Origin
United States
Lifespan
11–13 years
Weight
27–32 kg
Height
53–64 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Tricolor · Red · Tan · White
American Foxhound
About This Breed
The American Foxhound is one of America's oldest breeds, descended from hounds brought to the colonies in the 1650s. George Washington was an avid breeder. They are sweet-tempered, independent dogs with a musical bay.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a American Foxhound
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 27–32 kg |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years |
| Height | 53–64 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Tricolor · Red · Tan · White |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Independent · Easy-going · Sweet · Loyal |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The American Foxhound is a sweet, mild-mannered canine companion—unless, of course, you’re a fox. Bred to lead Colonial-era foxhunts, American Foxhounds are fast, fearless, and determined hunting dogs. American Foxhounds are at least somewhat indebted to George Washington for their existence. This Founding Father was an expert breeder, so the title extends to American Foxhounds as well. He crossed several dogs from England, France, and the U.S. to help create the breed, which is now the official state dog of Virginia.
Care Guide
Despite their illustrious history and the fact that American Foxhounds have been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1886, the breed is quite rare. But scarcity isn’t an indication of their worthiness as family dogs, as they can do well with both two- and four-legged friends of all ages. Still, they aren’t a good fit for every home. American Foxhounds were bred for a specific job, and some of the characteristics that make them ideal for hunting are less popular in domestic settings. For example, American Foxhounds have huge energy stores that need to be directed into appropriate activities. Prospective pet parents should expect to provide one or two hours of exercise every day. And while American Foxhounds can generally enjoy the company of other animals, their innate prey drive means caution is warranted when introducing them to smaller pets like cats. It also means they should always exercise on a leash or within a securely fenced area.