Foxhound

With their floppy ears, kind eyes, and a determination that could match any Wall Street professional, the Foxhound is a true American dog classic. This large and strong breed features a short, durable coat that can withstand the elements, a broad chest, and a muscular frame, topped off with a proudly held tail. Their remarkable stamina and speed create a stunning image as they dash through fields and leap over streams, but they can become destructive if they don’t get enough exercise. Generally, they have a friendly nature and are seen as easygoing hound dogs, though their loud howls might be bothersome (think of Disney’s The Fox and The Hound). Energetic, devoted, diligent, and affectionate, they are wonderful companions for families.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
White with tan, lemon, brown, or black markings, or tricolor
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
21 to 25 inches
Type
Scenthound
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
63 to 70 pounds
Family

Personality

The Foxhound thrives like a keen intern, particularly when given tasks that require stamina and speed, like running or chasing. These dogs are sociable, cheerful, and usually in a good mood, but they can become restless if they lack sufficient activity. When they get the right amount of physical and mental exercise, they are happy to relax as part of the family indoors.

History

The Foxhound was first developed for the purpose of hunting foxes. This breed has been linked to America since the time of the Revolutionary War.

Ideal Owner

The perfect environment for a Foxhound includes a spacious, fenced yard or an owner willing to take them on many walks each day. These dogs dislike being left by themselves and can become destructive if they lack mental or physical activity. Therefore, having someone around for most of the day is best for them.

Exercise Needs

Foxhounds are born to track and pursue smells, so even those that stay inside require a lot of time to burn off their energy. They also thrive on activities that challenge their minds, like solving puzzles and learning new commands.

Space Requirements

Due to their determination to follow scents, they can easily become distracted. To prevent them from straying, it’s a good idea to keep them in enclosed spaces or use leashes when taking them for walks.

Training

The Foxhound’s sense of smell is exceptional; it guides them, but this can sometimes lead to trouble. This means it’s important to keep the dog busy, regardless of the weather, and to be more captivating than what’s happening around them. When they receive enough exercise and training, they become friendly and relaxed companions who get along nicely with kids.

Grooming

While they may have high exercise demands, they compensate with their grooming needs. The Foxhound has a short, sleek, and thick coat that can withstand different weather conditions. To keep it looking bright and healthy, it should be brushed about once a week. After a Foxhound has been running around tracking scents, it's wise to inspect them for any injuries like scrapes, cuts, or thorns to avoid infections.

Suitability for Family Life

Foxhounds are friendly and quickly bond with people, fitting nicely into family settings. Still, they may struggle a bit in tight areas due to their size. Families with older kids or those without children are ideal, as they are less likely to be toppled by an affectionate, big-eyed Foxhound. These dogs thrive when they have the company of other Foxhounds.

Did You know?

In the dog breeding community, male foxhounds are called “stallions.” This term is uncommon for dogs but reflects their strong connection to horse breeding practices. Foxhounds gained some fame when they were featured in the 1981 Disney movie, The Fox and the Hound.

Similar Breeds

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Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Some drool
Requires grooming once a week
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual