American foxhound

June 9, 2022 January 5, 2023

The American foxhound is a relatively rare American breed of dog (compared to other hounds). Beloved for his easy-going nature, low-maintenance fur coat and his propensity to play well with children and other small household pets, the American foxhound has a rich, traditional history. This is celebrated in the fact that he is the state dog of Virginia.

Needing plenty of exercise and expressing himself with a singing bay so typical of a hunting hound, the American foxhound needs wide open space with plenty of opportunities to sniff and track. He is not suited to city life and especially not as a townhouse dog.

History

The American foxhound is the product of a British institution that was carried across the Atlantic and established in Fairfax County, Virginia. George Washington – one of the founding fathers of the USA – continued the English way of life on his family’s estate, which included the noble pastime of traditional English foxhunting. He had imported English foxhounds, but refined his pack of dogs by breeding them with French and Irish hounds. Keeping a very thorough record of his breeding programme, Washington wasn’t the only contributor to the American foxhound breed, but rather one of a few families who developed the breed based on traits they found desirable in a hunting hound.

The American foxhound is distinct from his English cousin in form and function: he’s taller and lighter, making him faster and more agile on American terrain. He also has a keener sense of smell and a loud, ringing bay – allowing him to hunt out of sight of his human. This also made him more independent, more focused on the hunt and more able to think for himself (which makes modern-day training a little more difficult).

Despite being one of the early breeds registered to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886, the American foxhound is one of the least popular and rarest breeds in the AKC.

Temperament

The kindly and sweet-tempered American foxhound has an easy time of it with children and other pets. And while one would think this makes him an excellent companion dog, he does have very special conditions when it comes to considering him for your family. As a hunting dog, he’s been bred for speed, stamina, work ethic and independence. Translated into home care, that means at least two hours of high-energy running and playing per day, very patient training methods, and not letting him off leash unless he’s in a secure, fenced-off area. He is not suited to a small yard or apartment, and if his prey drive is triggered, he goes deaf to any other commands.

Bred as a pack animal, he is naturally social and tolerant of other dogs, although he can be shy around people who he’s not familiar with. He can get very bored and depressed if he’s not exercised regularly or left to his own devices.

Health

The American foxhound is a very healthy breed. It’s rare for him to develop any genetic conditions, although, uncommonly, the breed can develop thrombocytopathy. This condition is defined by blood platelets that don’t function properly, causing excessive bleeding.

Some American foxhounds do develop hip dysplasia and eye disorders, but not commonly enough for these to be deemed genetic in cause.

Exercise Requirements

One-track-minded in his pursuit of prey, the American foxhound was bred to run. He has excessive amounts of energy to burn and can use all the exercise he can get. He makes a great walking, jogging and hiking buddy – granted he runs alongside on a leash, as his strong scenting nose can take him off in all directions. Given the right kind of training and motivation, the American foxhound can also perform well in canine sports like agility, coursing and tracking.

Bred to hunt on his own and think for himself, training the American foxhound can be very challenging, because suddenly the breed’s natural skills need to be replaced with cooperation and obedience. However, with the right amount of persistence and patience, it can be done – successful training will yield a loyal, devoted, very chilled homebody who delights in his friendships with human children and other household pets.

Grooming Requirements

One of the best features of the American foxhound is his short, flat coat, which is easy to groom. He sheds a moderate amount, but nothing that brushing him once or twice a week can’t sort out. This relatively clean hound does not need to be bathed often. Trim his nails as needed, check his ears for any sign of infection (like redness or odour), and brush his teeth regularly to keep his dental hygiene in check.