American Foxhound

Thinking about purchasing an American Foxhound? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the American Foxhound breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis.

Fundamental requirements for a being a good American Foxhound owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the American Foxhound and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an American Foxhound Breeder:

When were your American Foxhounds born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new American Foxhound, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new American Foxhound and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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American Foxhound Breed Profile

The American Foxhound is a medium-sized to large-sized muscular dog. It has a long, broad head, medium-length drop ears and and large, brown eyes. The muzzle is straight and square, it's straight legs, back and tail are all long. They are distinguished from their English cousins by their finer bones, more leg length and more angulated hindquarters. The American Foxhound was not bred to be a family pet, but if well socialized as a young pup they will adapt to family life. American Foxhounds have a tendency to want to roam, but will adapt to their environment if properly cared for. Foxhounds are favored as a hunting dog because they have a keen nose and a remarkable talent to instinctively bark on the fox's trail. They are energetic dogs, but very friendly and affectionate. American Foxhounds are exceptionally athletic and are very willing to work. Stubborn and independent at times, the American Foxhound takes patience in training, but can become your best friend once rules are established.

Type: Scenthound

Height: 21 - 25 inches.
Weight: 65 - 75 lbs.

Colors: American Foxhounds come in all colors.
Coat: Hard and close.

Temperament: The American Foxhounds is an active, energetic, tolerant, amiable, gentle and friendly dog that gets along well with people and other dogs. Most are reserved around strangers, though. The American Foxhound can be independent and stubborn making training a little more difficult. This is a cheery breed.
With Children: Yes , excellent will bonds with entire family
With Pets: Yes

Watch-dog: High. This dog will alert you to anything unusual.
Guard-dog: Low.

American Foxhound Care and Training: American Foxhound need minimal grooming of their short coat. They have a high energy level and will require daily exercise. This breed needs a firm, no-nonsense leadership approach to training.
Learning Rate: Medium.

Activity: High. These dogs are energetic but friendly and tolerable.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, and a leash.
Living Environment: This breed needs a large house with a yard, as they are bred for outdoor activity. They do best with an active family in a rural or suburban area.

American Foxhound Health Issues: A naturally healthy breed, the American Foxhound has minimal health problems. Possible deafness, hip dysplasia, and blood platelet abnormality may sometimes occur.

Life Span: 12 - 13 years.
Litter Size: 5 - 7 puppies.

Country of Origin: United States of America
American Foxhound History: The American Foxhound is descended from the English Foxhound. In the beginning of the establishing of America, hunting was essential to live in such a wilderness. Therefore, people bred dogs not for pedigree but for hunting ability, and thus the American world became a mixing pot of not only human culture but dog breeds as well. In early colonial America, immigrants from all over including France, Ireland and Britain brought their hounds and mixed them with the English Foxhound. One of the first packs were brought into the United States by Robert Brooke in the 1650s to Maryland. American Foxhounds were then used to chase fox, coyote and deer. George Washington was a great fancier and kept a famous pack at Mount Vernon. The breed is now thought to be of Irish Kerry Beagle type due to their color and working style. Brooke developed his dogs, as well as began the Black and Tan Coonhound breed. The American version of this breed compared to the English version are leggier, taller, and a bit lighter boned. They are slightly bigger than their cousins. Although the American Foxhound represents a large variety of dogs used for hunting today, few are actually registered with the AKC.

First Registered by the AKC: 1886
AKC Group: Hound
Class: Hound
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 6), KC (GB), UKC

American Foxhounds

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Wednesday, February 06, 2008