American Foxhound vs English Foxhound: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

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The American Foxhound and English Foxhound are two distinct breeds that have been bred for centuries to hunt small game. The American Foxhound is a medium-sized dog with a short, smooth coat.

They were both developed to excel at tracking and chasing, with the American Foxhound originating in the United States and the English Foxhound in England. The English Foxhound is a bit larger than the American Foxhound, weighing between 65-75 pounds.

Their hunting style is quite different, with the American Foxhound known for its speed and agility, while the English Foxhound is famous for its endurance and stamina. This difference in hunting style is largely due to their original purpose and the terrain they were bred to hunt in.

Breed Comparison

Both the American Foxhound and English Foxhound are social and friendly breeds, making them suitable for families. They are both members of the hound group and share many similarities.

Here are some key differences between the two breeds:

The American Foxhound is more agile and faster, while the English Foxhound is stockier and slower. This is likely due to their physical build, with the American Foxhound being lankier and more finely boned.

Price and Availability

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When comparing the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound, one of the key factors to consider is their price range.

The American Foxhound is relatively affordable, with a price range of $400-$600 for a puppy.

In contrast, the English Foxhound is pricier, with a price range of $800-$1200 for a puppy.

Both breeds are relatively easy to get, but they're actually tied in terms of availability - they're both easier than average to get.

Here's a quick comparison of the price and availability of the two breeds:

Bite Characteristics

If you're considering getting a new furry friend, understanding their bite characteristics is essential. The American Foxhound has a low chance of biting somebody, making them a great choice for families with kids.

When it comes to mouthing tendencies, the English Foxhound takes the lead with a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. This means they might get a bit too mouthy during playtime, so be prepared for some energetic interactions.

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Both the American Foxhound and English Foxhound have bite forces that fall in the ordinary range, between 200 and 400 PSI. This is a typical range for many breeds, so you don't have to worry about them having an overly strong or weak bite.

If you're looking for a breed with a lower bite risk, you might want to consider the Finnish Hound, which also has a low chance of biting somebody.

Here's a quick comparison of the bite characteristics of these breeds:

Remember, every dog is unique, and their bite characteristics can vary depending on their individual personality and training.

Energy and Activity

When comparing the energy levels of American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds, it's clear that both breeds are high-energy dogs.

Both American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds require a lot of exercises, so if you're considering bringing one of these breeds into your family, be prepared for regular physical activity.

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If you're an active person who enjoys outdoor activities, you'll likely find that one of these breeds is a great match for you.

American Foxhounds need a lot of exercises, which means they require daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

English Foxhounds also need a lot of exercises, so if you're looking for a breed that will keep you on your toes, this might be the one.

Both breeds don't need too much sleep, which means they'll likely be ready to play or go for a walk at any time of day.

Here's a quick comparison of the energy levels of these two breeds:

Good With

If you're looking for a dog that's great with kids, the English Foxhound, American Foxhound, and Finnish Hound are all good options. They're all very kid-friendly dogs.

The English Foxhound and American Foxhound are particularly good with children, making them a great choice for families.

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Here's a breakdown of the breeds' compatibility with children:

If you have other pets at home, the Finnish Hound is a good choice as they generally get along well with other pets. The English Foxhound and American Foxhound, on the other hand, usually don't get on well with other pets.

In terms of stranger friendliness, all three breeds are average friendly towards strangers. They're not overly aggressive or defensive, but they do take some time to warm up to new people.

If you're a first-time dog owner, any of these breeds would be a great choice. They're all easy-going and have a gentle personality, making them perfect for novice owners.

However, if you work from home and need a dog that's comfortable in an office environment, the English Foxhound or American Foxhound might be a better fit. They're both suitable for office environments, whereas the Finnish Hound is not.

Fox Adaptability

American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds aren't well-suited for apartment living due to their size, energy level, noise, smell, and shedding.

Unfortunately, both breeds don't tolerate being left alone for long periods of time, making them a challenge for busy owners.

They can be left home alone for 6 to 8 hours, but some individuals may not do as well as others.

Recognition

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the American Foxhound as a Hound breed, having been recognized in 1886. The English Foxhound, on the other hand, was recognized by the AKC in 1909.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies both the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, within the Scent hounds section. The FCI also recognizes the Finnish Hound in the same group.

The English Foxhound has more kennel club recognition than the American Foxhound and the Finnish Hound, with recognition from 11 kennel clubs, including the American Canine Registry, the American Kennel Club, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

Reproducibility

Reproducibility is an essential aspect to consider when comparing breeds. American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds have similar reproductive characteristics.

