American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a handsome and athletic hunting dog, the longer-legged cousin to the English Foxhound. This is one lovely dog, a pleasant and affectionate lady who all the same harbours a dynamic secret: she’s got a lot of energy, and if not put to work she’ll use it how she wants to use it. Perhaps that is why she is seldom considered to be a pet rather than a colleague. Home life with an American Foxhound can be tough if the owners (and their neighbours) don’t have the tolerance and determination to make the relationship work.
Key facts about the American Foxhound
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Origins and history
The first U.S. president George Washington was among a number of pretentious Americans of his time who took to fox-hunting, wrongly believing this barbaric pastime to be sophisticated. Along with his peers, Washington kept British hounds, from whom today’s American Foxhound can be traced. They each added different imported dogs to the mix to create the hunter they wanted. As such, there are a number of strains of American Foxhound today who are all considered to belong to the same breed.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the American Foxhound
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 24 in
Male : Between 22 and 25 in
Weight
Female : Between 62 and 71 lb
Male : Between 66 and 75 lb
Coat colour
Most colours are available.
Type of coat
Medium length and hard to the touch.
Eye colour
Brown or hazel.
Description
The English Foxhound’s American cousin looks very similar, except that she has apparently grown towards the sun, since her legs have become a little longer and more defined, plus her loin is a little arched. Her skull and muzzle are both quite long, her ears also. Her eyes are large and – guess what? – houndlike. Her chest is deep, reflecting her ability to hold a lot of breath when giving chase. If in good shape she appears lanky, but if allowed to pile on the pounds she soon becomes a bit of a whopper.
Good to know
This dog is very rarely kept as a pet in the UK, and those American Foxhounds who do live among us have generally been imported to boost hunting stock for bloodthirsty aristocrats.
Temperament
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33%
Affectionate
These dogs can be affectionate if their nature is respected. However, she’s a working dog and some individuals among her kind have been known to be more about work than family.
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66%
Playful
As an energetic and driven character, she loves a game, but only if it has a purpose.
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33%
Calm
The American Foxhound is not known for being calm – she can be quite a handful if she doesn’t have something to occupy her.
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66%
Intelligent
Moderately so.
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100%
Hunter
She is such a keen hunter that, once she’s caught a scent, it can be difficult to recall her.
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100%
Fearful / wary of strangers
She is generally suspicious towards strangers, and can also get protective or defensive.
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100%
Independent
She’s an independent character which can be challenging for some owners.
Behaviour of the American Foxhound
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33%
Tolerates solitude
Not very well.
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33%
Easy to train / obedience
Firm training is essential and possible, although she is generally stubborn and easily distracted.
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100%
Barking
Oh yes. She’s a real howler which is one reason she’s not a common pet.
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100%
Tendency to run away
She is easily tempted to stray by enticing scents.
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100%
Destructive
Absolutely, if her need for energy expenditure is not met.
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66%
Greedy / Gluttony
Treats, in moderation, will be very appreciated, and help motivate her during training.
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100%
Guard dog
She is very territorial, and therefore makes for a great intruder alarm.
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33%
First dog
Not recommended as she is difficult to train and live with, and won’t suit a lot of domestic arrangements.
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Is the American Foxhound right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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33%
American Foxhound in a flat
No thanks. She needs space and ample opportunity to express her energies. The American Foxhound is a country dog.
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100%
Need for exercise / Sporty
Lots. This dog’s reason for being is the thrill of the hunt. A couple of hours of exercise a day, plus plenty of mental stimulation, are essential. Feel free to take her on hikes and adventures.
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66%
Travelling / easy to transport
She can follow her master wherever she is welcome, but her independent nature means that she should not be considered a companion dog.
Compatibility
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33%
American Foxhound and cats
If socialised well from youth, she can get along with the family cat. Otherwise, she may hunt him.
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100%
American Foxhound and dogs
She is good with other dogs as she is bred to work with them.
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66%
American Foxhound and children
She is patient and affectionate with children, though caution should be taken due to her power and energy.
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33%
American Foxhound and the elderly
This dog requires a lot of intense exercise, which may be too demanding for frailer people.
Price
Between £350 for Non KC Registered dogs and £1050 for KC Registered dogs. The estimated cost of looking after a dog such as this would be from £60 to £100 a month.
Grooming
Her coat is designed for all kinds of outdoor wear-and-tear so it doesn’t require much grooming to keep it in shape. Brushing should be weekly, nail-clipping as required, and bathing rare.
Shedding
She sheds seasonally to a degree, especially if not brushed regularly. Otherwise, this dog loses very little hair.
Nutrition of the American Foxhound
2-3 carefully measured cups of quality food per day, divided over two meals. This dog is could gain weight if her feeding habits are undisciplined.
Health of the American Foxhound
Life expectancy
Her average life expectancy is 12 years.
Strong / robust
This is generally a tough and hardy dog, with some possible health problems.
Withstand heat
Very well.
Withstand cold
Her coat gives her good protection against bad weather.
Tendency to put on weight
If provided with adequate exercise and moderate diet, she should maintain her sporty form.
Common illnesses
- Thrombocytopathy (blood platelet disorder)
- Pelger-Huet (blood disorder)
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections