American Foxhound

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

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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 classification of the American Foxhound

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the American Foxhound

American Foxhound
American Foxhound
American Foxhound
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

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

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.

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Good to know

Temperament

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.

66%

Playful

As an energetic and driven character, she loves a game, but only if it has a purpose.

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.

66%

Intelligent

Moderately so.

100%

Hunter

She is such a keen hunter that, once she’s caught a scent, it can be difficult to recall her.

100%

Fearful / wary of strangers

She is generally suspicious towards strangers, and can also get protective or defensive.

100%

Independent

She’s an independent character which can be challenging for some owners.

Behaviour of the American Foxhound

33%

Tolerates solitude

Not very well.

33%

Easy to train / obedience

Firm training is essential and possible, although she is generally stubborn and easily distracted. 

100%

Barking

Oh yes. She’s a real howler which is one reason she’s not a common pet.

100%

Tendency to run away

She is easily tempted to stray by enticing scents.

100%

Destructive

Absolutely, if her need for energy expenditure is not met.

66%

Greedy / Gluttony

 Treats, in moderation, will be very appreciated, and help motivate her during training.

100%

Guard dog

She is very territorial, and therefore makes for a great intruder alarm.

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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Lifestyle

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.

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.

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

33%

American Foxhound and cats

If socialised well from youth, she can get along with the family cat. Otherwise, she may hunt him.

100%

American Foxhound and dogs

She is good with other dogs as she is bred to work with them.

66%

American Foxhound and children

She is patient and affectionate with children, though caution should be taken due to her power and energy.

33%

American Foxhound and the elderly

This dog requires a lot of intense exercise, which may be too demanding for frailer people.

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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

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