animal if there ever was one, so learning how to play nice is a given. They’re affable and very easygoing and enjoy being amongst canine company - in fact, prefer it. Cats, they’ll take them or leave them, but dogs always rule. Making sure they aren’t the only dog in the house will also help your American Foxhound adjust to life in the family as well.
Read more on this topic
Signs your dog is getting old
Urinary incontinence in dogs
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/