American foxhound

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog american foxhound!

Here, you will find all the useful information about american foxhound. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

Created and developed in the United States, the American Foxhound has its origins in England, its ancestors were imported by the British colonists in the mid 17th century. The American Foxhound is the result of crossbreeding French hounds given by Lafayette to George Washington with the English Foxhound.

The aim of creating this breed was to create a hardy dog, fast in the field, with a formidable sense of smell and unlimited courage, which is why it is still used to hunt big game. Its first official standard was written in 1894 and the International Cynological Federation (FCI) officially recognized it on November 2, 1979 and its official standard in force has never been modified since then.

The American Foxhound is a large, powerful and agile dog, particularly appreciated by American hunters for its athletic qualities and its resistance to effort. Larger than its close English cousin, it still retains great lightness of movement and remarkable adaptability. Homogeneous and solidly built, he has many positive points for predatory and tracking activities, a strong bone structure, a deep and ample chest, with a developed musculature. His back is broad, his ribs well sprung and his shoulders nicely shaped.

In spite of his large size, he retains an elegant appearance and a supple gait. His head is long as well as his muzzle, his stop is not very marked. His coat is short, thick and rough in texture. The colour of the coat is generally bi-coloured (white and tan) or tricoloured (white, tan and black) but all colours are permitted by the breed standard.

They are considered to have many mental qualities, being strong-willed, courageous and hard-working, which is why they find it difficult to adapt to domestic life. Quite independent, rather difficult to train, his moods become changeable if periods of inactivity become too long or repeated. The American Foxhound has a real need to spend time, to perform intense physical activities, it is vital for its balance!

Rather distrustful of strangers, it is not very sociable and does not need the presence of man to flourish. A stubborn working dog, family life will not suit the American Foxhound's stubborn temperament, his taste for hunting and his overdeveloped pack spirit will hardly be compatible with a family life.

Adult: The American Foxhound will weigh approximately 66 to 75lb for the male and 62 to 70.5 lb for the female and will be approximately 22"-25" at the withers for males and 21"-24" for females.

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Origins

The American Foxhound is a dog breed originating from the United States, developed in the 18th century. English settlers imported British Foxhounds and crossed them with local dogs, as well as with French breeds such as the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Saintongeois, to improve their hunting abilities. Designed to track foxes over long distances and in varied terrains, the American Foxhound stands out for its endurance, speed, and exceptional sense of smell.

History

The history of the American Foxhound begins with the early American settlers who sought to improve the hunting abilities of their dogs. George Washington, often considered the "father of the breed," played a key role by crossing British Foxhounds with French dogs to create a dog better suited to American conditions. Primarily used for pack hunting, the American Foxhound has been refined over the decades to become an extremely effective hunting dog, known for its tenacity and endurance in the field.

Standard

The American Foxhound standard describes a dog of medium to large size, well-proportioned and muscular. Males measure between 56 and 64 cm at the withers and weigh between 29 and 34 kg, while females are slightly smaller. The head is long, with a slightly domed skull and drooping ears. The eyes are large, gentle and expressive, usually hazel or brown in color. The coat is short and dense, often tricolor (black, white and tan) or bicolor. The tail is carried high and slightly curved.

Physical characteristics

The American Foxhound is an athletic dog, with a sturdy structure and well-developed limbs that give it great endurance. Its long, pendulous ears, straight muzzle and expressive eyes give it a distinguished appearance. The coat is short, dense and weather-resistant, ideal for long days of hunting. The legs are strong and straight, with compact feet, allowing it to run long distances without getting tired. Its tail, carried high, adds to its elegant look.

Character

The American Foxhound is known for being friendly, energetic, and independent. It is a sociable dog that gets along well with other dogs, especially in a pack. Its hunting instinct is very strong, which can sometimes make it a bit distracted when it picks up an interesting scent. Loyal and devoted to its family, it is also gentle and affectionate, although it can be a bit reserved with strangers. Due to its energy and need for stimulation, it is best suited for active families who can provide it with plenty of exercise.

Life expectancy

The American Foxhound has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. To maximize its longevity and quality of life, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. As with all breeds, regular health monitoring is crucial to prevent and quickly treat any potential illnesses. Common health issues in this breed include joint disorders, ear infections, and eye diseases, requiring periodic veterinary exams.

Exercise and activity needs

The American Foxhound is a very active dog that requires a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least an hour is essential, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and hunting games. Due to its strong hunting instinct, it is best to keep it on a leash or in a secure space when outdoors. Mentally stimulating activities, such as tracking games and obedience training, are also important to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Recommended diet

The American Foxhound's diet must be balanced and adapted to its level of activity, age, and health. A high-quality, protein-rich food is essential to maintain its muscle mass and energy. Portions should be well-measured to avoid overweight problems, especially for less active dogs. It is recommended to divide meals into two portions per day to facilitate digestion. Treats can be used in moderation, especially as rewards during training sessions, while monitoring calorie intake.

