American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is one of America's native breeds, developed for fox hunting in the colonial era. Leaner and faster than their English cousins, these gentle, easygoing dogs are beloved for their musical voices and sweet temperaments.

George Washington is considered the father of the American Foxhound, having bred them at Mount Vernon using French and English hounds. The breed was one of the first registered by the AKC in 1886 and is the state dog of Virginia.

A tall, lean hound with long, low-set ears, large pleading eyes, and a hard protective coat. They are lighter-boned than English Foxhounds, built for speed and endurance over varied American terrain.

Sweet-natured and easygoing, the American Foxhound is gentle with family but stubborn when it comes to training. They are pack animals that thrive with companionship, whether human or canine.

Very friendly and gentle with everyone. They get along exceptionally well with other dogs and children. Not watchdog material due to their friendly nature. Can be stubborn but never aggressive.

Extremely high exercise needs—these dogs were bred to run for hours. Need at least 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. Excellent hiking and running companions. A large, fenced yard is strongly recommended.

Training requires patience and consistency. They respond best to positive reinforcement with food motivation. Their strong prey drive makes recall training essential but challenging.

Very low-maintenance coat requiring only weekly brushing. Regular ear cleaning is important. Occasional baths as needed. Keep nails trimmed.

Generally very healthy with few breed-specific issues. Thrombocytopathy (a platelet disorder) is the primary genetic concern. Regular veterinary checkups are important.

Active dogs need quality, protein-rich food. Two meals daily are recommended. Monitor weight carefully as they can become overweight if under-exercised. Avoid feeding near exercise times.

Best in rural settings or homes with large yards. Their baying can be problematic in close neighborhoods. Not suited for apartment living. They need significant space to run.

Ideal for active families with large yards. Excellent with children and other dogs. Best for owners who enjoy outdoor activities. Not recommended for first-time owners or apartment dwellers.

Intelligent in practical, problem-solving ways, especially related to tracking. Can be stubborn about obedience, preferring to follow their nose. Excel at scent-related tasks.

Known for their musical baying and howling. They have one of the most melodious voices of any hound. Can be quite vocal, especially when bored or picking up scents.

Moderate shedding year-round. Weekly brushing helps control loose hair. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal.

Contact breed-specific rescues and hound rescue organizations. Many retired hunting Foxhounds need homes. Evaluate the dog's energy level and socialization before adopting.

Foxhound puppies are energetic and need early socialization and training. Start recall training early. Provide ample outlets for their energy. Crate training is recommended.

Senior Foxhounds may slow down but still enjoy moderate exercise. Monitor for joint issues. Their generally robust health means many live comfortably into their teens with proper care.