Finding the perfect dog can sometimes be difficult. With so many options, how do you know which is right for you? The American Foxhound is described as an independent, easy-going, and sweet-tempered dog. George Washington owned many of this dog breed, and was a key player in the breed’s development to what it is today. Is the American Foxhound a good breed for you and your lifestyle?
The American Foxhound’s Temperament
These easy-going hound dogs are loving and relatively low-maintenance. They have short, smooth coats, that only require monthly grooming. American Foxhounds rarely drool, and shed an average amount. These sleek dogs have a rich history as hunting dogs, with long, strong legs, and large, soft eyes.
As true hounds do, American Foxhounds are very loud, so take this into consideration depending on where you live. Those in an apartment building may not appreciate hearing your Foxhound bawling at dawn. These dogs are extremely vocal!
American Foxhounds have a pretty distinct coat pattern, and their breed standard cites their colors as Black/White/Tan, or White/Black/Tan.
This large breed tends to live anywhere between 11-13 years. Their height at the withers ranges between 22-25 inches, with males on the taller end. Males also weigh slightly more than females, between 60-70 pounds with females usually ranging between 60-65.
How Much Training Do American Foxhounds Need?
American Foxhounds are hunting dogs at heart, and are known for their speed, endurance, and work ethic. They do have a very strong prey drive, which can be difficult to manage. They are very independent dogs, and though they are smart, training can sometimes be a challenge. Things like housebreaking and training can be more difficult with this breed than with other breeds.
This breeds needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If they don’t get enough, they can get destructive or even depressed. They’re very smart, but tend to do their own thing when they want to, especially when their prey drive is activated. Novice owners may have a hard time training this breed.
These dogs do have a lot of energy, so dog sports are a great option to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Especially sports like Fast CAT are good for this breed, because it activates their prey drive. Sports like obedience or AKC Rally might be more of a fun challenge with this breed, but that makes their success all the more sweeter!
Are American Foxhounds Good for Families?
American Foxhounds are very sweet, loving dogs. They are moderately affectionate with their families, and are fantastic with children of all ages. They’re one of the oldest American dog breeds, and have been around families for a long time — and it shows!
They’re okay with strangers, and aren’t overly friendly or shy when first meeting people. They’re pretty laid-back for the most part. They’re great with kids, other dogs, and even other animals!
How Social Are American Foxhounds?
American Foxhounds have a high prey drive and like to have something to do, but they’re pretty average in terms of playfulness and adaptability levels. They like routine, but are still pretty flexible. As for a watchdog, there are definitely pros and cons if you want your American Foxhound to be protective. They’ll be loud, so regardless, they will be very vocal when someone is near or they sense danger.
If you’re looking for a rarer breed, the American Foxhound is also comprised of a tight-knit community of dog-lovers. Despite their rich history, the Foxhound ranks in the bottom 20 of all breeds based on AKC Registration Statistics.
Every dog is different, even within the breed, so talk to your breeder about whether or not the breed would be a good fit for you and your lifestyle. Talking to people who own the breed already can also be a great way to help familiarize yourself with their temperament, care level, and what to expect.