Suppose you’re considering adding an American Foxhound to your family (and who wouldn’t be). In that case, we’d encourage you to take a moment and read the following article that will attempt to shed some light on this particular dog breed and help you determine if an American Foxhound is going to be a good “fit” for you and your family.
History and Origins of the American Foxhound Breed
Suppose you haven’t spent any considerable time in the northeastern or southern portions of the United States. In that case, it’s understandable why you may not be super familiar with the American Foxhound Breed simply because it is in these areas where they are much more popular than the rest of the country.
This is because…
In these areas of the country back in the late 1600s and early 1700s, the American Foxhound first found its “footing” and became somewhat of a “staple” go-to dog breed. Back then, hunting foxes on horseback throughout the rural areas of America was a trendy sport for the “affluent” folks of that day. It was trendy within communities in the Northeastern and Southern states of America.
Now regardless…
Of one’s opinion on whether hunting a fox while sitting atop a horse should qualify as a “sporting” event, one undeniable thing is that… the American Foxhound is ideally suited for this task! Especially given that this breed was adapted from its English counterpart, the English Foxhound stands about 4 inches taller and weighs about 10 pounds heavier than the “American” version.
American Foxhound Fast Facts
Average Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Area of Origin: United States
Color: Variable
Coat: Smooth and short
Physical Characteristics
Most American Foxhounds typically exhibit the traditional black and tan coat pattern with a white underbelly. Their fur is short to medium, generally making grooming a relatively carefree and easy task for their owners.
However, it’s important to note that American Foxhounds tend to get involved in various activities, which means they are not afraid to get a bit dirty. Despite their easily groomable coats, owners should be prepared to hose down their furry companions occasionally. These dogs often test just how low maintenance they can be, so occasional clean-ups are likely necessary.
How big do American Foxhounds get?
Typically, you will find that male American Foxhounds will stand approximately 22 to 25 inches tall, with females just a few inches shorter. And while weights may vary, most would agree that a healthy American Foxhound will weigh between 40 to 65 pounds placing it right in the middle of what one would consider a medium-sized hound dog.
Another difference…
Besides being smaller than their English counterparts, you will see that American Foxhounds tend to have more prominent, broader ears and more “sloped” foreheads leading into their characteristic short muzzle. On the other hand, English Foxhounds tend to have smaller ears and demonstrate a solid pronounced brow.
Temperament and Personality
While it is true that the American Foxhound was initially bred as a hunting dog, these beautiful animals have many other qualities to offer. After all, fox hunting is not an everyday activity nowadays, so American Foxhounds are primarily recognized for their friendly personalities and loyalty. While they may initially be reserved around new people or strangers, it doesn’t mean they won’t want to become an integral part of your household.
However, if you’re seeking a dog that is content spending the entire day outdoors in the yard and doesn’t constantly seek to come inside, there may be better choices than an American Foxhound.
Additionally, it’s important to note that American Foxhounds, like many hounds, tend “bay.” If you’re unfamiliar with this term, we strongly recommend searching for videos on YouTube to understand the unique sound that hound dogs, including American Foxhounds, make when they feel lonely. A feeling they can get quite often, considering that American Foxhounds were specifically bred to hunt in packs, making them highly social animals. The good news is that they generally thrive when surrounded by other dogs or pets and may not do well if left alone for long periods.
Obedience Training
As mentioned, the American Foxhound is an excellent family pet breed that will generally be very sweet and affectionate. Still, at its core, the American Foxhound is a hunter with an incredible sense of smell.
This means that…
Your new little hunter will also be very energetic and always sniffing around for some “scent” to go after. And when it catches a “whiff” of something that they find interesting… Watch out because chances are they will be off to the races!
Does this mean it’s impossible to train an American Foxhound to do anything other than hunt?
No, not at all; it just means that you must be aware that your new companion is the product of a breeding program designed to create a super hunting machine!
But it does mean there will be days when you find your American Foxhound quite stubborn. It’s days like these that you’ll want to take advantage of this fact and give your Foxhound plenty of opportunities to exercise, run around a lot, and receive amply positive reinforcements as well as a few tasty treats along the way so that you don’t find yourself at odds with their genetics!
Potential Health Concerns
Anytime you’re considering purchasing a purebred animal, you always face the risk that your animal may be more prone to a particular health concern than a non-purebred animal.
The good news…
The breed is pretty healthy overall when it comes to the American Foxhound. However, there is one condition that can sometimes be an issue: the presence of abnormal blood platelets. This condition can be easily identified with a blood test and should be something that you ask your dog breeder about before ultimately settling on an individual American Foxhound.
Other conditions that…
It might also affect your American Foxhound, including common infections within the ears and possibly some hip issues (hip dysplasia), although these are rare.
Despite these few risks, we here at IndulgeYourPet will often still recommend that folks at least consider purchasing a pet insurance policy for their new family member simply because with a dog this active and this prone to run off into the wilderness, the likelihood that they might suffer from an injury or an animal attack (snake, or another dog) always remains a real possibility.
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “Best” pet insurance policies, please check out our Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
