American Foxhound Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

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American Foxhound
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American Foxhound puppies are a bundle of energy and joy, with their short coats and floppy ears making them an adorable addition to any family. They are a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 40-65 pounds.

Their temperament is friendly and outgoing, making them great with children and other pets. They are also highly intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times.

American Foxhound puppies are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent these problems.

With proper exercise and training, American Foxhound puppies can grow into happy and healthy adults, making them a wonderful companion for active families.

About the Breed

American Foxhounds are a unique breed, and if you're considering bringing one home, you'll want to know what to expect. They're excellent hunting dogs, with a short, easy-to-care-for coat and a large, strong, athletic build.

These dogs are known for being mild-mannered and easy to get along with, making them a great choice for families with kids. They're also great with other dogs, and with proper training, they can be very well-behaved.

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Here are some key characteristics of the American Foxhound breed:

  • Excellent hunting dog
  • Short, easy-to-care-for coat
  • Large, strong, athletic build
  • Mild-mannered and easy to get along with
  • Great with kids and other dogs
  • Even temper and gentle disposition

They're a highly active breed that requires regular exercise and space to run. If left alone for too long, they can become destructive, so be prepared to provide plenty of attention and activity.

History of

The American Foxhound has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. This breed originated in the 1700s in Virginia and Maryland, where it was bred as a scenthound for hunting fox.

George Washington, the first president of the United States and a renowned fox hunter, played a significant role in developing the breed. He kept a pack of hounds at his home in Mount Vernon and experimented with breeding them with British and French hounds to create a faster and more agile scent hound.

The American Foxhound's lineage is steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to the Brooke Hounds brought over by Robert Brooke from England in 1650. These hounds remained in the Brooke family for nearly 300 years, making it one of the longest documented breeding records for a single breed and family.

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The breed was developed purely for hunting foxes, with the importation of Irish Foxhounds adding speed and stamina to the mix. Today, the American Foxhound is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is the state dog of Virginia.

Here's a brief overview of the key milestones in the development of the American Foxhound:

The American Foxhound's history is a testament to the breed's resilience and adaptability, making it a beloved companion for many families today.

Description

The American Foxhound is known for its unique musical bark, called a bay, which can be heard for miles. This distinctive sound is a result of their inheritance from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne's signature howl.

They are low-maintenance dogs that get on well with kids, other dogs, and pets, making them a great addition to many families.

As a breed, American Foxhounds are more finely boned than their English counterparts and have a slightly arched back end.

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The American Foxhound is a highly adaptable breed, but they don't do well in city settings due to their tendency to bay loudly when hunting.

There are many different strains of American Foxhound, including Penn-Marydel, Walker, Trigg, Goodman, and Calhoun, each with their own unique characteristics and functions.

Each strain of American Foxhound has been bred for specific purposes, such as hunting on foot or in packs, and for their competitive spirit and speed.

Physical Characteristics

The American Foxhound is a tall and rangy breed, standing between 21-25 inches tall at the withers. Their skull is slightly domed, and they have low and long-reaching ears.

Their large eyes are set far apart, giving them a gentle and pleading expression. American Foxhounds are muscular and strong, with sloped shoulders and a long muzzle.

They have a close, hard coat of medium length that sheds a good amount of hair, but a weekly brushing can help reduce shedding. Traditionally, they come in a tri-colored combination of black, white, and tan, but they can be any color.

Traits

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The American Foxhound has a unique appearance that's hard to miss. They're taller and rangier than their cousin, the English Foxhound.

Their skull is slightly domed, which is a distinctive characteristic of the breed. Low and long-reaching ears are another identifying feature.

You'll notice their large eyes are set far apart, giving them a gentle, pleading expression. Their muscular shoulders are sloped, and their hips and thighs are strong.

The American Foxhound's coat is a close, hard hound coat of medium length, and it comes in any color. However, the traditional tri-color combination of black, white, and tan is still the most prevalent.

They tend to shed a good amount of hair, but regular brushing can help reduce shedding. A weekly brushing is a good rule of thumb to keep their coat looking its best.

The American Foxhound's legs are long and straight-boned, and their chest is rather narrow. They have a long muzzle and a large, domed skull.

Broaden your view: American Bully Skull

Size

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The American Foxhound is a medium-sized breed, and one of the most notable physical characteristics is its size.

The modern-day American Foxhound is around 20 to 25 inches when fully grown.

Female dogs tend to be slightly smaller than their male counterparts, coming in at 24 inches.

Temperament and Personality

American Foxhound puppies are known for being gentle and tolerant, making them a great fit for families with children. They're also easygoing and docile, which means they'll get along with other dogs and pets if introduced early.

However, they can be shy and reserved around strangers, so socialization is key. They may even act timid in unfamiliar surroundings, which is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing one home.

