American Foxhound
Profile
The American Foxhound is a medium to large breed known for its endurance and speed. They have a strong hunting instinct and a friendly, sociable nature. They have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors.
Characteristics | Details |
Dog Breed Name | American Foxhound |
Breed Group | Hound Group |
Origin | United States |
Alternative Names | Virginia Hound, Foxhound |
Suitable Weather | Cool to moderate temperatures with plenty of exercise opportunities. |
Avg. Weight | 65-70 pounds |
Avg. Height | 22-25 inches |
Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Coat Color | White with black and tan markings |
Coat Type | Short, dense, hard coat |
Shedding Frequency | 60-90 days. |
Activity Level | High |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Grooming | Moderate |
Dog Cost | $300 – $600 |
History
The American Foxhound is a breed that originated in the United States in the 1700s. They were developed by crossing English Foxhounds with French hounds to create a breed that was better suited for hunting in the American countryside. Known for their speed, endurance, and keen sense of smell, American Foxhounds became popular among hunters and farmers in the early days of the United States.
Highlights
Known for their exceptional hunting abilities, American Foxhounds have a strong sense of smell and stamina, making them excellent tracking dogs.
They are a friendly and sociable breed, getting along well with other dogs and children, making them great family pets.
American Foxhounds are known for their athleticism and energy, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
They have a distinctive bay or howl that they use while hunting, which can be quite loud and may not be suitable for apartment living.
The American Foxhound is a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-13 years, and they are known for their easy-care short coat that requires minimal grooming.
Appearance
The American Foxhound is a medium to large-sized breed with a sturdy build and athletic appearance. They typically stand between 21-25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65-75 pounds.
They have a sleek, short coat that comes in a variety of colors including black, white, and tan. Known for their keen sense of smell and endurance, they have a noble and alert expression.
Personality & Behaviour
The American Foxhound is a friendly, sociable, and energetic breed known for its hunting instincts and strong sense of smell. They are independent and can be stubborn at times, but are generally good-natured and get along well with other dogs and children. They are highly active and require plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
American Foxhounds are known for their loud, baying bark and can be prone to wandering off if not properly trained and supervised. They make excellent companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Temperament
Compatibility with Children | Good with Children |
Compatibility with other Dogs | Good with Other Dogs |
Compatibility with Strangers | Highly Friendly |
Playfulness | Highly Playful |
Protectiveness | Moderate Protective |
Trainability Level | Moderate Trainable |
Energy Level | High |
Barking Level | Moderate |
Need of Exercise | High |
Compatibility with Children
The American Foxhound is known for its friendly and gentle nature, making it a great companion for children. They are patient and tolerant, making them well-suited for families with young kids.
Their energetic and playful demeanor also makes them a good match for active children who enjoy outdoor activities.
However, it is important to supervise interactions between the American Foxhound and children to ensure that both parties are safe and comfortable.
With proper socialization and training, the American Foxhound can be a wonderful addition to a family with children.
Compatibility with other Pets
American Foxhounds are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them generally compatible with other pets. They are pack animals and get along well with other dogs, especially when raised together.
However, their strong hunting instincts may cause issues with smaller pets like cats or rabbits. Proper socialization and training can help minimize any potential conflicts.
Overall, American Foxhounds can be good companions for a variety of pets, but supervision and introductions may be necessary, especially with smaller animals.
Best Compatible Dogs with American Foxhound
1. Beagle
2. English Foxhound
3. Harrier
4. Coonhound
5. Bloodhound
Care Requirements
The American Foxhound is an active and energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They need daily walks, runs, or playtime in a secure area to prevent them from wandering off to follow scents.
Regular grooming is also necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy. Mental stimulation is important for this intelligent breed, so puzzle toys or training sessions are recommended.
Proper socialization and training from a young age are essential to prevent any behavioral issues.
Monthly Maintenance Cost
The American Foxhound is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but there are still monthly costs to consider. These can include:
1. Food: High-quality dog food can cost around $30-$60 per month.
2. Veterinary care: Routine check-ups and vaccinations can cost around $50-$100 per month.
3. Grooming: occasional grooming sessions can cost around $30-$50 per month.
4. Toys and treats: Toys and treats can cost around $20-$40 per month.
Overall, the monthly maintenance cost for an American Foxhound can range from $130-$250.
Health
The American Foxhound is a relatively healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. It is important for owners to be aware of these common health problems and take necessary precautions to prevent them.
Some of the common health issues that American Foxhounds may face include:
1. Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not form properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
2. Ear Infections: American Foxhounds have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections.
3. Bloat: This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow to the organs.
To prevent these health issues, owners should:
1. Provide regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint problems.
2. Clean the ears regularly to prevent infections.
3. Feed multiple small meals throughout the day to prevent bloat.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can also help ensure the overall well-being of the American Foxhound.
Food & Feeding
The American Foxhound is a breed known for its high energy levels and active lifestyle, making it important to provide them with a balanced diet to support their needs.
The best food for an American Foxhound is a high-quality, protein-rich diet that is specifically formulated for active breeds.
Look for dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, as well as essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
When it comes to feeding an American Foxhound, it is recommended to feed them twice a day, dividing their daily portion into two meals.
The quantity of food will depend on the dog’s age, size, and activity level, but a general guideline is to feed them about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day.
It is important to monitor their weight and adjust their portion sizes accordingly to prevent obesity.
Feeding timings are crucial for the American Foxhound, as they are an active breed that requires fuel throughout the day.
It is recommended to feed them once in the morning and once in the evening, with at least 8-12 hours between meals to allow for proper digestion.
Additionally, make sure to provide fresh water at all times to keep your American Foxhound hydrated and healthy.
In summary, the American Foxhound should be fed a high-quality, protein-rich diet in appropriate quantities to support their active lifestyle. Feeding them twice a day and providing fresh water at all times will help keep them healthy and happy.
Fun Facts About American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the United States, with a history that dates back to the early 1700s.
American Foxhounds are known for their incredible sense of smell, which is said to be one of the best among all dog breeds. They are often used for hunting and tracking.
Despite their hunting instincts, American Foxhounds are known to be gentle and friendly dogs that get along well with children and other pets.
The breed is known for its endurance and stamina, making them excellent companions for active individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and running.
American Foxhounds have a distinctive howl that can be heard for miles. This vocalization is a trait that has been bred into them for centuries to communicate with other dogs while on the hunt.
Cost
The average cost of an American Foxhound ranges from $500 to $1,500. Prices can vary based on factors such as breeder reputation, lineage, and location. Some may even cost upwards of $2,000 for show-quality dogs. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300.
