American Foxhound

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One of Americas native breeds, the American Foxhound is also one of our rarest. This tall hound sports a close, hard coat that can be any color.

The Foxhound in this country is used for four purposes, thus calling for hounds of a different characteristics: competitive field trial hounds and trail hounds (speed is most important), fox hunting hounds (slow workers with good voices), and pack hounds (15 to 20 hounds or more, used by hunt clubs and farmers).

The American Foxhound is directly descended from English hounds brought to America in 1650 and bred over a century later to a French hound sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington.

Washington ran a breeding program and often mentioned the hounds in his journals. The two breeds, French and English, in combination have produced the American Foxhound. In the seventeenth century, these dogs were used for seeking out Indians.

The American Foxhound was bred to run, so they are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms. They can do well in smaller areas, however, with owners who provide them with adequate exercise.

Hounds raised in the home tend to be mild tempered and easy going, getting along with children and most other pets. Their short coat is easy to care for, but owners will need patience and persistence in training, as the breed can be stubborn and independent.

Temperament: Loyal, Kind, Sweet-Tempered, Intelligent, Loving, Independent

Health Problems: A fairly healthy breed, American Foxhounds are free of many genetic diseases, such as hip and bone problems, that plague other large breeds.