American Foxhound Dog Breed Information

Personality

The American Foxhound is an enthusiastic and friendly dog that jumps into action whenever needed. They enjoy being with their families and thrive in a group setting. These dogs are patient, kind, and loving, but not excessively needy. Regular exercise and training are essential for them to behave well. Like many hounds, they can get fixated on a scent they find interesting and may ignore their owner’s calls to come back. They might be a bit shy around new people.

History

The American Foxhound has roots that go back before the founding of the United States, making its way to the country around 1650. George Washington, the first president, mixed early English Foxhounds with French ones that were given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. This breeding helped establish the American Foxhound breed. It was among the earliest breeds to gain recognition from the American Kennel Club.

Ideal Owner

If you own a large piece of land, have plenty of patience, and can handle some noisy barking, the American Foxhound could be the right dog for you. These dogs tend to think for themselves, so training them takes some extra work. You’ll need to be patient and steady. They require active owners who enjoy hiking, biking, running, and other outdoor activities with them. Although they may not show affection in an obvious way, they are still loving pets, so it's important for their owners to understand how they express themselves.

Exercise Needs

The American Foxhound is full of energy and ambition, needing plenty of exercise every day. If they don’t get enough activity, they may become restless and difficult to manage. It’s essential to have a secure yard for them, and engaging them in scent activities can help wear them out. They thrive with tasks like rally, coursing, tracking, agility, and other similar pursuits.

Space Requirements

American Foxhounds enjoy spending time with their families, so it's best to have a special spot for them indoors where they can be close to everyone. They also require a secure yard outside or opportunities for various walks.

Training

The American Foxhound is eager and receptive to training, but they can be a bit headstrong when they catch an interesting smell. Their focus on a scent can make them ignore their owner's commands, so it's essential to address this during training. They require social interaction with others. When properly socialized, they can be calm and friendly pets inside the home.

Grooming

The American Foxhound is compact, sturdy, and good-looking. Its coat protects it from getting scratched while it dashes through bushes. Caring for their coat is easy; just a quick brushing with a bristle brush, grooming mitt, or hound glove is enough. You should only give them a bath when they really need it.

Suitability for Family Life

Friendly and laid-back, the American Foxhound makes a great pet for an energetic family living in a rural area. They are friendly with both people and other pets. They thrive best with older kids who can help with their training and keep them active.

Did You know?

The American Foxhound was among the earliest breeds acknowledged by the American Kennel Club. This breed was developed with contributions from George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette.