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Discover everything about American Foxhound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a American Foxhound?
At a glance
American Foxhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The American Foxhound is considered a very robust and fit working breed with a low genetic disease burden. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of hip dysplasia (HD), which can occur in large dogs, as well as the rare condition thrombocytopathy (a blood clotting disorder). Pelger-Huët anomaly is also known to occur in the breed, which is why, despite the lack of strict mandatory health tests, you should only purchase from responsible breeders who provide verifiable screenings.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
50–58 cm
Weight
20–34 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Various colors including tri-color
- blue spotted
- red
- black/white
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a American Foxhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the American Foxhound right for you?
The American Foxhound is an enduring, high-energy pack hound—bred to follow fox scents for hours on end while baying loudly. He is a thoroughbred athlete whose entire world revolves around his nose.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a tireless running partner for canicross, long bike rides, or extremely long hikes—a standard walk won't even come close to satisfying this breed.
- You live in the countryside and have a completely escape-proof, high-fenced garden.
- You ideally already have a confident dog at home, because as a classic pack hound, he hates being alone and truly thrives in a pack.
- You have a sense of humor and patience for when his nose takes priority over your recall while out on the trail.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a neighborhood with thin walls—his melodic, far-reaching howl when on a scent is genetically hardwired and not something you can train out of him.
- You expect a dog that checks in with you during walks and constantly seeks eye contact—he was bred to work independently and forge ahead.
- You value relaxed off-leash walks in the woods without months of often frustrating long-line training.
- You need to leave him alone in the house regularly for a standard workday.
The real vibes check
An American Foxhound is like a marathon runner with a built-in radar—as soon as he catches a scent, he enters tunnel vision and tunes everything else out. You aren't getting a classic companion dog that reads your every wish; you're getting a friendly but highly specialized hunting athlete. If you share his drive for forward motion and scent work, you will be an unbeatable team; if you keep him just as a pretty family pet, his lack of stimulation will drive you both crazy.
Breed Profile
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.
- Height
- 50 - 54 cm (Female), 54 - 58 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 29 kg (Female), 29 - 34 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Friendly, Energetic, Loyal
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various colors including tri-color, blue spotted, red and black/white
- Price
- 1000 - 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 & Temperament
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 Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
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?
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & 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
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
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 & Care
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.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The American Foxhound is considered a very robust and fit working breed with a low genetic disease burden. Nevertheless, buyers should be aware of hip dysplasia (HD), which can occur in large dogs, as well as the rare condition thrombocytopathy (a blood clotting disorder). Pelger-Huët anomaly is also known to occur in the breed, which is why, despite the lack of strict mandatory health tests, you should only purchase from responsible breeders who provide verifiable screenings.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly exercise, check his floppy ears regularly, and inform your vet about potential bleeding risks before any procedures.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, eyes, and blood clotting tested and pay attention to healthy ears to reduce avoidable health risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the American Foxhound
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Viele Halter betonen, dass der American Foxhound im Haus ein unkomplizierter, anhänglicher und ausgesprochen sanfter Begleiter sein kann – vorausgesetzt, seine enormen Bedürfnisse werden erfüllt. In Familien zeigt er sich oft geduldig, kinderfreundlich und sozial verträglich. Seine meuteorientierte Natur macht ihn zudem meist sehr verträglich mit anderen Hunden. Das Zusammenleben mit Katzen oder Kleintieren gestaltet sich aufgrund seines tief verwurzelten Jagdtriebs dagegen oft als extrem schwierig bis unmöglich.
Die größte Herausforderung im Alltag ist jedoch seine unbändige Energie und Lauffreude. Halter berichten immer wieder, dass ein normaler Spaziergang an der Leine bei weitem nicht ausreicht. Er benötigt extrem viel Bewegung und läuft problemlos Strecken von über 20 Kilometern. Wird er nicht ausreichend körperlich und mental ausgelastet, neigt er schnell zu Frustration, was sich in lautstarkem Heulen (dem rassetypischen, weithin hörbaren „Singen“) oder zerstörerischem Verhalten im Haus äußern kann. Eine Haltung in einer Stadtwohnung wird daher von fast allen erfahrenen Haltern und Experten strikt abgelehnt.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
In Foren und Erfahrungsberichten wird die Erziehung des American Foxhounds übereinstimmend als anspruchsvoll und absolut ungeeignet für Anfänger beschrieben. Als eigenständiger Meute- und Laufhund wurde er darauf selektiert, kilometerweit autark einer Fährte zu folgen. Diese Unabhängigkeit zeigt sich im Alltag oft als ausgeprägte Sturheit und ein starker Dickkopf. Er lernt zwar schnell, hinterfragt Befehle jedoch regelmäßig, wenn er keinen Sinn darin sieht oder eine interessante Spur in die Nase bekommt.
Besonders das Rückruftraining verlangt Haltern extrem viel Geduld und Konsequenz ab. Sobald der Foxhound eine Fährte aufgenommen hat, schaltet sein Gehirn komplett auf den Jagdmodus um, und er ist kaum noch ansprechbar oder abrufbar. Viele Halter berichten, dass ein Freilauf in nicht eingezäunten Gebieten aufgrund dieses extremen Jagdtriebs oft lebenslang unmöglich bleibt. Zudem neigen die Hunde zu einer sensiblen Seite: Auf harte Trainingsmethoden oder laute Worte reagieren sie oft verängstigt oder blockieren völlig, weshalb eine liebevolle, aber absolut konsequente und geduldige Führung unerlässlich ist.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the American Foxhound
Is a American Foxhound the right dog for me?
The American Foxhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a American Foxhound live?
The average life expectancy of a American Foxhound is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a American Foxhound need?
American Foxhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a American Foxhound good for families with children?
The American Foxhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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