Both breeds have a relatively small litter size, typically ranging from 5 to 7 puppies. This can make for a manageable and enjoyable breeding experience.

The pregnancy duration for both breeds is approximately 60-64 days. This is a relatively standard timeframe for many breeds.

Breeding frequency is also an important consideration. Both American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds should not be bred more than once a year, as frequent breeding can be detrimental to their health.

American Foxhound Characteristics

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The American Foxhound is a breed known for its athletic ability and friendly demeanor. They are generally medium-sized dogs, with males weighing between 65-80 pounds and standing 23-27 inches tall.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance choice for many owners. They come in a variety of colors, including tri-color, black and tan, and red.

Trainability and Intelligence

American Foxhounds are known for their intelligence, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. It takes patience to teach them tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.

Both American and English Foxhounds have an average intelligence rating, which means they're not the easiest to train, but they're not the hardest either. They require consistent and positive reinforcement to learn new things.

In terms of training difficulty, American Foxhounds are actually relatively easy to train, which is a plus for first-time dog owners. On the other hand, English Foxhounds are also easy to train, but they may require a bit more time and effort.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds in terms of trainability:

Overall, with patience and consistency, both American and English Foxhounds can learn new things and become well-behaved companions.

Fox Playfulness

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The American Foxhound is a highly playful breed, which makes sense given its origins as a hunting dog. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase.

If you're considering bringing an American Foxhound into your family, be prepared for lots of energy and activity. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

One thing to keep in mind is that American Foxhounds are not apartment-friendly dogs. They need plenty of space to run around and stretch their legs.

Here's a comparison of the American Foxhound's playful nature to its cousin, the English Foxhound:

The American Foxhound's high level of playfulness makes it a great fit for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

Health and Care

Both American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds require regular veterinary visits, with at least one physical check-up per year, and preferably two.

Their average lifespan is surprisingly similar, with both breeds living for around 11 years. However, their climate tolerance differs, with American Foxhounds able to adapt to cold weather conditions, while English Foxhounds can tolerate both warm and cold weather.

Unfortunately, both breeds are prone to frequent health issues, which may require more frequent vet visits.

Health and Lifespan

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When it comes to the lifespan of American Foxhounds and English Foxhounds, they both have a relatively long life expectancy. On average, American Foxhounds live for 11 years, while English Foxhounds live for 11 years as well.

Both breeds require regular veterinary check-ups, with at least one check-up per year, and preferably two. This will help identify any potential health issues early on.

In terms of climate tolerance, American Foxhounds can adapt well to cold weather conditions, while English Foxhounds can tolerate both warm and cold weather.

Unfortunately, both breeds are prone to frequent health issues, so it's essential to keep a close eye on their health and provide regular care.

Here's a comparison of the breeds in terms of their life expectancy and health concerns:

It's worth noting that both breeds can live up to 13 years with proper care and attention.

Diet and Weight Management

When managing the diet and weight of your American Foxhound or English Foxhound, it's essential to consider their unique needs.

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The American Foxhound breed has a strong tendency to be overweight, so monitoring their food intake is crucial. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent obesity.

English Foxhounds, on the other hand, have a low to average risk for obesity, but it's still important to keep an eye on their weight.

To ensure your dog is getting the right amount of food, compare their daily needs:

Feed your American Foxhound 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food a day, and your English Foxhound 4 to 7 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Hot Weather Tolerance

If you live in a hot climate, choose a dog that can handle the heat well. The American Foxhound and English Foxhound are good examples of breeds that can tolerate hot weather.

These breeds still need some extra care in warm weather, so make sure to provide shade and water for them.

Avoid taking your dog for a walk on hot pavements - if the ground is too hot for your hand to touch for a few seconds, it's too hot for their paws.

What About Shedding?

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Shedding is a reality for many dog owners, and it's essential to consider it when choosing a breed. Both American Foxhound and English Foxhound are medium shedding dogs.

Regular brushing is necessary for these breeds to prevent matting and tangling of their coats. This will also help to reduce the amount of loose hair around the house.

Preventing shedding completely is impossible, but with regular grooming, you can minimize the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and clothes.

Do Dogs Need Much Exercise?

Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and calm, and a leashed walk just won't cut it.

Providing your dog with enough physical activity can reduce or eliminate destructive behavior, making your life easier.

