Introduction
The American Foxhound is a gentle, easygoing companion—unless, of course, a fox is in the vicinity. Originally bred for colonial-era foxhunts, these dogs are swift, fearless, and relentless in their pursuit of game.
This breed’s roots are closely linked to the vision of George Washington himself, a renowned master breeder. He combined dogs from England, France, and America to develop what is now the official state dog of Virginia—the American Foxhound.
Adult American Foxhounds typically weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and stand about 21 to 25 inches tall. Built for rugged outdoor adventures, these muscular hounds boast medium-length, hardy coats designed to withstand the elements. Their coat colors vary widely, but they often display striking combinations of black, tan, and white. Their distinctive features include gently curved tails with a slight brush at the tip and long, broad ears that floppily flap like wings when they run, adding to their charming appearance.
Caring for an American Foxhound
Despite their prestigious history and recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1886, American Foxhounds remain a rare breed. But rarity doesn’t diminish their suitability as loving family pets, as they can thrive alongside both children and adults of all ages. However, they may not be the perfect fit for every home.
These dogs were bred for a specific working purpose, and some of their innate traits—such as their high energy levels—may be less desirable in a typical household. Expect to dedicate at least one to two hours daily to vigorous exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
While generally friendly to other animals, their natural prey drive means caution is advised when introducing them to smaller pets like cats. Always exercise them on a leash or within a securely fenced yard to prevent reliance on their hunting instincts.
A hallmark trait from their hunting days is their resonant bay—a loud, melodious cry used to communicate to hunters that they’ve caught the scent. With consistent training and socialization, you can help manage their vocal tendencies, but it’s best if neighbors are far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet.
American Foxhounds possess enormous reserves of energy that should be channeled into suitable activities. Prospective owners should plan to provide one or two hours of quality exercise each day.
American Foxhound Health Issues
Generally, the American Foxhound is a hearty breed with an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions, which vigilant care can help manage.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops improperly, resulting in looseness and joint degeneration (osteoarthritis). Mild cases often respond well to physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, while severe instances may necessitate surgical intervention.
Signs to watch for include:
- Limping or favoring a leg
- Reluctance to stand, jump, or climb stairs
- Widened gait or bunny-hopping when running
- Loss of muscle tone in the hind limbs
- Hip pain or discomfort
Thrombocytopathy
Thrombocytopathy is a bleeding disorder characterized by defective platelet function. Since there’s no cure, dogs diagnosed with this condition should avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.
Symptoms include:
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Bleeding from gums
- Small, unexplained bruises beneath the skin
- Blood present in urine or stool
- Excessive bleeding from cuts
Ear Infections
Due to their long, floppy ears, American Foxhounds are prone to ear infections. Regular ear checks and cleaning can prevent issues—ask your veterinarian how often to clean their ears. After swimming or baths, ensuring ears are thoroughly dried and cleaned with vet-approved solutions will help maintain ear health.
What To Feed an American Foxhound
Every dog is unique. Collaborate with your veterinarian to create a nutritionally complete and balanced diet tailored to your Foxhound’s age, size, and health needs.
Feeding Recommendations
Most adult American Foxhounds thrive on two daily meals—morning and evening. Puppies, with their faster metabolism, benefit from an additional midday meal, making three in total. Consult your vet to determine the ideal feeding schedule.
Portion Sizes
Your dog’s food packaging provides a general feeding guide based on weight. For a precise plan, always seek personalized advice from your veterinarian. They will consider your dog’s age, body condition, activity level, and health status.
Remember, treats contribute calories too. Count treats within your dog’s daily calorie intake to prevent overfeeding. Treats should not exceed 10% of total daily calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Nutritional Tips
If your Foxhound consumes a complete, AAFCO-approved diet, additional supplements are usually unnecessary. In some cases, vets may recommend special diets or supplements to manage specific health concerns—always consult your veterinary team before making dietary changes.
American Foxhound Personality and Temperament
Bred to work independently and with keen intelligence, American Foxhounds are lively, clever dogs that thrive with mental and physical stimulation. They are friendly and affectionate, forming close bonds with their families.
Their natural prey drive means they may not always be reliable around small animals, but they generally get along well with other dogs and people, provided they’re socialized properly. As long as you don’t resemble a fox, they’re sweet, loyal, and gentle companions.
American Foxhound Behavior
Without adequate daily activity and companionship, these spirited hounds may develop undesirable habits such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or relentless baying. Because of their hunting instincts, they should always be kept leashed or in a securely fenced space to prevent chasing after scents.
American Foxhound Training
Intelligent but independent by nature, American Foxhounds respond best to positive reinforcement methods. Consistent training that uses rewards fosters a stronger bond and encourages good behavior. Patience and persistence are key—these dogs thrive on clear guidance and encouragement.
Incorporate play, toys, and praise into training sessions, and remember to include treats as part of your positive reinforcement arsenal—just be mindful of their calorie count.
Start socializing your puppy early, exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments to build confidence and adaptability.
Fun Activities for American Foxhounds
- Extended walks and jogs
- Hiking adventures
- Participating in hunting or tracking exercises
- Obedience, rally, and skills training
- Lure coursing and agility activities
Grooming Guide for American Foxhounds
As a breed designed for outdoor work, the American Foxhound is notably low-maintenance. Their short, resilient coat provides protection against rough terrain and weather, requiring minimal grooming effort.
Skin Care
After outdoor adventures, check their skin and coat for ticks, scrapes, or other irritations. Typically, baths are only necessary if they come into contact with mud or other substances—occasional sponging or quick baths are usually sufficient.
Coat Maintenance
A weekly brushing keeps their coat healthy, removes loose hair, and maintains shine. Their tough coat generally doesn’t require regular trimming or extensive grooming.
Eye Care
While generally healthy, keep an eye out for any redness, discharge, or discomfort. Contact your vet if you notice unusual eye symptoms.
Ear Care
Their floppy ears are susceptible to infections—regular inspections and cleaning can prevent problems. Seek veterinary advice on proper cleaning techniques and frequency.
Considerations for Prospective Pet Owners
Before welcoming an American Foxhound into your home, consider these questions:
- Am I comfortable with a more vocal, baying dog?
- Is my living environment suitable for a dog that’s loud and energetic?
- Do I have time to provide one to two hours of daily exercise?
- Can I keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced yard during outdoor activities?
- Do I have the patience and training skills for consistent positive reinforcement?
- Can I offer daily companionship and mental stimulation?
- Am I prepared to manage veterinary expenses over my dog’s lifespan?
- Is my family ready to provide a loving, stable home for 11 to 13 years or more?
If your answers are a resounding “Yes,” then you’re likely ready to become an American Foxhound parent.
Are American Foxhounds good family dogs?
Absolutely! With proper training and socialization, American Foxhounds can be loving, loyal, and affectionate family members. They thrive with active families who understand their need for regular exercise and companionship.
Do American Foxhounds bark a lot?
Yes, they are known for being quite vocal. Their loud baying and howling are part of their hunting heritage and can carry over long distances, making them very talkative companions.
Is the American Foxhound a rare breed?
Very much so. The breed remains one of the least popular in the United States, often ranking at the bottom of the AKC’s breed popularity list.
Do American Foxhounds drool?
They typically do not drool excessively, making them relatively low on the slobber scale.
