Learn More About American Foxhound

Discover American Foxhound's history, temperament, and key traits – essential knowledge for future owners and breed enthusiasts.

Summary

The American Foxhound is an elegant, graceful and athletic dog that is often referred to as the aristocrat of hunting dogs. He belongs to FCI Group 6, the running dogs, and has a stretched, muscular build with long legs built for speed and endurance. Its head is long and narrow, with large, expressive eyes that have a gentle and intelligent aura. The ears are long and pendulous, and the tail is set high and carried cheerfully. There are no specific differences between show and performance lines in this breed.

Height52 - 52 cm (Female), 56 - 56 cm (Male)
Weight20 - 29 kg (Female), 29 - 34 kg (Male)
Life Expectancy10 - 12 years
CharacterFriendly, Energetic, Loyal
CoatShort, dense, without undercoat
Coat ColorVarious colors including tri-color, blue spotted, red and black/white
Price1000 - 2500 € €

History

The American Foxhound originated in the United States in the early 18th century when various European hound breeds, particularly the English Foxhound, were crossed with local dogs. The breeding of the American Foxhound was largely influenced by the influence of George Washington, who was an avid fox hunter and is even recorded in the annals of the American Foxhound-Breeders Association. Developed specifically for fox hunting, the breed is characterized by its ability to run quickly over long distances and maintain a constant, melodic voice. The American Foxhound was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886. There are different strains within the breed, including the Walker, the Trigg, and the Goodman, each with slightly different characteristics.

Original Use

The American Foxhound was bred for fox hunting in packs, known for its endurance and speed.

Origin

USA

Date

1700

Character

The American Foxhound is a dog with a heart of gold. He is known for his friendliness and exuberant temperament. If you're looking for a dog that excels both in the field and at home, the American Foxhound could be your perfect partner. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the American Foxhound has a deep passion for hunting and is happiest when he can follow his nose. He has incredible endurance and can reach high speeds over long distances. But that also means he needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If you enjoy the outdoors and have an active lifestyle, your Foxhound will make an enthusiastic companion. A special characteristic of the American Foxhound is its musical voice. He has a rich and melodic bark that is loved by many people but can be problematic in urban environments. Therefore, he is best suited to rural areas where he has plenty of space to run around and bark. Despite his passion for hunting, the American Foxhound is an extremely people-oriented dog. He loves being around his family and shows deep loyalty and affection. This makes him an excellent family dog ​​as long as he gets enough exercise and activity. The American Foxhound can stay alone well if properly trained, but it is important to remember that he is a sociable dog that enjoys the company of people and other dogs. He can get along well with other dogs and pets as long as he is properly socialized. In terms of temperament, the American Foxhound is more energetic than calm. He is playful and loves to move. It is therefore important that he has enough opportunities to play and run around. The American Foxhound has strong hunting behavior that is worth keeping an eye on. He can have a tendency to chase small animals and it is important to keep him in a safe area when he is off leash. His keen sense of smell can sometimes get him into trouble when following a trail, so it is advisable to always keep a close eye on him. As for alertness, American Foxhounds are not particularly alert in the sense of being guard dogs, but they are aware of their surroundings and may bark at unusual noises or activity. In conclusion, the American Foxhound is a wonderful companion for the right person or family. His energy, kindness and loyalty make him a loyal friend. It's important that you're willing to give him the exercise and mental stimulation he needs and consider him a full member of the family. With the right care and love, the American Foxhound will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

Trainability
Alertness
Openness to Strangers
Hunting or Herding Drive

Did you know that the American Foxhound is one of the few dog breeds that originated in the United States and that George Washington is considered one of the first breeders of the breed?

Fun Fact!

What to Expect

American Foxhounds are good-natured, easy-care dogs that get along well with children, dogs and even cats, but they have special requirements for their future owners. They have close ties to revolutionary heroes and the rolling lands of old Virginia.

Care

The American Foxhound is not particularly suited to city life due to its high energy and need for exercise. He needs plenty of space to run around and is happiest in a rural setting with a large garden. When it comes to children, the American Foxhound is generally friendly and tolerable, but it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and small children. The American Foxhound can get along with cats and other pets as long as he is used to them from an early age. However, you should keep an eye on your hunting instincts.

Family-Friendly
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Suitable as a City Dog

Owning a dog is not only a privilege but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you need to be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails.!

Training & Education

The American Foxhound is an intelligent and energetic dog that benefits from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Sports you could try with a Foxhound include dog sports such as agility, obedience or tracking. It is important to note that this breed requires a lot of activity, but there is also a risk of them becoming "ball junkies." become. That's why it's important to find a balance and ensure that your dog experiences different types of play and activity. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills for an American Foxhound to learn, especially because they have a strong hunting instinct. It is advisable to start recall training early and get the dog used to listening to commands even when distracted. Overall, the American Foxhound's training should aim to make positive use of his natural instincts and energies while helping him to be a well-socialized and well-balanced member of the family.

Nutrition & Grooming

The American Foxhound needs a balanced diet to meet its energy needs. High-quality dog ​​food that is rich in proteins and nutrients is recommended. Be careful not to overfeed him as he tends to gain weight if he doesn't get enough exercise. When it comes to grooming, the American Foxhound is quite easy to care for. He has short, dense fur without an undercoat. The coat sheds moderately, so regular brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean. Since the American Foxhound does not have an undercoat, it can be sensitive to cold in cold climates such as Germany, so it is advisable to put a coat on it in cold weather.

Grooming Effort
Exercise Needs
Shedding
Trainability

This information is currently being peer-reviewed. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de.!

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American Foxhound Dog Breed Information – History, Temperament & Health

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