American Foxhound Puppies

American Foxhounds are gentle and easygoing, and get along well with children and other animals. They are extremely comfortable and relaxed with their owners, but they can be shy and reserved when presented with unfamiliar situations and people. If they are left alone for extended periods of time, destructive behaviors can develop and they will usually very loudly voice their disapproval. They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, their hunting dog lineage can cause them to follow their nose above all else which can lead to stubborn behavior if they aren't trained early.

American Foxhounds are a very healthy breed, but should be screened for thrombocytopathy and hip dysplasia. Their long ears can be prone to infection, so they should be checked regularly by a veterinarian.

American Foxhounds were bred to spend long hours chasing their prey, so they have a high energy level. They require at least an hour of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy. If they don’t get enough exercise they can become bored and destructive behavior can develop. They make great hiking companions but should be kept on a leash to prevent their nose from causing them to wander.

Their straight coat is very easy to take care of. It should be brushed once a week with a bristle brush to keep their coat's healthy shine. Brushing also cuts down on dog odor, since Foxhounds shouldn't be bathed regularly.

American Foxhounds shed moderately throughout the year. With regular brushing loose hair is very manageable.

With a large, slightly domed head and long muscular back, the American Foxhound presents as a strong medium-sized breed. The coarse, medium-length coat and large well-set eyes are also distinctive features of this dog. Their expression should be gentle and typical of the hound family.

American Foxhounds have a long, rich history and were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Before that, many of America’s founding fathers had hunting hounds and it is rumored that George Washington played a role in the development of the American Foxhound. Fox hunting with hounds played a big role in the lives of the American elite, and in post-Colonial years the American Foxhound became distinct from its cousin the English Foxhound. There are many different strains of American Foxhound, all of which are recognized as members of the same breed. These strains include Walker, Calhoun, Goodman, Trigg, July, and Penn Marydel.