Discover the defining traits of the American Foxhound: A loyal and dependable hunting companion.

Introduction to the American Foxhound breed

The American Foxhound is a hunting dog bred in the USA specifically for hunting foxes and other game. As a scenting pack hound, the American Foxhound possesses exceptional hunting instincts, a keen sense of smell, and high energy levels to run effortlessly for long periods of time. This breed is known for its speed, endurance, and work ethic, making it an excellent hunting companion.

Physical Characteristics

– Height: 58 to 64 cm
– Weight: 27 to 32 kg
– Sleek, rangy body with well-balanced, powerful, and clean-cut features
– Longer, leaner, and finely boned legs compared to the English Foxhound
– Short, hard coat in a tricolour of black, white, and tan
– Large, soft brown eyes set well apart, giving the dog a gentle and pleading expression

Exercise and Living Environment

– Requires a significant amount of daily exercise and is best suited to active owners such as long-distance runners, hikers, or dog sport enthusiasts
– Not suitable for apartment living or urban environments
– Needs a securely fenced-in yard and should be kept on a leash when out and about
– Loud baying and howling can be disturbing to neighbors, making the breed more suitable for country living

Temperament and Socialization

– Independent, stubborn, friendly, easy-going, and good-natured
– Gets along well with kids, dogs, and cats when raised with them
– Not suited to be left alone for long periods and thrives in the company of other dogs
– Known for being great playmates for children and tolerant towards them

Health Concerns

– Hip dysplasia: Can cause pain and lameness in the rear legs
– Blood disorders: Thrombocytopathy and Pelger–Huët anomaly
– Ear infections: Prone to ear infections due to long ears, but easily treatable

The American Foxhound is a unique and specialized breed with specific needs and characteristics that make it well-suited for hunting and active lifestyles.

Physical characteristics of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a sleek, rangy hunting dog with a well-balanced, powerful and clean-cut body. She is known for her speed, endurance, and work ethic, making her well-suited for hunting foxes and other game. At maturity, the breed reaches a height of 58 to 64 cm and a weight of 27 to 32 kg. Her face is characterized by large, soft brown eyes set well apart, giving her a gentle and pleading expression. The American Foxhound has a short, hard coat that lies close to her body and is usually a tricolor of black, white, and tan. The coat’s hard texture protects her from the underbrush while on the hunt and requires minimal grooming, with just a short, once-a-week session and bathing only when necessary.

The American Foxhound’s physical characteristics also include longer, leaner, and more finely boned legs than her cousin, the English Foxhound. Her loin (back end) is slightly arched, allowing her greater speed and agility over rough terrain. Additionally, her tail has a very slight brush, meaning it is heavy with hair. These physical traits make the American Foxhound well-suited for her hunting and tracking instincts, as well as her high energy levels and endurance.

Overall, the American Foxhound’s physical characteristics make her a well-adapted and efficient hunting dog, with a sleek and powerful build, keen sense of smell, and remarkable speed and agility. These traits are essential for her role as a scenting pack hound, working closely with a pack of likeminded foxhounds to track quarry alongside hunters.

Temperament and personality traits of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is known for its independent and stubborn nature, but it is also friendly, easy-going, and good-natured. They are sweet-tempered and get along well with kids, other dogs, and even cats that they have been raised with. This breed is described as being great with children and can make excellent playmates for them. They are very tolerant towards kids and have been known to help toddlers take their first steps by allowing them to hold on to their tails.

The American Foxhound is a pack animal and enjoys the company of other dogs. They are best suited to a home where they are not the only dog. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them a great addition to a family, as they thrive on companionship and interaction with humans and other animals.

This breed can be reserved and protective around strangers, and may occasionally be aggressive towards them. They shouldn’t be left unsupervised around cats and other small creatures that they haven’t been raised with, as they may regard them as prey. Despite their reserved nature, they are known for their loyalty and can make great family companions when properly socialized and trained.

Training and exercise requirements for the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a breed with high energy levels and a strong hunting instinct. As a result, they require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily, vigorous exercise is essential for this breed to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Long walks, runs, or hikes are ideal for meeting their exercise needs. Additionally, engaging in activities such as agility training or scent work can help satisfy their natural instincts and provide mental stimulation.

