What You Should Know Before Adopting an American Foxhound

Breed overview

Characteristic

Description

Size

Medium to large-sized breed, typically 21-25 inches (53-63 cm) in height and 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg) in weight

Coat

Short, dense coat that comes in various colors, including black, white, tan, and red

Head

Long, narrow head with long, drooping ears and dark, expressive eyes

Temperament

Friendly, social, and energetic, with a strong prey drive

Exercise needs

High exercise needs, requiring long runs or vigorous playtime daily

Training

Can be independent and stubborn, but respond well to positive reinforcement training methods

Health concerns

Can be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and other health issues

Are you looking for a friendly hound breed? 

Consider getting an American Foxhound. But before you do, note that they are a big commitment. Here are 14 things about them to think about beforehand!

They were initially bred for hunting foxes.

The American Foxhound is a dog breed with roots in fox hunting. They evolved from a mix of different European hound breeds and were bred for their outstanding stamina and excellent sense of smell.

The American Foxhound was used to track foxes across large distances. They are still employed for hunting in some regions. Because of their high energy levels and innate drive to hunt, they are best suited to families with an active lifestyle.

They are very active and require plenty of exercises.

American Foxhounds are developed to run for large distances in pursuit of their prey. Because of this, they need at least an hour or two of vigorous activity every day. Without it, they may develop destructive boredom and behavior issues such as: 

• excessive barking
• and destructive chewing.

An American Foxhound is not the greatest choice for those with a small apartment or a house without a yard. Although American Foxhounds thrive in a home environment when given enough exercise. 

However, all walks should be taken with a leash because these dogs were raised to hunt, chase animals, and follow a scent. 

Other ways for this dog to obtain physical and mental stimulation include the following: 

• tracking
• rally
• coursing ability
• playtime
• jogging
• hiking
• and even swimming.

They have a strong sense of smell.

The American Foxhound is a breed of dog renowned for its keen nose and uncanny ability to follow a scent thanks to its past of hunting foxes and other small game, where their exceptional sense of smell proved invaluable.

However, American Foxhounds have been utilized for purposes beyond hunting, including the following: 

• search and rescue
• drug detection,
• and even tracking.

Without adequate training and supervision, they could wander off or get into trouble because they are too focused on following their nose. 

They are typically independent.

While American Foxhounds are known for their friendly and calm demeanor, they also have the hound's trait of being independent and headstrong. 

To assist them in adjusting to family life, they will require extra time, attention, and training. They also benefit greatly from early socialization, during which they are introduced to a wide variety of: 

• people
• other dogs
• environments
• and experiences.

American Foxhounds are exceptionally patient with people of all ages, especially kids. Nonetheless, they could be shy or wary around new people. Your American Foxhound might not respond as positively to a stranger as it would to a friend or family member.

American Foxhounds are not recommended for apartment living.

American Foxhounds should not be kept as pets in cramped quarters or small flats. Given their high activity level and boundless enthusiasm for life, this breed must be given plenty of room to run and play.

They have a strong drive to run and investigate their environment. The lack of space and opportunities for physical activity could lead to behavioral issues. 

Hence, prospective owners should consider your home's setting and guarantee ample outdoor space for exercise and play. A house with a large, fenced-in yard or proximity to open areas like parks or nature reserves is ideal for this breed.

They are pack animals and do well with other dogs.

While American Foxhounds are known to be extremely loyal to their families and packs, they may take some time to warm up to and trust new individuals.

Although they are canine pack animals, American Foxhounds will only get along with other dogs if they have been properly socialized. They also have a strong instinct to hunt and pursue cats, squirrels, or rabbits. 

To prevent your American Foxhound from going after tiny animals, keep a close eye on them and train them to heed directions. 

Generally, if you already have other pets at home, consider the American Foxhound's temperament and training before bringing them in.

American Foxhounds are known for their distinctive howl and may be prone to excessive barking if not appropriately trained.

A failure to properly train an American Foxhound may result in excessive barking, as the breed is noted for its characteristic howl. This trait is hardwired into their genetic makeup. 

Their howling was used to communicate with other hounds and human handlers during hunts.

While your dog's playful barking may be adorable to you, it may be bothersome to your neighbors if it's too loud or frequent. This is especially true in urban areas where people live in close quarters.

The best way to prevent your American Foxhound from barking too much is to start training and socializing him as a puppy and teach him when to bark. Give it positive reinforcement when he refrains from barking.

Boredom and anxiety can also lead to excessive barking, which can be avoided with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

They can be challenging to train.

While this hound has a typically good disposition, it is not a pet for everyone. Due to their tenacious nature, American Foxhounds can be difficult to train. 

The intensity with which they can focus on a scent means they can't focus on the training. Because of their independent and often rebellious nature, American Foxhounds' early training and socialization are necessary. 

Despite their amiable demeanor and affinity for human company, these dogs can exhibit stubborn tendencies if they aren't properly socialized and trained.

They have a short coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing.

The American Foxhound has an elegant short coat kept tight to the body. The firm structure of the coat protects the dog from the underbrush he courses through while hunting. Their coat is also very low maintenance. 

Brushing once a week for five to ten minutes is required. Unless the Foxhound gets into something really dirty outside, it should not need a bath. 

You should brush your Foxhound's teeth twice or thrice weekly to remove plaque and tartar. If your dog doesn't naturally wear down its nails, you should trim them regularly. 

American Foxhounds have a lifespan of around 10-12 years.

The American Foxhound should thrive on veterinary-approved, high-quality dog food purchased commercially or cooked at home. They typically live between 10 and 12 years. 

To maintain a long and healthy life for your American Foxhound, providing them with a decent diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care is essential.

Your American Foxhound's needs will change as they get older. You may need to: 

• take them to the vet more often
• change their diet
• boost their activity level,
• and maybe treat any age-related health issues that arise.

To ensure that your American Foxhound has a long and happy life with you, giving them the care they require as they mature is essential.

They are prone to specific health issues.

Though American Foxhounds as a whole tend to be relatively healthy, they can be susceptible to the following: 

• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infection
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes

If you are worried that your pet may develop these health problems, it's vital to remember that not all dogs are susceptible to illness. 

Maintaining your American Foxhound's health and happiness is possible with the following:

• proper care
• nutrition
• and annual veterinary examinations.

American Foxhounds make good running or hiking companions.

Due to their gentle disposition and high stamina, American Foxhounds make fantastic jogging partners for active pet parents, and if given enough daily exercise, they also make great family dogs. 

They have so much vitality that they can go on long runs or hikes with their owners without tiring out. They will surely make a wonderful pet for someone who is physically active and appreciates the outdoors.

They make loyal and loving family pets.

American Foxhounds can also make great pets for the home. They have a warm disposition for people of all ages and are especially good with kids.

After some time spent training and socializing, they can become extraordinary members of active-lifestyle families. Their unique wail is well-known and, to some, even endearing.

American Foxhounds may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners.

American Foxhounds are not necessarily the greatest choice for first-time dog owners because their needs must be met through training and experience. 

The fact that American Foxhounds are free spirits and occasionally rebellious can also make training them difficult. Because of their high hunting drive, they can be a problem for households with other pets, especially cats.

Getting an American Foxhound is a big decision. Before you commit, learning as much as possible about the breed is vital to ensure it will suit your home and family. All in all, American Foxhounds can make wonderful family pets if owned by an experienced person who will give them the exercise, training, and socialization they need to flourish!