The American Foxhound is a true American original. In fact, he is one of the oldest American dog breeds, with a lineage that predates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Developed by George Washington himself (yes, the first President of the United States), the American Foxhound was bred to run all day, chasing foxes across the rolling hills and dense forests of Virginia. He is taller, lighter, and faster than his English cousin, the English Foxhound, adapted specifically for the rougher American terrain.

While he is a fierce, relentless hunter in the field, at home he is a gentle, sweet-natured dog who gets along with everyone. He has a melodious voice (a “bay”) that can be heard for miles. This musical vocalization is charming to hound lovers and essential for hunters tracking their pack, but it is perhaps less appreciated by neighbors in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac.

History and Origin: The Founding Father’s Dog

The history of the American Foxhound is deeply intertwined with the history of the United States itself. In 1650, an Englishman named Robert Brooke sailed to the Crown Colony of Maryland with his family and his pack of hunting dogs. These dogs, which became known as “Brooke Hounds,” were the foundation of several American hound breeds and remained in the Brooke family for nearly 300 years.

A century later, George Washington, an avid and passionate foxhunter, sought to create the perfect hound for the Virginia landscape. He wanted a dog with a superior nose, great speed, and the stamina to hunt from dawn until dusk. He kept meticulous records of his breeding program. To improve his pack, he crossed the descendants of the Brooke Hounds with French Foxhounds (Grand Bleu de Gascogne) that were gifted to him by his friend and ally, the Marquis de Lafayette.

The result was the sleek, fast, and musical American Foxhound. These dogs were lighter and rangier than their English ancestors, capable of covering vast distances at high speed. The breed was further refined over the centuries, but the core characteristics established by Washington remain. While the breed is still used extensively for hunting today (often in large packs belonging to hunt clubs), they are relatively rare as house pets, ranking near the bottom of AKC registration statistics. They are, however, the official state dog of Virginia, honoring their Virginian roots.

Physical Characteristics

The American Foxhound is a lean, athletic dog built for speed and endurance.

• Height: Males 22-25 inches (56-64 cm); Females 21-24 inches (53-61 cm).
• Weight: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Legs: Long, straight-boned, and strong.
• Back: Slightly arched over the loin, providing power for galloping.
• Ears: Long, low-set, and soft. They frame the face perfectly.
• Coat: Short, hard, and close. It protects them from brambles.
• Color: Any color is allowed, but the classic hound tri-color (black, white, and tan) is most common.
• Eyes: Large, soft, and either hazel or brown. They have a gentle, pleading expression.

Temperament and Personality: The Sweet Singer

Foxhounds are pack animals. They are incredibly social.

The Lover

They are gentle and affectionate with their family. They are generally excellent with children and other dogs. However, their high prey drive means they may chase cats or small animals.

The Independent Spirit

Like all hounds, they follow their nose. If they catch a scent, they are gone. They are independent thinkers and can be stubborn. They are not dogs that look to you for constant approval.

The Voice

They don’t just bark; they bay. It is a musical, mournful, bell-like sound that carries for incredible distances. Hunters can often identify individual dogs in a pack just by the unique timbre of their voice. While beautiful in the field, this vocalization can be problematic in an apartment or quiet neighborhood. They may bay when they are bored, lonely, or when they catch a scent of a squirrel three streets away.

Training and Exercise Needs

Exercise: Born to Run

The American Foxhound has stamina for days. He was built to run 30 or 40 miles during a hunt and still be ready for more.

• Daily: A quick walk around the block is not enough. This breed needs a long, vigorous walk or run every single day. If you are a marathon runner, this is your dream dog.
• Running Partner: They make excellent running and hiking companions. They will keep pace with you for miles and never tire.
• Fenced Yard: A securely fenced yard is essential. And we mean secure. If they catch a scent, they will follow it with single-minded determination, ignoring traffic, commands, and fences. They have been known to follow trails across state lines.

Training: The Nose Knows

Training an American Foxhound requires patience, humor, and a lot of food. They are not unintelligent; they are just independent. They were bred to work independently of human command once the scent is struck.

• Recall: Do not trust them off-leash in an unfenced area. Their nose rules their brain. When the nose turns on, the ears turn off. No amount of calling will bring them back if they are on a hot trail.
• Stubbornness: They can be easily distracted. Training sessions should be short, upbeat, and reward-based. They do not respond well to harsh correction.
• Food Motivation: They are generally very food motivated, which is your best tool for training.

Health and Lifespan

American Foxhounds are generally a robust and healthy breed, often living 11 to 13 years. Because they have not been over-bred for the show ring, they suffer from fewer genetic defects than many other breeds.

• Thrombocytopathy: A specific platelet disorder found in the breed that affects blood clotting. It can lead to excessive bleeding from minor injuries. Responsible breeders can test for this.
• Hip Dysplasia: Like many large, active dogs, they can be prone to hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis.
• Ear Infections: Their long, beautiful, floppy ears hang down and trap moisture and debris. This creates a perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Weekly cleaning and inspection are mandatory to prevent painful infections.
• Bloat (GDV): As a deep-chested breed, they are at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists.

Grooming and Care

The Foxhound is low-maintenance.

• Brushing: Weekly brushing with a hound glove keeps the coat shiny.
• Bathing: Only when dirty.
• Nails: Keep them short.

Nutrition

Foxhounds can easily become overweight if they don’t get enough exercise.

• Quality: High-quality kibble.
• Portion Control: Measure meals.

Is an American Foxhound Right for You?

The American Foxhound is a wonderful but specialized breed.

Yes, if:

• You are an active runner or hiker.
• You have a large, securely fenced yard.
• You want a gentle, low-maintenance dog.
• You appreciate the hound personality.

No, if:

• You live in an apartment (the baying).
• You want an off-leash dog.
• You want a dog that obeys instantly.
• You have small pets that run.

For the active family who loves the outdoors and appreciates a dog with history and heart, the American Foxhound is a loyal, sweet-natured friend.