American FoxhoundVirginia's tireless, sweet-natured pack hound

History and Origin

English hounds arrived in the American colonies in the 17th century; Robert Brooke is credited with bringing a pack to Maryland in 1650. Over the following century, American hunters crossed them with French and Irish hounds to create a faster, lighter dog suited to the rough terrain and the native gray and imported red fox.

George Washington was a keen foxhunter and bred hounds at Mount Vernon, crossing his dogs with French hounds gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette. The American Foxhound was among the earliest breeds recognized by the AKC, in 1886, and it is the state dog of Virginia. Today it remains one of the rarer AKC breeds in homes, since many still live in hunting packs.

Compared with its English counterpart, the American Foxhound is lighter in bone, longer in leg and faster, built for chasing over long distances in open country.

Size, Colors and Coat

The American Foxhound is a tall, rangy hound built for speed over long distances. It stands about 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs roughly 60 to 70 lb. Under the AKC standard, males measure 22 to 25 inches and females 21 to 24 inches, and males usually look a little heavier through the chest and head.

Compared with the English Foxhound, it is lighter in bone and longer in the leg, with a slightly arched loin and a long, slightly domed skull. The large, soft eyes give a gentle, pleading expression, and the broad, low-set ears hang close to the cheeks.

The coat is close and hard, of medium hound length, giving protection in brush and weather. Any color is accepted. Common patterns include:

• Tricolor: black saddle with tan and white
• Red and white or lemon and white
• Open patterns with mostly white and patches of color

Working pack hounds may vary more in type than show dogs.

Temperament and Personality

Foxhounds are gentle, friendly and easygoing. Bred to live and work in packs, they generally get along well with other dogs and are tolerant of children. They are rarely protective, though they will sound off when someone arrives.

They are also independent and single-minded on a scent. Many are stubborn about training and need patient handling. Foxhounds that lack exercise or company often bay, howl and become destructive.

Many Foxhounds that come from hunting packs are not used to house life at first and need time to learn house rules, stairs and household noise.

Is the American Foxhound Good for First-Time Owners?

Generally not, unless the first-time owner lives in the country and is very active. The Foxhound is gentle and friendly, which is appealing, but its needs are demanding.

Beginners often struggle with the exercise requirement, unreliable recall on a scent, a loud bay and a slow, independent attitude to training. Many Foxhounds are also adopted from hunting packs and need time to learn indoor living. A first-time owner who still wants the breed should have secure fencing, a running or tracking hobby, ideally another dog, and patience for gradual house training.

Are American Foxhounds Easy to Train?

No, they are considered one of the more challenging breeds to train, mainly because of their independence and strong scent drive. They are not aggressive or difficult in temperament; they simply prefer following their nose.

Food is the best motivator. Keep sessions short, positive and frequent, and practice in low-distraction places before moving outdoors. Recall should be treated as a long-term project, with a long line or fenced area for off-leash time. Crate training and a consistent toilet schedule help with house training, especially for adult dogs coming from kennels.

Are American Foxhounds Good With Cats?

Often yes, especially when raised with a cat. Foxhounds are pack hounds that tend to be sociable, and many live peacefully with household cats.

Some individuals, particularly hounds from active hunting packs, have a strong chase instinct toward anything that runs. Introduce slowly, give the cat high escape routes, and supervise early meetings. A dog that accepts its own cat may still chase cats, rabbits or squirrels outdoors, so keep the hound leashed or in a fenced area. Ask rescues whether an adult Foxhound has been cat-tested.

Exercise and Training

This is one of the most demanding hounds in terms of exercise. Plan on at least two hours of daily activity, including running in a securely fenced area or jogging on leash.

• Off-leash freedom is only realistic in large, fenced spaces; a Foxhound on a trail can cover miles.
• Training takes patience and food rewards; keep sessions short and frequent.
• Canicross, bikejoring and tracking are excellent outlets.
• A second dog often helps, since Foxhounds dislike being alone.

Grooming and Shedding

The short, hard coat needs a weekly brush with a hound mitt. Shedding is moderate. Check and clean the ears weekly, check paws after long runs and keep nails short. Drooling is minimal.

Bathe only when needed; the coat is fairly weather-resistant. Some Foxhounds have a mild hound odor, which regular brushing helps manage.

Feeding and Nutrition

American Foxhounds are notorious food lovers, and a hound that is not running for hours a day can gain weight quickly. Keep a lean, athletic shape with ribs that are easy to feel, and adjust portions to the actual workload rather than the breed's reputation for high energy.

• Puppies grow into a large, leggy frame. A large-breed puppy diet in three or four meals supports steady growth; avoid overfeeding.
• Feed adults two measured meals a day, and give hunting or running dogs their main meal after work, not before.
• Secure garbage cans and countertops; a Foxhound's nose finds everything.

Hounds coming from hunting packs may be used to competitive feeding, so feed them separately from other dogs at first and watch for food guarding. Slow-feed bowls help fast eaters. On long runs, especially in heat, offer water often. Former pack hounds are sometimes underweight on adoption; increase food gradually with your vet's guidance.

Estimates use the resting energy formula veterinarians work with (70 × body weight in kg^0.75) and standard activity factors. Use the feeding guide on your food as a starting point and adjust to body condition. Puppies, seniors, pregnant animals and pets that need to lose weight have different needs, so ask your vet.

Health and Lifespan

American Foxhounds typically live 11 to 13 years and are generally considered a healthy breed. Neither the AKC nor the VDH highlights major breed-specific inherited diseases. Practical care points include:

• Regular ear checks, as the hanging ears trap moisture.
• Hip screening of breeding dogs, as with most medium-to-large breeds.
• Keeping the dog lean; it loves food.

Some breeders also screen for thrombopathy, a bleeding disorder reported in the breed. Ask for any health test results available for both parents.

American Foxhound Price and Cost of Ownership

American Foxhound puppies are rarely sold as pets, so there is no well-established US price range. Many dogs come from hunting kennels, where prices vary widely, while the few show breeders usually have waiting lists. Prices vary by breeder, region and lines, and buyers should expect to search for some time.

Adoption is a practical route. Foxhound and hound rescues, especially in Virginia and the Southeast, regularly rehome retired pack hounds and mixes, usually for a modest fee.

Breed-specific ongoing cost drivers include:

• Secure, high fencing to contain a hound on a scent
• A GPS collar for owners who hunt or run in open country
• Ear care and treatment for infections in the hanging ears
• Doggy daycare or a walker if no one is home, since Foxhounds dislike solitude

Is the American Foxhound Right for You?

The Foxhound suits rural owners with land, runners and hunters who can give it serious daily exercise and company. It can be a lovely family dog in that setting.

It is a poor fit for apartments, city living, neighbors sensitive to noise and owners who work long hours away from home.

Adult Foxhounds retired from hunting packs are sometimes available through rescues. They can make gentle pets but may need extra time to adjust to indoor life.