American Foxhound: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The American Foxhound descends from English Foxhounds introduced to North America around the middle of the 17th century, then crossed with scenthounds of French and Irish origins. The first litters appeared in the 1860s in order to obtain a fast, hardy, adaptable dog with an excellent nose for fox hunting and other game. The American Kennel Club established a first standard in 1894, and the FCI definitively recognized the breed on 2 November 1979.

The American Foxhound is a large, athletic and rather slender scenthound, without heaviness. Its head is long, with a broad and rounded skull, a moderate stop and a fairly long muzzle. Its body is finely outlined, with a muscular back, a deep chest and limbs made to cover long distances. Its coat is short, close and of a rather harsh texture, and its coat color is most often white and tan or tricolor white, tan and black.

The American Foxhound is a gentle and affectionate dog with the family, but above all bred for hunting. Fast, hardy and determined, it has a very good sense of smell and a strong motivation for work. It can be not very obedient and relatively independent, which requires a consistent and experienced owner.

On a daily basis, the American Foxhound needs a lot of activity and tolerates a sedentary life poorly. He enjoys long outings, open environments and regular stimulation. Not very suited to apartment living, he thrives more in a house with a large, well-fenced garden and an active lifestyle.

Training the American Foxhound requires time, patience and consistency. Its limited docility calls for firm but calm handling, without a power struggle. Recall must be worked on very early and maintained regularly, because its chasing instinct can take over outdoors.

The American Foxhound remains a fairly rare breed and its purchase price varies depending on the lineage, the seriousness of the breeding kennel and the availability of puppies. The initial budget must always be considered along with long-term maintenance expenses.

The American Foxhound is an overall robust dog, with solid overall health. Like many active scent hounds, it benefits from good general condition when it receives enough exercise, an appropriate diet and regular veterinary follow-up.

The American Foxhound needs a good-quality diet, adapted to its age, its size and above all to its level of physical activity. Its daily ration is best divided into 2 meals to promote digestive comfort and better manage its weight.

The American Foxhound is often compared to the English Foxhound, but it differs from it by a taller, lighter build and one more oriented toward speed and endurance. Its bicolored or tricolored coat and its athletic profile make it a scenthound that is immediately recognizable.