A dog's exercise needs vary by breed, but some dogs require a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

American Foxhound and English Foxhound have high exercise needs, requiring at least 30 to 60 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily.

Aerobic exercise makes your dog pant, so think of it as anything that gets your dog breathing hard.

Comparison and Evaluation

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The American Foxhound and English Foxhound may look similar, but they have distinct differences that set them apart. The American Foxhound is generally smaller, weighing between 40-65 pounds, compared to the English Foxhound's 55-75 pounds.

In terms of build, the American Foxhound is lankier and more finely boned, with a straight back and slightly arched loin, while the English Foxhound is stockier and slower, with a slightly arched back and straight legs.

Here's a comparison of their key characteristics:

Both breeds are social and friendly, making them suitable for families, but the American Foxhound is more agile and faster, while the English Foxhound is slower.

Temperament

The American Foxhound and English Foxhound are both social breeds, but they have some key differences in their personalities and temperaments. Both breeds are loving, loyal, and kind, but the American Foxhound is also independent and intelligent, while the English Foxhound is active, friendly, and gentle.

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The English Foxhound tends to be more sensitive than the American Foxhound, but neither breed is overly sensitive. In fact, the American Foxhound is considered to be less sensitive than other breeds, while the English Foxhound has an average emotional level.

Both breeds are highly affectionate, with the English Foxhound being genuinely loyal, soft, and gentle, and the American Foxhound being similarly affectionate. This means they thrive on attention and interaction with their handlers.

When it comes to social needs, both breeds are social and require regular interaction with their human family. However, the Finnish Hound, which is not directly compared to the American and English Foxhounds in terms of social needs, needs a lot of social interaction, suggesting that the American and English Foxhounds may have lower social needs than the Finnish Hound.

Both breeds have high wanderlust potential, meaning they have a strong desire to explore the world and may try to escape from home if they don't receive enough physical and mental stimulation. This requires owners to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

When it comes to prey drive, the American Foxhound has a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other breeds, while the English Foxhound also has a high impulse to chase and catch something. This makes them well-suited for hunting, but also requires owners to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

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Here's a comparison of the American Foxhound, English Foxhound, and Finnish Hound in terms of their temperament:

Adaptability and Independence

When living with a Foxhound breed, it's essential to consider their adaptability and independence needs. American Foxhounds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.

If you have a busy schedule, it's worth noting that both American and English Foxhounds do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

In fact, English Foxhounds are quite similar to American Foxhounds in terms of their adaptability to changes and living environments, with the only difference being that American Foxhounds adapt slightly better.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' adaptability levels:

Trainability

When training an American Foxhound or an English Foxhound, it's essential to remember that both breeds require patience and consistency.

Both American and English Foxhounds are considered average in terms of intelligence, meaning it takes time and effort to teach them new tricks or commands.

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English Foxhounds are often easier to train than American Foxhounds, as they are also considered easy to train.

To successfully train your dog, remember the three pillars of dog training: patience, persistence, and consistency.

Here's a comparison of the trainability of American and English Foxhounds:

Both breeds are not the best watchdogs, as they are not naturally protective of their territory.

In summary, while both breeds require patience and consistency in training, English Foxhounds are generally easier to train.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the choice between an American Foxhound and an English Foxhound comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Both breeds have their unique characteristics, but they share some similarities.

The American Foxhound is generally more energetic and requires more exercise than the English Foxhound. They need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

English Foxhounds, on the other hand, are more laid-back and adaptable to living situations. They can thrive in smaller spaces with regular exercise.

Ultimately, both breeds are friendly, outgoing, and loving companions. They make great additions to active families or individuals who can provide the necessary attention and care.

Comparative Table: Fox

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The Fox breeds are quite fascinating, and I'm excited to share some key differences between the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound.

The American Foxhound and English Foxhound have some notable size differences, with the American Foxhound typically ranging from 21-25 inches at the shoulder and weighing 40-65 pounds, while the English Foxhound is slightly taller, ranging from 25-27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55-75 pounds.

Both breeds are social and friendly, making them suitable for families. However, their build and temperament differ, with the American Foxhound being lankier and more finely boned, and having a gentle nature, while the English Foxhound is stockier and slower, with a sweet-tempered personality.

One key difference between the two breeds is their speed, with the American Foxhound being faster than the English Foxhound. This is likely due to their stronger sense of smell and more agile build.

Here's a comparison table to help illustrate the main differences between the two breeds:

The price range for the two breeds also differs, with the American Foxhound typically costing between $600-$800, and the English Foxhound costing between $500-$1000.

