American Foxhound
The American Foxhound traces its roots to hounds bred by George Washington, America's first president, making it one of the country's original sporting breeds. Developed for fox hunting, it combines a keen sense of smell with remarkable stamina and a sturdy frame built for long hours in the field. Gentle and friendly by nature, American Foxhounds enjoy the company of people and, thanks to their history as pack hunters, tend to get along well with other dogs too. Standing 53 to 63.5 cm at the shoulder, this large breed thrives on regular activity, so providing plenty of opportunities to move and explore is key to bringing out its best qualities.
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American Foxhound key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 10-13 years
- Size
- Height 53-63.5cm
- Diet
- High-quality large-breed dog food. Feed twice daily according to activity.
- Temperament
- Gentle and friendly. Strong pack instinct from its hunting history.
- Exercise
- 60+ min of exercise daily. Great stamina and loves long activity.
- Coat Care
- Short easy-care coat. Brush weekly.
- Origin
- United States
- Notes
- Strong scent drive; prevent escapes. Watch for ear infections and hip dysplasia.
About American Foxhound
Meet the American Foxhound, a gentle, high-stamina hound bred in the United States. Learn about its temperament, size, and what to know before welcoming this large breed home.
7 things to know before welcoming a American Foxhound
1High Exercise Needs
Bred as a hunting hound, the American Foxhound has excellent stamina and needs a substantial amount of daily exercise. Beyond walks, make time for regular runs in a safe, open space. Without enough activity, this breed can become stressed or develop excessive barking.
2A Pack-Bred Temperament
Having hunted in packs for generations, American Foxhounds generally get along well with other dogs. That said, long stretches alone can leave them feeling lonely, so make an effort to spend quality time together as a family.
3Gentle, Friendly Nature
This breed is known for being friendly toward people and low in aggression, making for a calm presence in the household. They tend to do well with children, though supervision is still wise given the size difference.
4Feeding for a Large Breed
Adults typically stand between 53 and 63.5 cm at the shoulder, so a high-quality large-breed dog food is recommended. Splitting meals into two feedings a day, adjusted to their activity level, can help ease the load on their digestive system.
5Coat Care and Shedding
Their short coat makes grooming relatively simple, but regular brushing helps you keep an eye on shedding and skin condition. Because their ears hang down, it's also worth checking them periodically for moisture-related issues.
6Training for Intermediate Owners
Combining independence with drive, this breed is generally considered better suited to owners with some prior dog-handling experience. Starting basic training, such as recall, early and staying consistent makes a real difference.
7Preparing Your Home in Advance
Given their stamina and strong urge to run, it's worth confirming ahead of time whether you can provide a yard or dog run where they can move safely. If you live in an apartment, it's also a good idea to think through how you'll manage their vocalization.
Frequently asked questions about American Foxhound
- Q.How long do American Foxhounds typically live?
- A.American Foxhounds generally live around 10 to 13 years. Since individual lifespans can vary, making regular health checks part of your routine helps you spend as much time together as possible.
- Q.How big does an American Foxhound get as an adult?
- A.Adults typically stand between 53 and 63.5 cm at the shoulder, making this a large breed. It's worth confirming in advance that you have enough space and exercise area for a dog this size.
- Q.Is this breed suitable for first-time owners?
- A.The American Foxhound is generally considered better suited to owners with some prior experience. Its high exercise needs and independent streak call for consistent training, so it's worth researching care requirements thoroughly beforehand.
- Q.Does it get along well with other dogs?
- A.Having been bred to hunt in packs, American Foxhounds generally get along well with other dogs. Even so, individual personalities vary, so it's best to introduce them to other dogs gradually and carefully.
- Q.How well does it handle being left alone?
- A.As an active, high-stamina breed, being left alone for long stretches can lead to pent-up energy and stress. Make sure they get enough exercise first, then gradually build up their tolerance for alone time at a comfortable pace.
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