INTRODUCTION

Easy-going, sweet, gentle and loyal, the American Foxhound dog breed belongs to a way of life that has been maintained for more than two centuries, but also has the potential to be a modern-day companion. Although they are purebred dogs, you can find American Foxhounds in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. The American Foxhound’s endurance and love of running make him a great jogging companion for athletic pet parents, and his gentle nature makes him an excellent family dog, as long as he gets the exercise he desires. Although they are low-maintenance and affectionate pets, apartment dwellers and novice owners should be cautious. The energy and intensity of this breed means they need plenty of room to run and a commitment to lots of active play time. AniMall24 recommends a good dog bed to give your medium-sized American Foxhound a good night’s sleep. You should also buy a dog water bottle for any outdoor adventures you have with your pup.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Foxhound is famous for its musical voice and its howls can reach for miles; city life is not recommended for this breed. Foxhounds are easily distracted by various scents. Once you have made up your mind to follow one, you will find it difficult to dissuade them. Foxhounds are not housebroken and will roam if given the opportunity. Foxhounds are extremely active and need an hour or two of exercise daily. Take him for long walks with plenty of time to sniff or take him for a run with you. Foxhounds are not suited to living in confined spaces; they need a large yard or, better yet, an acre or two. Foxhounds love to eat and gain weight easily if their food intake is not strictly controlled. Foxhounds can be stubborn and independent, so training them is a challenge. However, obedience training is important to develop a better relationship with your dog and establish your position as pack leader. Foxhounds are gentle and tolerant and love children. They enjoy the company of other dogs and can learn to get along with cats if introduced to them at an early age.

HISTORY

When the first European settlers arrived in the American colonies, some of them brought their hounds with them. In the late 18th century, the descendants of these dogs were bred with imported Irish, English, and French hounds. American breeders aimed to develop a lighter, taller and faster Foxhound than its English cousin, with a sharper nose, to better adapt to the hunting and terrain of their new country. George Washington was one of the first American breeders. He had a pack of American Foxhounds at Mount Vernon and tried to improve his dogs by crossing them with imported British hounds. He also bred them with French hounds given to him by his friend the Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy Frenchman who fought with him in the Revolutionary War. Today, there are four types of American Foxhounds: field trial hounds, known for their speed and competitive spirit; slow tracking hounds, known for their musical howl and used for fox hunting on foot; drag hounds, also known as trail hounds, which are raced or hunted using an artificial lure instead of actual prey; and pack hounds, used by hunters on horseback in packs of 15 to 20 or more.