American Foxhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a lean, graceful hound that is taller and lighter than its English ancestor, with long legs, a deep chest, a gently arched loin and a moderately long, domed head. The coat is short to medium in length, hard and close, in any hound color, most often a mix of black, tan and white. Dogs stand between twenty-two and twenty-five inches tall, and the build is made for speed and covering ground in hilly or rugged country.

The breed was made for the chase of foxes, typically by following the trail and driving the animal, rather than killing it. The pursuit is traditionally a sport carried out with packs, riders and a good deal of social ritual. At home, the American Foxhound is a gentle, easygoing dog, though it keeps a hound's independence and wants room to move.

Temperament and family life

The American Foxhound is sweet-natured and low-key indoors. It is sociable with people, usually friendly with strangers and rarely aggressive. It tends to be mild, and some individuals are shy. Not a typical guard dog, it will bark or bay at the unfamiliar.

It is gentle with children and tolerant of play, although a young dog is energetic and clumsy. The breed was raised in groups and tends to be at ease with other dogs, and many are happier with a canine companion. The prey drive means small animals may be chased, though a hound raised with cats can learn to coexist. Left alone and bored, it can bay, dig and wander.

Exercise and training

Foxhounds need substantial exercise: a daily run or a long brisk walk, ideally with room to follow a trail. They suit people who hike or jog. They need a tall, secure fence, and they should be kept on a leash in open areas because they will follow a scent and not listen to a call. Scent games and tracking use the breed's nose and keep it content.

Training takes patience and rewards. The dog is intelligent but not eager for repetition, and it is more likely to be inattentive than hostile. Short, upbeat sessions and early socialization work best. Recall is unreliable. House training may take longer than with some breeds. A tired Foxhound is a pleasant one, and a bored one is noisy and restless.

Grooming and shedding

The coat is simple to keep: brush weekly with a hound glove or a rubber brush and bathe only occasionally. Shedding is moderate and steady.

Ears are long and hang close, so they trap wax and moisture and should be cleaned regularly. After outings, look over the feet, legs and skin for cuts, ticks and burrs. Nails and teeth need ordinary care.

Health

The American Foxhound is a hardy breed that has kept its working health. Occasional problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections and, in some lines, a platelet disorder called thrombocytopenia. The deep chest makes bloat a concern, and inactive dogs gain weight easily. Breeders commonly look at hips and may check blood work. This overview of the American Foxhound is general information; for any particular dog, ask a veterinarian.

History

English hunting hounds were brought to Maryland in the seventeenth century, and in the eighteenth century George Washington and other Virginia landowners bred lines of hounds, adding French hounds that Lafayette gave Washington. Over time American breeders developed a taller, faster type adapted to the terrain. The American Kennel Club recognized the American Foxhound in 1886, and it is the state dog of Virginia.

Is the American Foxhound right for you?

The American Foxhound suits a rural or large-property home with a tall fence and an owner who enjoys hiking, running or hound sports. It is a poor choice for apartments, for people who cannot give it daily exercise or for homes with free-roaming small pets.

The sturdier English Foxhound is the ancestor, while the Treeing Walker Coonhound and the Redbone Coonhound descended from similar stock. For a smaller option, look at the Harrier.