American Foxhound

If you’re a fan of dogs, you’ve probably heard of the American Foxhound. This breed is not only known for its sleek appearance but also for its friendly and spirited personality. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs have a rich history that dates back to colonial times in America. Their keen sense of smell and incredible stamina make them exceptional at tracking and chasing game, but they’re also great companions for active families.

The American Foxhound has a refined yet tough appearance thanks to its long legs, slender body, and drooping ears. Usually, they are colored in a range of hues, such as white, tan, and black. But their kind disposition and outgoing style are what truly win people over—not their attractive appearance. These dogs are renowned for their affection and love of being a member of the family; they frequently develop close relationships with the people they live with.

American Foxhounds are a hunting breed, but they make excellent family pets. Their homes should have spaces for them to run and play so they can get plenty of exercise. For them to stay happy and healthy, regular walks, fetch games, or even trips to the dog park are necessary. They are a flexible addition to any home because of their amiable nature, which makes them get along well with both kids and other pets.

If you’re thinking about bringing an American Foxhound into your home, be prepared for a canine companion that requires both mental and physical exercise. Since they may have independent thought processes, training may call for persistence and patience. But if you take the proper approach, you’ll discover that their loyalty and good humor make the work worthwhile.

General characteristics of the American Foxhound breed

American Foxhounds are not meant to be lap dogs. This is a robust, strong, and courageous working dog. Only fit for owners who can give their dog plenty of room and time for physical activity.

These days, ducks and other small game are hunted by these canines. They are able to participate in agility, sports competitions, and races with success because of their endurance and agility. They can also detect scents fast thanks to their acute sense of smell. They can therefore be applied to search tasks.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	American Foxhound
Country of origin	USA
Breed group according to the FCI classification	hounds
Working qualities	Hunting dog, guard
Life expectancy	11-13 years
Height	Males 56-63, females 53-61
Weight	Males 29-32, females 27-29

Pros

American Foxhounds are energetic dogs that are joyful and non-aggressive. Such a dog can grow to be your best friend with the right care and training. It offers a number of benefits.

• Unpretentious in care;
• Has developed hunting and guard qualities;
• loves children;
• active, hardy, easily performs various tricks;
• good-natured, friendly, sociable, devoted by nature;
• has good health.

Cons

It is not advised to own an American Foxhound in an apartment. They need a lot of room, specialized training, and intense physical activity. They can cause chaos in the apartment if they don’t have this. These are robust, active dogs. Fit only for owners of active sports vehicles. They also have a few additional drawbacks:

• They shed a lot;
• They do not get along with cats;
• They bark loudly, this is how they express their emotions or boredom;
• They are difficult to train, as they are stubborn and independent;
• They cannot be let off the leash outside – they can run away.

Varieties

There were four approaches used in the breeding of these dogs. Their physical characteristics are the same, but their personalities and abilities vary.

• Hound for field trials. These dogs are agile, fast, hardy.
• For fox hunting. Restrained character, loud bark.
• For search work. Requires a sensitive sense of smell and hearing, speed, endurance.
• Teamwork requires teamwork.

The American Foxhound is a gregarious and adaptable breed renowned for its remarkable stamina and keen sense of hunting. These dogs, who were first developed for fox tracking, are gregarious, lively, and do well in active homes. They are excellent companions for individuals who enjoy outdoor adventures because of their gentle temperament and love for their family, but they also need the right training and exercise to properly channel their energy.

History of the American Foxhound breed

In America, the breed first appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries. The ancient English foxhound is the ancestor of these dogs. Their purpose in breeding was to enable them to hunt, track, and pursue prey. Breeders were initially concerned with maintaining the purity of the breed, but over time they started to cross the Irish and Virginia hounds to create greyhounds that were better suited for rugged terrain.

It turned out that the dogs were stronger and faster. American foxhounds are more closely related to hounds than their English ancestors. They have longer limbs and are more slender. Given that fox hunting was the primary purpose of this breed, it was dubbed the American foxhound. With them, you can hunt bears, wild boars, opossums, coyotes, and raccoons.

By the end of the 1800s, the breed was officially recognized in the American dog crate. However, they weren’t listed in the FCI until the latter part of the 20th century. Although the breed is primarily popular in the USA, these dogs are starting to gain recognition in other nations. It even serves as a state emblem for Virginia.

Description of the appearance of American Foxhounds

The American Foxhound standard states that the dog should have an elongated body and a lean, light bone structure. Wide, long ears, slender, muscular limbs, and a slender, muscular body are characteristic features. The skin is elastic and fits snugly, while the muscles are flat and dry.

Males are larger than females; they range in size from 60 to 64 cm on average, with show animals reaching 71 cm. Bitches typically don’t grow taller than 61 cm. Dogs range in weight from 29 to 34 kg based on height and gender. However, a person employed for hunting shouldn’t weigh more than 21 kg.

Head

The head is broad in between the ears, long, and wedge-shaped. Clearly defined occipital mound on the skull. There is a moderate expression as it moves from the forehead to the face. tiny creases on the muzzle. The nose’s bridge is straight. The lower jaw is hidden by dark lips. The bite is scissor-like, and the teeth are powerful.

The black nose is large. The small, oval eyes are spaced widely apart. It seems a little depressing. The base of the ears are low and wide. Tightly next to the head, dangling down to the neck.

The body

The neck is muscular, long, and free of dewlap or folds. The back is straight, the chest is deep but narrow, and the withers are well developed. The belly is tucked up, the croup is slightly sloping, and the loin is wide. The long, saber-shaped tail carries on the back’s contour. Never lie on your back; instead, stick up or have an extended back.

Limbs

The forelimbs are parallel, slender, and straight. The shoulder blades are pressed to the back and positioned obliquely. Elbows are pointing backwards. Muscular hind limbs enable the dog to accelerate effectively. The hocks are slightly protruding. powerfully clawed paws, gathered into a lump.

Coat and color

The wool is medium length, hard, and thick. There is little undercoat and the coat is fitted closely to the body. Tricolor is the most widely used color. With patches of brown and black, the predominant tone is white. There are canines that are only white, as well as red and brown.

The description of these dogs’ appearance is enhanced by photos:

Character of American Foxhounds

One characteristic that sets the American Foxhound apart is its calm, collected demeanor. This is a resilient and diligent hunting dog. but highly independent, so the owner must raise it properly to obtain obedience.

The breed was developed primarily for pack gun hunting. Foxhounds get along well with other dogs as a result. They are accustomed to following the leader and living in a pack. If the owner becomes powerful, they will submit to him. Only people with strong morals and an active, independent will should purchase such a dog.

Foxhounds are gentle, devoted to, and protective of children. Although there is no chance that this dog will hurt a child, it is not advised to leave it alone with children. Usually unaffected by strangers.

The following qualities characterize these dogs:

• lack of aggression towards humans;
• loyalty;
• love for children;
• endurance;
• friendliness;
• unpretentiousness.

Features of training

The American Foxhound is a pack animal by nature. Because they were housed in enclosures, the dogs are self-sufficient and independent. Despite their intelligence, the breed’s representatives are hard to train. However, the dog frequently disregards its owner’s commands when its hunting instincts take over. A novice breeder of dogs cannot raise a dog like that. However, it is advised that even seasoned dog owners seek specialized training from a dog trainer.

The puppy needs to be socialized from a young age. Special training is necessary for American hounds, in addition to the standard procedures for all dogs accustomed to noise, cars, and strangers. Their hunting instincts are very strong in them. As a result, they frequently chase after cats and birds while out for walks. The dog needs to be trained right away to avoid reacting negatively to small animals.

The owner needs to be persistent and patient in order to provide proper home education. Only those in positions of authority will be obeyed by an American Foxhound. As a result, instructions must be given sternly and with firmness, without being shouted. Ensuring adherence to the order is crucial; no leniencies should be permitted. Because it is intelligent, the dog will recognize this right away and make use of it later on. When the dog misbehaves or plays tricks, you should firmly reprimand it without using physical force.

You must figure out how to approach the animal. All dogs are unique, even though they share the same character traits and instincts. On one, strictness will be more effective; on another, affection.

The images display these dogs’ behavioural traits:

Care for representatives of the American Foxhound breed

Apartment living is not a good fit for the American Foxhound. This dog is quite large and energetic. It feels best in a large enclosure, so it requires a lot of room. This dog is messy, spoils things, and barks a lot when it’s inside the house. However, you must give the pet enough exercise even if it is housed on the property. This dog will quickly learn how to open the latch, allowing it to jump over the fence and flee if it gets bored.

Pet care is not difficult to provide. Every two weeks, the coat is combed using a firm brush. This should be done more frequently during shedding, and you should use a special rubber glove to remove dead hairs. You have to clean your ears once a week and check your eyes frequently. If claws are not worn down on the pavement, they are clipped.

Every month, these dogs receive a bath. It’s simple to clean the coat with a damp cloth if it gets dirty. You must wash your paws after walks.

Nutrition

You must correctly prepare the diet so that the hound gets all the vitamins it needs. The best dry food to give the dog is premium or super-premium. For active dogs, options must be selected.

Food that is natural is also acceptable. A pet that is an adult needs at least 250 g of meat each day. Greens, veggies, and porridge can be added as supplements. Sea fish, eggs, and fermented milk products are beneficial. Every food item ought to be fresh. It’s crucial to follow the feeding schedule precisely, avoid overfeeding the pet, and set a food limit. This hound is prone to obesity, particularly in the absence of sufficient exercise.

Health

The health of American foxhounds is what sets them apart. The dog will live for 10–13 years if all vaccinations are administered on schedule and if antiparasitic medication and care guidelines are followed. However, these dogs are prone to obesity if not properly cared for. As a result, you must closely watch what they eat. Representatives of the breed may occasionally also have hereditary illnesses:

• hypothyroidism;
• hip dysplasia;
• eye diseases;
• osteochondrosis;
• congenital deafness;
• diaphragmatic hernia.

How to buy a puppy

Selecting a puppy at 5–6 months of age is necessary to purchase a good hunting dog. Breed characteristics start to show at this age. However, puppies are typically sold between one and two months of age. In this instance, you should concentrate on the parents’ outward appearance and functional attributes. Purchasing a puppy from a couple that places highly in working trials and exhibitions is advised.

You must consider an active baby who is not cowardly or aggressive when making your decision. His nose and eyes should be dark, and he should bite correctly. A robust puppy is energetic and inquisitive. There are no discharge from the eyes or ears, and there are no bald patches in the coat.

It is hard to find an American foxhound for sale in Russia these days because hounds are not that popular there. Locate a respectable kennel with expertise in this breed. After that, getting a healthy puppy with excellent working traits is guaranteed.

A dog like that costs upwards of 40,000 rubles. A puppy that is offered for less money might not be purebred or might have inherited illnesses. The American Foxhound is less expensive in America. However, because this dog is a national treasure, taking a puppy outside of the nation is challenging and requires a special permit.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

You can see a fascinating video that will give you an idea of this breed of dog:

Video: American Foxhound: An overview of the hound dog breed

Feature	Description
Origin	Developed in the United States for hunting
Size	Medium to large, typically weighing 50-65 pounds
Coat	Short and smooth, easy to groom
Temperament	Friendly, energetic, and good with families
Exercise Needs	High; loves running and outdoor activities
Training	Responsive but can be independent; consistent training is key

One breed that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and companionship is the American Foxhound. These dogs are devoted friends and wonderful family pets because of their outgoing personality and endless energy. They are best kept happy and healthy with a large yard or access to trails because they love to explore and thrive on activity.

Although it does take patience, training an American Foxhound can be a rewarding experience. They may not always obey orders immediately due to their independent nature, but they can become well-mannered friends with patience and encouragement. Continual interaction and socialization are essential to maintaining their mental acuity and positive outlook.

The American Foxhound breed was developed primarily for hunting, so it has a strong chasing instinct. They become excellent athletes as a result, but they also require close supervision, particularly when around small animals. Giving them a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation encourages them to use their energy constructively.

To put it briefly, if you’re thinking about bringing an American Foxhound into your house, get ready for a playful and affectionate companion. They are more than just dogs; they are members of the family who add happiness and a little wildness to daily existence. These dogs will provide you with years of loyalty and companionship if you give them the proper care and attention.

Video on the topic

American Foxhound (dog breed HD slide show)! / American Foxhound

American Foxhound

American Foxhound

American Foxhound (American Foxhound)#dog

American Foxhound

American Foxhound