Physical Characteristics

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The American Foxhound and English Foxhound may look similar at first glance, but they have some notable physical differences. The American Foxhound is generally taller, with an average height of 23-27 inches, while the English Foxhound is slightly shorter, measuring 21.5-24.5 inches.

Their coats are also distinct, with the American Foxhound having a smooth, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors such as tri-color, black and tan, and red. The English Foxhound, on the other hand, has a rougher, more wiry coat that's often a combination of white, black, and tan.

Proportion and Size

The size of a Foxhound can be deceiving, as it's not just about being tall or short. English Foxhounds are larger, typically standing 25 to 27 inches tall and weighing 55 to 75 pounds.

Height is not the only determining factor, as proportion and substance are equally important. In fact, the ideal size for a Harrier is 19 to 21 inches, with a variation of 1 inch in either direction being acceptable.

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The symmetry of a Foxhound is crucial, with breeders and judges prioritizing this aspect above all else. According to the breed standard, symmetry is of the greatest importance.

A level pack of hounds, similar in size and structure, works well together due to their like conformation. This is why breeders and hunters often breed hounds of similar size and shape to suit the country they hunt in.

To put Foxhound size into perspective, the average height of an American man is 69 inches, while the average height of a woman is 63.5 inches, according to CDC data. This means that an English Foxhound is roughly half the height of an average American man.

Body and Coat

The body of a Foxhound, Harrier, or American hound is built for endurance and agility. A correctly conformed English or Harrier will have deep back ribs that give a flat appearance to the underline.

The English Foxhound and Harrier standards emphasize a level topline, which is essential for endurance. This means the shoulder blades should blend smoothly into the hard, muscular back.

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In contrast, the American hound's chest is narrower, with a more sloping underline created by a tapered ribcage construction. This allows for springiness and a more sloping underline.

The backbone of these hounds creates a barely discernible arch at the loin, which should not be confused with a roached back. Strong and broad loins are a must, with hip bones set wide apart.

A narrow, weak loin is a defect, so it's essential to look for broad, strong loins in these breeds. The tail or stern is set on high and carried up, but never over the back.

The end of the tail tapers to a point, with a fringe of hair on the underside. This straight, white-tipped "flag" is easily visible waving in the field.

All three breeds have short, dense, hard, and glossy coats that are designed to be protective in all weather and terrain.

Feet and Legs

The feet and legs of a hound are crucial for its overall performance and longevity in the field. The ideal foot shape is often described as "round" or "cat feet", with well-developed knuckles.

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Strong, durable pads are necessary for withstanding the wear and tear of running long distances. The pads should be full and hard, with well-arched toes and strong nails.

In the American Foxhound, the foot is described as "fox-like", with a slightly longer center toe than its English and Harrier cousins. This unique feature differentiates the American hound's foot from others.

A slight toeing in of the front feet is acceptable in Harriers, but not required. This slight deviation from the standard is countenanced when the hound is in motion.

The pasterns of a Foxhound should be slightly sloping and flexible, acting as shock absorbers when the feet hit the ground. This flexibility is essential for absorbing the impact of running.

The English Foxhound standard calls for legs that are "as straight as a post, and as strong." The bone should be large and sturdy, with a particular emphasis on the size of the bone at the ankle.

The American Foxhound, on the other hand, has straight forelegs from elbows to feet, with a focus on well-boned and well-proportioned legs. The forelegs should swing freely, like a pendulum, with maximum efficiency.

Elbows that are set quite straight and neither turned in nor out are essential for efficient movement. This allows the hound to move with a long, ground-covering stride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the four types of foxhounds?

The four recognized breeds of foxhounds are American, Penn-Marydel, English, and crossbred foxhounds, as designated by the American Masters of Foxhounds Association. These breeds are known for their hunting prowess and distinctive characteristics.

How rare are American foxhounds?

American Foxhounds are a relatively rare breed, ranking 196 out of 201 recognized breeds by the AKC. They are difficult to find in shelters or rescue groups due to their low popularity.

What are the cons of American Foxhound?

American Foxhounds can be challenging to manage due to their strong prey drive and independent nature, making training and housebreaking more difficult than with other breeds. With patience and consistent training, however, they can thrive as loving and loyal companions.

Bryan Reilly-Raynor

Junior Writer

Bryan Reilly-Raynor is a rising star in the world of publishing, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in creative writing, Bryan has honed their craft through years of writing and editing. Bryan's writing portfolio is diverse, with a focus on lifestyle and pet care topics.

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