American Foxhound Dog Breed Information
- AKA:n/a
- Size:Large
- Ease of Training:Low
- Grooming:Low
- Shedding:Medium
- Exercise Needed:A walk and lots of running daily
- Energy Level:High
- Protection:Low
- Good with Children:Yes
- Health Clearances:OFA
- Weight:Male: 70-75; Female: 65-70 lbs
- Height:Male: 22-25 Female: 21-24 inches
- Coat Colour:Black, white, tan in either a bi-colour or tri-colour pattern
American Foxhound Coat
The American Foxhound breed has a coat that is of medium length, is weather-proof, hard in texture, and lays close to the body. The American Foxhound is an average shedder.
American Foxhound Character
A sleek and athletic breed, the American Foxhound possesses great stamina. They are keen hunters known as scent hounds. As an active hunting dog, they will follow any scent regardless of commands. American Foxhound's are tolerant, social, amiable, and active.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is gentle and loving with their family and courageous and formidable during a hunt. This breed does well with children and other dogs. American Foxhound's should not be trusted with non-canine pets. They do not do well as house pets due to their ancestry of being outdoor pack hounds. This breed is affectionate, sweet, and may or may not be protective of their family or territory. Intelligent creatures as they are, many foxhounds quickly learn to open gates or scale small fences to go wandering. While on the hunt the foxhound is a warrior, once a scent is picked up he or she will follow it neglecting any commands. Because their hunting instinct is strong they should never be trusted off-lead. Foxhounds are rarely street savvy and will follow a scent trail into the street where they could get hit by a car. Foxhounds are easy to live with and thrive as members of a family; however, they are not ideal apartment dogs and shouldn't be left alone indoors for extended periods of time. They do however, get along very well with children, especially small children; although one must always keep an eye when children and animals are interacting as it is not beyond any animal to bite or claw when they feel they are threatened.
American Foxhound Care
Regular combing and brushing should be done with a firm bristle brush. Bathing should only be done when necessary. It is important to frequently check the ears of this breed often for debris. The American Foxhound is a relatively healthy breed. They have a tendency to gain weight if overfed.
American Foxhound Activity
American Foxhound's are not recommended for apartment living due to their high energy and melodious barking. The American Foxhound requires a great deal of exercise to keep them from becoming restless and destructive. They do best in a rural setting with acreage or a large securely fenced yard. This breed excels at agility, tracking, and hunting.
American Foxhound Health and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the American Foxhound is around 10-12 years. There is a number of health problems associated with the breed, and some of the health issues to look out for include bleeding disorders, deafness, spinal problems, and hip problems. This breed is not generally a breed that carries genetic disorders. Overfeeding these dogs can easily cause them to gain weight. 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. It is not typical or customary for Foxhound breeders to screen for any hereditary disorders at this time.