The American foxhound, known for its lean and athletic build, is a medium-sized breed of hound dog that typically features long legs, floppy ears, and a short, smooth coat that combines white, black, and tan hues. Despite its similarity to the popular Beagle, this distinguished breed has a rich history and a lot of heart. Although it originated from British and European ancestors, the hardworking American foxhound is an all-American breed that is best known for its musical bay and its distinctively leggy and vocal characteristics.
In the past, the American foxhound was highly valued for its exceptional ability to hunt in packs, making it a preferred choice among hunters, especially those who hunted while riding horses. However, in recent times, this breed has gained popularity as a beloved family pet, thanks to its laid-back and amiable temperament. American foxhounds are especially recognized for their exceptional patience with children, and they make excellent companions for households that are energetic and active. If you can provide the necessary exercise and living conditions required by this breed, you'll be thrilled to have a faithful foxhound by your side.
An overview of the breed
The American Foxhound belongs to the Hound group and typically reaches a height of 22-25 inches (males) or 21-24 inches (females), with a weight range of 65-70 pounds (males) and 60-65 pounds (females). Their short, smooth coat is usually a mix of white, black, and tan hues. With a lifespan of 11-13 years, they are known for their sweet-tempered, active, and independent nature, although they can be stubborn at times. They are also fiercely loyal. Despite their many positive traits, they are not hypoallergenic. The breed originated in the United States.
Pros
The American foxhound is typically a very healthy breed with a low-maintenance coat. They are known for being easygoing, patient, and loyal to their owners and children. With their great stamina, they can make excellent hiking or running partners.Cons
The American foxhound needs a significant amount of daily exercise to stay content. Their loud and distinctive bark may disturb neighbors, and their strong prey drive can override training efforts.
The distinguishing features of the American Foxhound
American foxhounds are pack animals and prefer not to be alone. They need companionship, whether it's from humans or other animals, and thrive in households where they have company for the majority of the day. When left alone, they enjoy the company of other dogs.
If the American foxhound is well-exercised and socialized, they are usually unflappable and adaptable. However, it's important to remember that they were originally bred to work and have a natural independent temperament. They are not lap dogs and can sometimes be cautious or distant towards strangers. A good way to describe their personality might be "gentle but reserved."
While the American foxhound's hunting abilities are impressive, they can make city living challenging. These dogs have a unique and far-reaching bay, which is more like a howl, that experts consider melodious. However, some foxhounds may develop separation anxiety and excessively bay when left alone. Baying is an inherited trait that cannot be trained out of the dog. Although hound enthusiasts appreciate this distinctive bark, it means that these dogs are better suited to rural living.
The historical background of the American Foxhound
The American foxhound has its roots in England, where the English foxhound was introduced to colonial America in 1650 by Robert Brooks. However, the American landscape presented unique challenges, and it became clear that the breed needed longer legs to keep up on hunts. To address this need, the English foxhound was crossbred with other European hounds in the United States, giving rise to the American foxhound as a hunting companion.
George Washington is perhaps the most well-known breeder of the American foxhound and played a significant role in the breed's development. According to colloquial history, in 1785, Washington bred English foxhounds with French hounds he received as gifts from Marquis de Lafayette, an American military commander and French aristocrat, to create a new breed. Later, these dogs were crossbred with Irish hounds to produce a faster, more agile hunting companion that could keep up with American foxes. Washington was meticulous in keeping records of his pack's breeding and lineage, making significant contributions to the breed's growth and establishment.
The American foxhound originated in Virginia and Maryland and was officially recognized by the AKC in 1886. In recognition of the breed's deep roots in the region, Virginia designated it as the official state dog in 1966. Although not typically kept as a household pet, the American foxhound has been bred and prized for its endurance and sporting prowess, particularly in the sport of foxhunting. This sport has played a significant role in the breed's longevity, as it was once one of the most popular pastimes for the American gentry until the Civil War. Today, foxhunting remains popular in equestrian circles and relies on the participation of pack hounds, many of which are American foxhounds.
Caring for the American Foxhound breed
To live happily with an American foxhound, it's important to understand their nature. These dogs are easygoing yet energetic and require ample daily exercise to stay content. They are also known for their stubbornness, which can work to their advantage when tracking a scent on a hunt. In terms of grooming, the American foxhound's short coat is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
- Diet and Nutrition
To ensure the American foxhound's optimal health, it's essential to feed them high-quality dog food, either commercial or homemade with guidance from your veterinarian. As active dogs, they require a protein-rich diet and should avoid formulas with excessive fillers. However, because they're food-motivated and prone to overeating, healthy treats should be limited.
It's recommended to feed your American foxhound two measured meals per day. If you're unsure how much food to give your dog, consult with your veterinarian to determine a healthy meal and portion schedule based on their age, weight, and activity level.
- Training
The American foxhound's independent nature can make training challenging in household settings, despite being an advantage in the field. To avoid having a stubborn dog that resists house training or recall commands, obedience training should be a priority from an early age, around eight weeks old.
Positive reinforcement methods work well for this breed, and training sessions should be frequent but short to maintain the dog's interest. Punishment-based methods should be avoided, as they can be counterproductive. Foxhounds have sensitive personalities and may become fearful of their owners, making them less likely to obey commands if harsh methods are used.
- Grooming
Grooming is one area where the American foxhound is low-maintenance. These dogs have a short, smooth coat that doesn't easily mat but does shed. Owners should brush their foxhound's coat about once a week to keep it healthy and minimize shedding. Bathing should only be done as needed when the fur is visibly dirty.
Like all dogs, foxhounds require regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. For this breed, checking the ears for debris weekly and cleaning them monthly is especially important. The floppy ears of the foxhound can retain moisture, making them prone to ear infections. If you notice signs of an ear infection such as redness, swelling, or excessive pawing and shaking of the head, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian for prompt treatment. Ear infections can quickly progress and cause significant discomfort. For dogs prone to infections, owners should discuss with their vet how frequently ear cleaning should be performed.
- Exercise
It's crucial for owners to understand that American foxhounds have boundless energy, which requires daily exercise to prevent unwanted behavior. These dogs were bred for their speed and endurance, and as a result, they require a significant amount of physical activity every day. Plan to spend up to two hours exercising your foxhound, ideally in a secure, fenced area. These dogs enjoy being on the move and may become destructive if left alone in the house.
As with other scent hounds, the American foxhound has an excellent sense of smell and can become fixated on a scent. Never allow your foxhound to walk off-leash, especially in urban areas where the danger of getting lost or hit by a car is higher. These dogs were bred to follow a scent and may disregard recall commands if they become distracted by prey, vehicles, people, or other animals.
Common Health Problems
The American foxhound is one of America's oldest breeds and has maintained excellent genetic health. These dogs are generally hardy, but their size and long ears may make them susceptible to certain illnesses. When adopting a puppy from a breeder, it's essential to ask for the medical history of the litter's parents.
The following conditions can sometimes affect American foxhounds:
- The American foxhound is prone to several health conditions, including thrombocytopathy, a blood platelet disorder that can cause abnormal bleeding due to clotting complications.
- Another common issue in large dog breeds is hip dysplasia, which affects the hip joints and can result in malformation during growth.
- Severe cases of hip dysplasia may require surgery to improve the dog's quality of life. Additionally, the breed's long, floppy ears make them susceptible to ear infections, which can cause permanent hearing damage and significant pain.
- Owners should consult a veterinarian as soon as they notice any signs of an ear infection.
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