American Foxhound: Characteristics, Grooming, Health, Training

(FoxHound)

Group: Hound Dogs.

Also Known As: Virginia Hound

AKC Ranking: 151

About American Foxhound

History of the Breed This marvelous Foxhound is directly descended from English hounds brought to America in 1650 and bred over a century later to a French hound sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington. The two breeds, French and English, in combination have produced the American Foxhound.

Description of the Dog

A large, handsome hound, its front legs are long and very straight-boned. The head is long with a slightly domed, large skull. The ears are broad and pendant, framing the face. The eyes are large and wide-set - either brown or hazel, with a sweet, imploring expression. The ears are wide, flat to the head and its tail is carried cheerfully with a slight upward curve, like a sickle. The coat is short, hard and harsh and comes in black, tan and white tricolors or piebald marking of tan or lemon on a white background.

Height: 21-25 inches (53-64cm)

Weight: 65-75 pounds (29-34kg)

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The American Foxhound is sweet, affectionate, gentle and loving at home, but also a brave and intense warrior in the hunt. They are excellent with children and get along well with other dogs because of their pack-hunting background, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Some are very friendly with strangers; some are protective. The American Foxhound will take off after an interesting scent if possible. They have a melodious bark.

Activity Level

How active is the breed?

The American Foxhound needs a great deal of exercise or he can become restless and destructive. They need to be taken on a long daily walk at least once a day, however two or three times is ideal. It can run for miles without getting exhausted. This breed can be difficult to housebreak.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Foxhounds are easy to live with and thrive as members of a family; however, they are not ideal apartment dogs due to their history as outdoor pack kennel hounds and shouldn't be left alone indoors for extended periods of time. They are very active indoors and do best with acreage.

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat of this average shedder is easy to groom. It should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush, and shampooed only when necessary.

Health

A minor health risk in American Foxhounds is thrombocytopathy, or platelet disease. While dysplasia was largely unknown in Foxhounds, it is beginning to crop up occasionally, along with some eye issues. Overfeeding these dogs can easily cause them to gain weight.

Life Expectancy: 11-13 years.

Breed Club: www.americanfoxhoundclubinc.com

Rescue Link: http://foxhoundrescue.org