American Foxhound

Appearance

This breed is similar to its English cousin in appearance but is lighter and more streamlined. Wide-set brown or hazel eyes give this breed a regal air. As a result of their broad skulls, their wide, flat ears should be held close to the head at all times. It is smaller than the English Foxhound, but it has a well-built back and neck.

Their legs are long and muscular. In order to run on various terrains with ease, their paw pads and claws have evolved to be tougher and more durable. Tails should be carried up with a slight curve and a short brush at the end, and these dogs always appear to have a smile on their faces.

Coat type and color

This breed's short, silky coat stays close to the body and does not tangle easily. Despite its coarse texture, it does shed quite a bit around the house. According to the breed's standard, dogs can be nearly any color seen in hounds. However, you'll most likely come across the following American Foxhound colors:

• Tri-color
• White
• Blue
• Red
• Tan

Temperament

These dogs are known for their independent streak and their lively demeanor. They are often described as warriors in the field; they can be loving family pets when they're at home and have the ability to shut down their working brains. In contrast to other hounds, they are not known for their protection ability. These dogs have a level of endurance that few can match. With seemingly inexhaustible energy, they can run for extended periods without stopping.

For the American Foxhound, long periods of isolation are not recommended. An American Foxhound that isn't properly stimulated and exercised can quickly develop separation anxiety or destructive tendencies. This means they are well-suited for an outdoor or "country" lifestyle.

Care guide

The good news about American Foxhounds is that they're fairly easy to maintain. They are sturdy dogs that don't need to be pampered like other small companion breeds. These dogs are used for hunting in large packs over rough terrain. Nevertheless, responsible owners need to ensure their dogs are taken care of. Here are the most essential parts of American Foxhound care.

Grooming

Once a week, a thorough brushing of their coat with a bristle brush removes dirt and distributes the protective oils that keep the coat healthy. Once in a while, you may want to bathe your Foxhound to resolve the "doggo" smell, but bathing them as often as some other breeds is simply not necessary.

Taking care of the dog's teeth and gums is another aspect of personal hygiene. At least twice or three times a week, you should brush your Foxhound's teeth to remove tartar and the bacteria that live in it. If you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath, brushing their teeth daily is preferable.

If your dog's nails don't naturally wear them down, you should trim them. As a result of their active lifestyle, most of these dogs don't need to have their nails trimmed. But keep an eye on them, especially if your dog lives in the house with you and the rest of the family.

Hounds have floppy ears, and American Foxhounds are no different. Floppy ears create an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria, so you need to make sure the dog's ears are clean and healthy. You can do that by using a dog-safe ear cleaner.

Training

As with all scent hounds, these dogs must be well-trained from an early age if you hope to get them to listen to you on walks, as their natural instinct is to follow scents. When a dog's natural instinct is to hunt, it's important to remember that a dog with a high prey drive will be highly scent-driven if left unsupervised while off-leash.

These dogs, who aren't known for having the longest attention spans, may benefit from short training sessions. Consistent training is essential because they have been referred to as stubborn and average in intelligence.

Exercise needs

The American Foxhound is a high-energy breed known for its "never-tiring" nature and penchant for long runs. Generally, these dogs have a high energy level and enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle. Since they require so much space to run, Foxhounds aren't a good choice for small yards or apartments.

There must be a fence around the yard so the dog can run around and spend its energy safely. Long daily walks are necessary for this breed to thrive in an urban setting. A daily walk of less than an hour is insufficient for these dogs. American Foxhounds, based on the information presented above, are not recommended for people who lead sedentary lifestyles. These dogs are perfect for families with homes outside of big cities, where they can have all the space they need to explore and tire themselves out.

Socialization

Socialization should be a big part of any dog's life, and American Foxhounds are no different. In fact, since they are a hunting breed, socialization should be even higher on your list of priorities. When your dog receives all the necessary shots, and the vet gives you the all-clear, take your dog to busy parks and streets. It's the best way to teach the dog proper behavior. Ensure they are exposed to various sounds, sights, people, and dogs.

American Foxhounds and kids

American Foxhounds are absolutely fantastic with kids. Many owners even reported their kids often hold on to their dogs when they need help with their balance. However, you should never leave a dog and a young child alone, regardless of their breed. They need to be closely monitored at all times to prevent any biting or pulling of the ears or tail.

American Foxhounds and other pets

American Foxhounds, bred to live in large packs, always seek companionship. In order to keep your dog from becoming bored, it's best to have at least one canine companion to play with during the day when no one is home.

Dogs that have been raised in the same household as cats and rabbits are more likely to be friendly with other animals, including dogs. Foxhounds that aren't used to living in a home with other pets are more likely to engage in chasing behavior.

Health

The average lifespan of an American Foxhound is 12 years. They are known for gaining weight easily if they don't get enough exercise, and as they get older, their weight should be closely monitored. However, despite their well-deserved reputation as strong and healthy dogs, some reported health issues include the following:

• Thombocytopathy - An abnormality in the blood platelets causes an increased tendency to bleed.
• Pelger-Huet anomaly - A white blood cell disorder that typically does not cause any symptoms.
• Deafness - This is a congenital condition that affects this breed.
• Hip dysplasia - Hip dysplasia in hounds has recently become more common. It is a malformation of the hip joint that can be mild or severe.
• Ear infections - Regularly inspecting and cleaning dogs' ears is essential in preventing infections.

American Foxhound breeders

American Foxhound breeders are your go-to source for American Foxhound puppies. It is crucial you find a responsible American Foxhound breeder because it is the best way to ensure your puppy will have a healthy start in their lives. If you are absolutely sure this breed is the right choice for you and your family, find a breeder and ask them as many questions about these dogs as possible.

World Dog Finder team

A direct descendant of the English Foxhounds, these dogs were imported to the US by an English dog breeder called Robert Brooke in 1650. The American Foxhound is regarded as one of the oldest American hound breeds. In the following century, several large French hound dogs were bred to these English hounds (and there is some speculation that other European breeds may have been bred into the line also). As a result of this crossbreeding, the resulting dog was smaller, faster, and taller than the original breeds. The breed’s speed increased even more in the 1830s when the Irish hounds were introduced.

Foxhounds were initially bred for the sole purpose of foxhunting, as their name clearly implies. To provide better hunting for their American Foxhounds and themselves, it is said that wealthy American hunters imported the English Red Fox to supplement their local supply of slower, grey American foxes and rare red American foxes.

There is some speculation that this breed may have been the first breed ever to be developed in the US, but this cannot be confirmed. According to legend, one of the founding fathers, President George Washington, owned several American Foxhounds, which he meticulously documented. As a matter of fact, Virginia declared it its "State Dog" in the 1960s because of their widespread popularity.