Training

Training an American Foxhound can be challenging due to their independent and stubborn nature. Consistent and patient training is essential to help them understand and follow commands. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats and praise, can be effective in motivating them during training sessions. Obedience classes are recommended, especially for novice owners, to help establish a strong foundation of commands and behaviors.

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial aspect of caring for an American Foxhound. Without sufficient physical activity, they may become restless and exhibit undesirable behaviors. Providing opportunities for off-leash running in a securely fenced area is important to allow them to release their energy. Engaging in activities that simulate their natural hunting instincts, such as scent tracking or chasing games, can also be beneficial for their physical and mental well-being.

By understanding and meeting the training and exercise needs of an American Foxhound, owners can ensure that their pet remains happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Hunting abilities and instincts of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a scenting pack hound with tremendous hunting instincts, a keen sense of smell, and great energy to run effortlessly for many hours on the chase. She is known for her speed, endurance, and work ethic. When hunting, she works with a pack of likeminded foxhounds who track quarry along with hunters, who usually follow on horseback.

The American Foxhound’s sleek, rangy body is well balanced, powerful, and clean-cut. With longer, leaner, and more finely boned legs than her cousin, the English Foxhound, her loin (back end) is slightly arched, allowing her greater speed and agility over rough terrain. At maturity, the breed reaches a height of 58 to 64 cm and a weight of 27 to 32 kg.

Her face is characterized by her large, soft brown eyes, set well apart, and her expression is described as gentle and pleading. She has a short, hard coat lying close to her body that is usually a tricolor of black, white, and tan. The coat’s hard texture protects her from the underbrush she courses through while on the hunt and is easy to take care of, requiring merely a short, once-a-week grooming session and bathing only when absolutely necessary.

Care and maintenance of the American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a breed that requires a significant amount of care and maintenance due to their specific needs and characteristics. Here are some important aspects to consider when taking care of an American Foxhound:

Exercise

As mentioned earlier, the American Foxhound is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need plenty of physical activity to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Daily walks, runs, and playtime are essential for this breed. Additionally, providing them with a large, securely fenced-in yard is important to allow them to run and play freely.

Grooming

The American Foxhound has a short, hard coat that is easy to maintain. Weekly grooming sessions, including brushing and checking for any foreign matter, are usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition. Bathing should only be done when necessary, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils. Regular ear checks and cleaning are also important, as long-eared breeds are prone to ear infections.

Training and Socialization

Training an American Foxhound can be challenging due to their independent and stubborn nature. Obedience classes and consistent, patient training are recommended, especially for novice owners. Socialization with other dogs, as well as exposure to different people and environments, is important to prevent any aggressive or protective behavior towards strangers. Additionally, as a pack animal, the American Foxhound thrives in the company of other dogs and should not be kept as the only dog in a household.

By paying attention to these aspects of care and maintenance, owners can ensure that their American Foxhound remains healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

Conclusion: The American Foxhound as the ultimate loyal hunting companion

The American Foxhound is a breed that has a rich history and was developed specifically for hunting purposes. With their keen sense of smell, tremendous hunting instincts, and great energy, they make excellent hunting companions. Their sleek, rangy body, combined with their speed and agility, allows them to effortlessly chase prey for long hours. Their gentle and friendly nature also makes them great family companions, especially with children and other pets.

Benefits of Owning an American Foxhound

– Loyal and dedicated hunting companion
– Gentle and friendly nature, making them great with children and other pets
– Sleek, rangy body with great speed and agility for hunting
– State dog of Virginia, with a rich history in American culture

Overall, the American Foxhound is a loyal and dedicated hunting companion with a rich history and a gentle nature, making them a great addition to any hunting pack or family. Despite their specific exercise and training needs, they can bring joy and companionship to those who are able to provide for their unique requirements.

In conclusion, the American Foxhound is a loyal and independent hunting companion known for its stamina, speed, and keen sense of smell. With its friendly and sociable nature, this breed makes an excellent addition to any hunting team or active family.