What makes the American Foxhound Unique?
Energetic American Foxhounds make excellent pets for families living in rural areas. These affable hounds are good with children and other dogs. They also are excellent hunters, but will happily chase tennis balls as well as foxes.
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Is the American Foxhound Right For You?
The American Foxhound was bred to run, so they are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms. They can do well in smaller areas, however, with owners who provide them with adequate exercise. Hounds raised in the home tend to be mild tempered and easy going, getting along with children and most other pets. Their short coat is easy to care for, but owners will need patience and persistence in training, as the breed can be stubborn and independent. If you are considering purchasing an American Foxhound puppy, check below.
In 5 Words
- Loyal
- Kind
- Sweet-Tempered
- Loving
- Independent
Characteristics
Learn About the American Foxhound
General Description
American Foxhounds have higher legs and slighter bone structures than their English contemporaries. Their legs are long and straight-boned. These attributes make the Foxhounds speedy and agile, even when hunting on rough terrain. These dogs have a melodious voice when on the trail. They also have narrow chests, long muzzles, and domed skulls. Their ears are wide and set low. Foxhounds have large, hazel or brown eyes and a gentle expression.
Size
On average, American Foxhounds measure between 21 and 25 inches (530 and 640 millimeters) at the withers or shoulder blades. Between 45 and 60 pounds (29 and 34 kilograms) is the average weight for the breed. Show strains may have larger bone structures as do some of the noncompeting dogs. In the show ring, males typically are between 26 and 29 inches at the withers (660 and 740 millimeters). Females measure about 25 to 28 inches in competitions and are somewhat smaller in weight than their male contemporaries. It is thought that the improved diet that Foxhounds traditionally received, which included a type of cornbread, has contributed to their stature.
Coat
These dogs have hard, medium-length coats that come in variety of hues. Solid coat colors for this breed include red, tan, white, and blue. White with cream or red is another option. Tricolor coats are common. Black and white can be combined with either brown or tan. A brown, tan, and white coloration is also perfectly acceptable.
Short History of the American Foxhound
In 1650, Robert Brooke sent a group of fox hunting hounds from England to the colonies. These black and tan dogs were joined by others to form a working and breeding pack. These dogs may also have contributed to the linage of the Black and Tan Coonhound, which is another original American breed. During the early 1700s, additional English Foxhounds were brought to Virginia. George Washington was also a fan of the Foxhounds and bred a number of them on his estates. By 1886, the American Foxhounds had achieved official AKC recognition.
Temperament
Despite being bred for hunting purposes, Foxhounds are very well-mannered indoors. These dogs benefit greatly from either human or canine companionship. American Foxhounds are naturally good with children and typically with other dogs as well. This breed is amiable and gentle around their own families, albeit not especially demonstrative. They also tend to be quite reserved around strangers.
American Foxhounds that are brought up alongside other pets such as cats, smaller dogs, or guinea pigs will learn to get along with them easily. However, adopted dogs may regard more diminutive animals as prey and therefore should not be left unsupervised with them.
These sociable dogs do poorly when left to their own devices. They can be very destructive and are prone to howling if boredom strikes. It does not make a good city dog because Foxhounds bay loudly at times and this can disturb one’s neighbors if they happen to live near enough to hear the noise. These dogs were also bred to run and do best on large farms or in rural areas. If one wishes to make a city dog out of their American Foxhounds, it should be given plenty of exercise and not left alone for long periods of time.
Caring for Your American Foxhound
General Health
American Foxhounds are prone to developing thrombocytopathy, a disease caused by poorly functioning blood platelets. As a result of this illness, minor cuts and scrapes tend to bleed profusely. Despite this condition being only a minor health concern for American Foxhounds, some owners conduct blood tests for detection purposes. Disease treatments vary based on the severity of each case.
Grooming & Bathing
American Foxhounds can be bathed on an as needed basis. If one’s pet is dirty or begins to smell badly, then it is a good idea to wash them. Otherwise, there is no need. A Foxhound’s ears should also be inspected on a regular basis for any sign of problems such as wax buildup, irritation, or infection. Cleaning out their ears with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser at regular intervals is recommended.
Daily
American Foxhounds need daily exercise. These dogs enjoy jogging, long walks, and running about in safely enclosed areas.
Weekly
This breed sheds year round. Therefore, brushing American Foxhounds once weekly with a hound mitt is an excellent way to keep one’s house from being inundated with fur. Their teeth should also be brushed at least once a week to promote good health.
Monthly
All breeds require monthly heartworm, flea and tick prevention medication. Foxhounds will require a toenail clipping once a month if their nails do not file down naturally.
Exercise & Training
American Foxhounds were bred to run for miles and still have the stamina to prove this fact. As a result, they need a good deal of exercise. These dogs can follow children about on their daily adventures if their human families live in a rural, traffic-free environment. Otherwise, keeping Foxhounds on their leash is recommended.
These hounds will happily follow any scent where it leads them, heedless of their owner’s commands or the danger they may be getting themselves into. These dogs make great jogging companions but they also enjoy having a yard to play in. Even so, Foxhounds are not ideal for city dwellers because they are both loud and boisterous.
These dogs can live outdoors as long as they have a proper shelter and a companion. Should an American Foxhound be a family’s sole pet, it will need to live indoors with its humans so that it does not get lonely.
Obedience training is recommended because Foxhounds can be stubborn and independent. Owners will need to be persistent and patient when training their dogs. In general, hounds do not care to be bossed around and will ignore commands that don’t suit them so owners should definitely be aware of that fact.
This breed responds well to the use of positive reinforcement in their training. However, care should be taken to prevent these dogs from overindulging in treats because weight issues can be problematic for some Foxhounds.
Sources: Previously written material, AKC website, Wikipedia
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