The American Foxhound is an American dog breed that is used for fox hunting and has a good sense of smell. They are wonderful family companions who love to play and give kisses.
The American Foxhound originated in the Southern United States and represents what we call an old-fashioned dog breed. The history of this dog is not only related to its hunting skills, but it also means a lot to its former cultivators.
History
American Foxhounds are very noble-looking dogs with a long and storied history. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both bred them, as they’re considered the first American breeds. If you’ve seen hunting paintings from the colonial period, you’d be looking at American Foxhounds.
So, how does one tell the difference between an English Foxhound and an American Foxhound? The English version has a much heavier bone structure and appears more muscular than its American counterpart.
Though both have traditionally been used for foxhunting and similar activities, Americans wanted a lankier dog for chasing small prey like raccoons (Americans love their raccoons).
Do foxhounds make good pets?
Many people wonder whether an American Foxhound makes a good pet. The answer is yes, they absolutely do make good pets. That being said, it’s important to consider the temperament and needs of this breed before deciding to buy one.
American Foxhounds are large dogs with a lot of energy. They’re very sociable and do well around people and other animals, but they require quite a bit of exercise and attention to stay happy. If you’re prone to long walks or jogs, then an American Foxhound could be a great choice for you!
Breed Characteristics
The American Foxhound is a tall, lean, and powerful dog. He is a strong and active hound that requires a lot of exercise.
The American Foxhound has a smooth coat that comes in various colors including red tans, white and blacks, tricolors, blue-tans and lemons. They do not shed heavily, but most people find themselves vacuuming more often because of all the hair they leave around the house!
Adaptability
American Foxhounds are a very adaptable breed, and can easily live in a variety of situations.
American Foxhounds are excellent family dogs, getting along well with children and other pets. They can be reserved around strangers at first, but warm up quickly if appropriately socialized as puppies. They can also be sociable around other dogs and even cats (so long as they’ve been raised together).
Health And Grooming Needs
Grooming is minimal and consists only of the occasional bath and brushing to keep in good condition. They are a low to medium maintenance breed that requires little effort to maintain.
The average life span of an American Foxhound is between 10-13 years.
As with most breeds, there are some health issues that can occur which you need to be aware of. These include eye disorders, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, allergies and skin problems.
Trainability
Once you’ve learned everything, there is to know about the American Foxhound, it’s time to learn how to train them.
Foxhounds are intelligent but also stubborn, which makes them difficult to train. They need an owner who can establish themselves as their leader and exercise patience in training sessions. These dogs are sensitive and prone to sulking if mistreated or ignored; positive reinforcement works best for dealing with this breed’s issues during training sessions.
Physical Needs
Foxhounds are not particularly high maintenance in terms of grooming or space. Their short coat makes them easy to brush, and they don’t need too much exercise.
You should take them for a walk or run once a day, but a good deal of time playing with other dogs is acceptable as well. They shed moderately, so you’ll have to vacuum now and again. Many Foxhounds are food aggressive, so you might need to train them on that front if that’s an issue for you or your household members.
Size
- American Foxhounds come in two sizes: standard and smaller (13-15 inches and under at the shoulder).
- It is a medium to large breed, with males weighing 70-75 pounds. Females weigh 60-65 pounds.
- The size of an American Foxhound greatly affects its training, health, grooming, feeding, housing and transportation needs.
Personality
- The American Foxhound is a loving and outgoing dog. While they are friendly to people, they may be “aloof” with strangers if not properly socialized.
- They are gentle, patient, and kind to children, but also have a strong hunting instinct that can make them chase small animals. With this in mind, it’s best to keep them on a leash when outside or in an enclosed area.
- This breed requires regular exercise to keep from becoming bored or destructive, so you may want to consider the American Foxhound if you like hiking or jogging.
- American Foxhounds are not well suited for apartment living because of their strong hunting instincts and their need for physical activity. Because of their ability to climb trees and fences, an apartment building’s security might not be able to contain them even if you do your best!
Feeding
The amount of food you feed a foxhound depends on the size and age of the dog. These dogs have high-energy levels, which can make it easy for them to satisfy their hunger!
A good rule of thumb is to feed an adult foxhound 1.5 to 2 cups, twice a day if they get plenty of exercise or just once a day if they are older or less active.
You can also choose from specialized brands like Blue Buffalo Wilderness or Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Formula Dry Dog Food for Puppies & Adult Dogs that consider what type of breed you have to provide optimal nutrition.
Are Foxhounds smart?
- Foxhounds are not the most intelligent dog breed.
- They are not easily trained, and they are not good at performing tricks. Because of this, they are not great for dog shows or competitions, except for hunting competitions.
- They will have a hard time obeying commands, although they may eventually learn to respond to some of them if you are persistent enough.
- They do enjoy learning activities that involve food rewards.
- While foxhounds can be stubborn, they can also be loving companions if you give them the attention, they need daily.
Are American Foxhounds aggressive?
- Like other breeds, American Foxhounds can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals if not socialized properly.
- However, they are typically friendly and highly social.
- It is important to ensure they do not get bored or lonely while you are gone so that they do not act out of loneliness or aggression.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect dog to join your family, you might have just found it. The American Foxhound is loyal and dependable, making it a great companion for a family.
While he can be a bit rowdy and rambunctious, he’s good with kids. Be aware that he’ll need plenty of space to run and play, so while apartment living is possible, you might want to consider a home with a large yard.
Overall, the American Foxhound makes an elegant addition to any home.
