American Foxhound

The American Foxhound predates the United States of America, first arriving here in 1650. President George Washington crossed early English Foxhounds with French ones that the Marquis de Lafayette gifted him, both of which created the foundation for the American Foxhound. They were one of the first breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.

If you have lots of land, have lots of patience, and don’t mind a little loud baying, the American Foxhound might be a good fit for you. They can be independent thinkers, which requires a little extra effort in training them. Think patience and consistency. They need owners who can match their physical activity levels and go on hikes, bikes, runs, and more with them. While they won’t necessarily be demonstrative in their affections, they are loving dogs, so owners who understand their communication style are also a good fit.

Tireless and with lots of ambition and drive, the American Foxhound requires vigorous daily exercise. Without it, they can become bored and unruly. A fenced-in yard is a must, and scent work can help tucker the dogs out. They will do well with activities such as rallying, coursing, tracking, agility, and more.

American Foxhounds love being with their owners, so a dedicated space indoors near the family action is a good idea. They need a fenced-in yard outside or access to different walking routes.

Short, hard, and handsome, the American Foxhound’s coat keeps them from being hurt by the underbrush they like to run through. It’s low maintenance and only requires brushing with a bristle brush, hound glove, or grooming mitt. Baths should only happen when the dog is dirty.

Keen and open, the American Foxhound can be trained, although they have a stubborn streak if they find a scent they like. They can get so laser-focused on a scent that they can go “deaf” to an owner’s requests, so it’s important to work on this in training. They need socialization. With it, they can be mild and good-tempered dogs indoors.

Sweet and easygoing, the American Foxhound is a good dog for a highly active family that lives in the country. They get along well with humans and other animals. They do best with older children who can participate in their training and exercise needs.

The cost of an American Foxhound from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.