Training and obedience

The American Foxhound's education requires a consistent and patient approach, using positive reinforcement methods. Due to its intelligence and hunting instinct, it can sometimes be independent and distracted, but it responds well to encouragement and rewards. Early socialization is crucial for it to learn to interact properly with other dogs, animals, and people. Obedience classes can help establish a good educational foundation, and mentally stimulating activities are necessary to avoid boredom and undesirable behaviors.

Behavior with children

The American Foxhound is generally good with children, especially if properly socialized and trained from a young age. Its energy and playful nature make it an excellent playmate for active children. However, due to its size and energy level, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid rough play. Children should be educated on how to treat and respect the dog to ensure a harmonious and safe coexistence.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The American Foxhound can live with other pets if well socialized from a young age. Its hunting instinct may lead it to chase small animals, but with gradual introduction and supervision, it can learn to accept other animals. Interactions with other dogs are generally good, especially if it is accustomed to living in a pack. However, initial supervision is recommended to ensure that interactions go smoothly and that all animals get used to each other's presence.

Grooming needs

The American Foxhound has a short and dense coat that requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hairs and keep its coat clean and shiny. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing may be necessary to control hair loss. Baths are only necessary when the dog is particularly dirty, as excessive bathing can dry out its skin. It is important to regularly monitor and clean its ears to prevent infections, as well as trim its nails and brush its teeth to maintain overall hygiene.

Health

The American Foxhound is generally healthy, but like all breeds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Some of the most common health problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections due to its long hanging ears, and certain eye diseases. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and moderate exercise help prevent and manage these issues. Genetic screening tests can also be conducted to assess the risks of hereditary diseases and ensure the health of the puppies.

Average price

The price of an American Foxhound puppy generally varies between 600 and 1,200 euros (or 700 and 1,300 dollars), depending on the breeder's reputation, bloodlines, and the quality of the parents. Reputable breeders often offer health guarantees, pedigree certificates, and post-sale follow-up, justifying a higher price. It is crucial to choose a responsible breeder who respects the breed standards and provides healthy, well-socialized puppies with all necessary vaccinations.

Expenses

Annual expenses for an American Foxhound can vary between 1,000 and 1,800 euros (or 1,100 and 2,000 dollars). This includes the costs of high-quality food, regular veterinary care (vaccinations, worming, health checks), pet insurance, grooming products, and accessories. Additional fees may occur for training classes, specific activities, and unexpected medical treatments. Health care costs may increase in the case of breed-specific health problems requiring special follow-ups or treatments.

Name ideas

For an American Foxhound, names reflecting its energy and joyful character are ideal. For example, "Hunter" for its hunting instinct, "Ranger" evoking wide open spaces, "Bella" meaning "beautiful" in Italian, or "Rex" for its regal nature. "Max" for its imposing stature, "Luna" for its protective side, "Dash" in reference to its speed, "Scout" for its explorer spirit, "Zeus" symbolizing strength, and "Nova" as a new star in your life.

Legislation and regulation

The American Foxhound is generally not subject to specific bans in most countries. However, it is essential to comply with local regulations regarding dog ownership. This includes registering with local authorities, mandatory vaccinations, and adhering to responsible ownership rules. In France, for example, dogs must be identified by microchip or tattoo and registered in the national database for the identification of domestic carnivores. It is recommended to check local laws before acquiring an American Foxhound.

Official recognition

The American Foxhound is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard number 303, in group 6 (scent hounds, bloodhound dogs and related breeds).

Pedigrees

The pedigrees of American Foxhounds are available from breed clubs and national canine organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States. These pedigrees provide detailed information about the dog's lineage, tracing back multiple generations and including information about the ancestors, their conformance to breed standards, and any participation in shows. A certified pedigree ensures the purity of the breed and helps evaluate the qualities and genetic predispositions of the puppies.

Destination and usage

Historically, the American Foxhound has been mainly used as a hunting dog, specialized in tracking foxes and other game over long distances. Today, it retains its skills as a fearless hunter and is often used for hunting in packs. However, due to its friendly and sociable nature, it is also an excellent companion dog for active families. Its versatility allows it to participate in various canine activities, such as agility, obedience, and shows, where it can demonstrate its endurance and intelligence.

Prohibitions

The American Foxhound is generally not banned in most countries, as it is not considered a dangerous breed. However, it is essential to check local regulations regarding dog ownership, as they may vary. Some jurisdictions may impose specific restrictions on hunting dogs. It is crucial to comply with local laws on dog ownership, including registration, vaccinations, and following responsible ownership rules to avoid any legal issues.

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