These puppies love to exercise and will get into trouble if they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation. They need at least an hour or two of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy, and they'll channel their energy into destructive behaviors if they don't get it.

Temperament and Personality

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The American Foxhound is a gentle and tolerant breed that loves children and gets along with other dogs and household pets if introduced early. They can be shy and reserved around strangers, so socialization is key.

This breed is not suited for watchdog duty as they tend to wander off when a new scent catches their attention. They're more interested in exploring than guarding.

American Foxhounds are intelligent and good-humored, but they require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Without it, they can get destructive.

Their loud howls can be a problem in apartments or city settings, but early socialization and training can help reduce this behavior. They can also be friendly toward strangers with proper training.

Training American Foxhounds can be challenging due to their strong independent streak. They've been bred to hunt with minimal oversight, making them stubborn at times.

To keep your Foxhound happy and well-behaved, make sure to provide at least an hour or two of stimulating exercise each day. This will help channel their energy into positive behaviors.

Hound

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Hound breeds are known for their acute powers of scent, which allows them to follow a trail with ease. This is evident in the Trigg Hound, which has a strong sense of smell.

The Trigg Hound is also tenacious, meaning they can be quite stubborn at times. This trait is beneficial for hunting, as they can stay focused on the task at hand.

Male Trigg Hounds stand 23 to 24 inches tall at the withers and weigh 45 to 55 pounds. Females stand slightly shorter and weigh less.

Trigg Hounds have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors, although the Continental Kennel Club only recognizes tricolor and bicolor dogs.

Their long snout and hanging ears are also notable features of the Trigg Hound breed.

Health and Care

American Foxhound puppies are a joy to have as pets, but like all dogs, they require regular care and attention to stay healthy. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 12 years with proper nutrition, health, and care.

On a similar theme: Bernese Mountain Dog Care

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Brushing their teeth daily is crucial to prevent periodontal disease, and regular brushing of their coat is also essential. You should aim to brush their coat at least weekly, and their teeth at least twice a week.

American Foxhounds are generally good dogs, but they can easily become overweight if overfed. This is why monitoring the amount of food and treats you give them is vital. Their diet should be consistent and high-quality, suitable for their age.

Their ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections, and you should aim to clean them weekly. They also require regular exercise, but don't overdo it at first. Their energy levels are high, so they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

Here are some key health and care requirements for American Foxhound puppies:

By following these simple care and health requirements, you can help your American Foxhound puppy live a happy and healthy life.

Exercise and Training

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American Foxhound puppies require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

They need at least two hours of daily activity, which can be achieved through long walks, hikes, or engaging in canine sports like tracking and course ability tests.

To keep them from getting bored and misbehaving, a strict exercise schedule is essential.

American Foxhounds love to play games that challenge their sense of smell, which can help tire them out physically and mentally.

However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, making training a bit more challenging.

Obedience training is crucial for this breed, and it's recommended to enroll them in obedience class training to help them become well-rounded dogs.

Here's a quick rundown of the exercise and training needs of American Foxhound puppies:

  • Daily activity: at least 2 hours
  • Exercise ideas: long walks, hikes, tracking, course ability tests
  • Training needs: obedience class training, early socialization
  • Important note: keep them on a leash in areas that aren't fenced, as they can be easily distracted by interesting smells.

General Information

American foxhounds are a type of hound dog that originated in the United States.

They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them great companions for families.

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American foxhounds are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet choice.

These dogs are relatively healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections.

American foxhounds are a relatively long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years.

They are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Breed Specifics

American Foxhounds are low-maintenance, easygoing dogs that get on well with kids, other dogs, and pets.

The breed is more finely boned than its English counterpart and longer in the leg with a slightly arched back end.

First recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886, there are many different strains of American Foxhound, including Penn-Marydel, Walker, Trigg, Goodman, and Calhoun.

Each strain has been bred specifically for certain functions, such as slow trailing, pack hunting, or competitive field trials.

American Foxhounds are known for their musical baying, a trait that's particularly notable in slow trailing hounds.

Pack hounds, on the other hand, are used by hunters on horses in large packs of up to 20 or more.

Field trial hounds have been bred for their competitive spirit and great speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an American Foxhound cost?

An American Foxhound puppy typically costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on the breeder and location. If you're considering bringing one home, learn more about the breed and what to expect from the purchase process.

Are American Foxhounds good family dogs?

American Foxhounds can make wonderful family pets, but they require patient and consistent training. With proper exercise and care, they can be gentle and loving companions for children.

Are American Foxhound rare?

Yes, American Foxhounds are considered a rare breed, ranking 196 out of 201 recognized breeds by the AKC. This rarity makes it challenging to find them in shelters or rescue groups.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.

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