American Foxhound
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General Description
American Foxhounds are lighter and taller than their English relatives. They have a large build and handsome facial features. Their limbs are lanky, long, and straight-boned, and they are extremely agile and fast. The breed’s large head is slightly domed and features a large pair of wide-set eyes that are brown or hazel in color. They have wide ears that hang flat to the head (pendant ears) and frame their face. The breed’s tail is carried high and has an upward curve. American Foxhounds have a short, thick, hard coat that varies in color.User added info
This breed is Virginia's official state dog.
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Character
Although American Foxhounds are tenacious hunting dogs and extremely hard-workers, they are very sweet, kind, and loving with their families. They are very social and get along well with children and other dogs. Some American Foxhounds have an inclination to be protective, but they are usually good with strangers. Show lines of this breed make better pets than the field types. They are a hardy working breed, and they require a rigorous exercise routine and lots of space to run around in. They have an infamous bark that is very musical and they like to bay.
Size
21 – 25 inches
Weight
65 – 75 pounds
General Health
American Foxhounds are a large breed, but they are healthy in comparison to other dogs of the same stature. They do not have genetic concerns like hip or bone problems. American Foxhounds shouldn’t be overfed, as they have a tendency to put on weight. They typically live for 10 to 12 years, and they average 5 to 7 puppies per litter.
History
Descendant from the English hounds that were brought to America in the 1650’s, the American Foxhound was bred over a hundred years later as a gift to George Washington. The American Foxhound is a mix of the French and English hound. The American Foxhound was later utilized as a hunting dog. Although the breed is becoming more and more popular as a companion dog, American Foxhounds are typically used as hunting and field trial dogs. They have a number of natural talents that include hunting, tracking, and agility. They also make excellent watchdogs.
Maintenance
American Foxhounds have a smooth, glossy, short-haired coat that is comparatively easy to groom and maintain. Brushing with a firm bristle brush and shampooing only as necessary are sufficient. They are average shedders. American Foxhounds are extremely active and they need rigorous exercise on a daily basis. They are best suited for ranch or farm life.
Ideal Environment
Because American Foxhounds need so much exercise, they do best in living situations with plenty of acreage. Their stamina, endurance, and high energy are not suitable for small households or apartments
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Ask a QuestionAmerican Foxhound Q&A
I'm considering getting a foxhound from a rescue. However I am concerned about the energy level. I may not be able to give the dog a long walk everyday. The dog I met seemed very sweet. Can you please let me know about the energy level of this breed? Does it depend more on the individual dog? The shelter said the dog was mellow but I'm reading differently.
I adopted a 9 yr old american Foxhound from a rescue. She was in a live hunt pack. She is now 12 yrs. old. WHAT A GREAT DOG She doesn't like to go for walks. She likes to ride in the car or stick by the house and her own fenced in yard. I believe that the age of the dog is an important factor. Good Luck.
I have a 15 mos old foxhound and he is a very sweet good dog, BUT he must have excercise daily. Ours gets 2 walks a day usually 3-4 miles total and 3-4 times a week I let him run off leash at the park. If you have a big backyard for him to run in that would help. They love to play and run. If you have the time to excercise this is a great dog. My dog is very well behaved and intelligent and stays out of trouble, but like I said I must excercise him a lot and keep him entertained with kongs, toys, bones, etc. They take time and patience.
I adopted an american foxhound from a couple who rescued her from a test lab facility... First.. when we got Sasha, she was 5 and the people we had gotten her from had worked with her tons... She still freaks out during Thunderstorms and hates to ride in the car. Her favorite activity is taking naps in the sunshine. She is great with her behavior. She doesn't get tons of exercise, but she isn't destructive. I agree with everyone else, it totally depends on your dog and if you are willing to work with it. Ours does shed quite a bit...
We have a male American Foxhound, probably around 6 year old. We adopted him 2 years ago from the Humane Society. What an AWESOME dog! He is the biggest sweetheart and would love nothing more than just to be near you and love you and be loved. He is amazing with our two young sons--very patient and tolerant. He is a very low-energy dog, which is contrary to the breed description. We have a medium-sized fenced yard and he does like to be outside when not too hot or too cold. He loves walks though does not get them daily especially in the heat. When given a chance in an open area, he LOVES to run and he's absolutely gorgeous--you can tell that's what he's built for. I would say it definitely depends on the individual dog!
My name is Sheetal. We are considering getting an American Foxhound puppy. We live in India and have two related queries. Firstly, can the breed thrive in tropical, warm/dry conditions? Secondly, can the breed be brought up on a vegetarian only diet? Thanks.
Have had a number of these dogs over the years.I have found mine tend to thrive in a cooler climate.But keep in mind I.ve kept mine outside as they were kept for deer hunting in coastal South Carolina. Here the tempatures can range from the low 30.s in dec. to the upper 90,s in august.
My six month hound definetly prefers the colder weather, but she does fine in warmer weather. We live in southwest Florida, and even now (April), it's already approaching 90. She is predominently a house pet and the only difference I can see about the weather is that she tires much more quickly in the hotter temps.<br />
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Concerning the veg diet, I feel like that may be detrimental to the dogs overall health. I've heard of using an all-natural diet (raw meats, vegetables, etc), but I'm not sure a veg diet would be best for the breed.
how long do they typicaly live
I have a american fox hound and she is a very nice dog. She's only part american fox hound. she's part huskey too. she is very good around people but NOT ANIMALS! she kills squirls, birds, chipmunks. she also killed my pet cat smokey :( but shes not trained so... its not like she knows any better. So if your thinking about getting an american fox hound just beware...cuz they might be like that...
We adopted a foxhound.We are the 3rd home. She lived in a crate 24hrs.7days a week. My question is on housetraining. I take her outside to potty and she doesn't like to potty at all. She holds it forever all night and doesn't even potty the next morning. But when I bring her in...if I don't catch her she will potty on the floor. I dont think she knows what I want her to do. Any suggestions?
my fox hound ended up going outside for the same reason he could go outside and play for hours but as soon as he would come inside my residence he would urinate
I have a 5yr old american foxhound and he's best suited with a daily routine. Just letting them outside doesn't work. We take him for a walk twice a day and he's become very routine with his potty habits during the walk. I would highly recommend getting into a standard routine so your hound knows what to expect everyday.
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