American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is one of America's oldest dog breeds — bred by George Washington, who kept extensive packs at Mount Vernon and is considered the father of the American Foxhound.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
11–13 years
Weight
29–34 kg (64–75 lbs)
Height
53–64 cm (21–25 in)
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large breed food appropriate for a very active hunting dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The American Foxhound is one of America's oldest dog breeds — bred by George Washington, who kept extensive packs at Mount Vernon and is considered the father of the American Foxhound. Washington crossed imported English Foxhounds with French hounds given by the Marquis de Lafayette to produce a leaner, faster hound for the different terrain of Virginia. The breed is the state dog of Virginia. Despite this distinguished pedigree, the American Foxhound is one of the rarest AKC breeds as a house pet — its extreme energy, extraordinary voice, and pack-hunting instincts make it a challenging companion.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, lean, long-legged scent hound — more slender and racier than the English Foxhound. The coat is close, hard, and any hound colour. Long, wide ears hang flat to the cheeks. Large brown or hazel eyes with a gentle, pleading expression.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Sweet-natured, gentle, and sociable — especially with other dogs. The American Foxhound is bred for pack life and does best with canine companions. Its tracking instinct overrides recall absolutely — a secure environment is mandatory. The voice is legendary — a melodious bay that carries for miles and is not compatible with close neighbours.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •2+ hours vigorous outdoor exercise daily — ideally running rather than leash walking. Secure fencing — they will follow a scent with no recall. Best kept in rural environments. Low grooming needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Thrombocytopathy (platelet dysfunction causing bleeding disorder) — elevated in the breed. Hip dysplasia. Ear infections from pendant ears. Generally a healthy breed.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
George Washington is officially credited as the founder of the American Foxhound breed — his detailed breeding records from Mount Vernon document the development of the breed from English Foxhound and French hound crosses in the 1780s.
The American Foxhound's bay — the full-voiced, melodious howl produced when scenting a trail — was described by Washington as "like music" and is one of the most distinctive vocalisations of any dog breed. Neighbours frequently disagree with Washington's assessment.
