The American Foxhound: An Historic Hound of Speed, Stamina and Sweetness
The American Foxhound is a piece of living history, its origins intertwined with the birth of a nation. One of America‘s native breeds, this handsome, athletic hound was first developed by George Washington and other colonial gentlemen who brought their love of mounted foxhunting from England to the New World.
Over centuries, the American Foxhound evolved into a speedy, sweet-natured hunter supremely adapted to pursuing red and grey foxes across the wild terrain of the American South and Mid-Atlantic. Although rare today, the breed remains renowned for its endurance, work ethic, and melodious voice on the trail.
But you don‘t need to be an avid fox hunter to appreciate the American Foxhound‘s many charms. This good-natured hound also makes a delightful family companion, getting along well with children, other dogs, and even the household cat. If you‘re looking for an affectionate, easy-going pet with a fascinating history and forever-puppy good looks, the American Foxhound may be your perfect match.
American Foxhound History: George Washington‘s Beloved Hunting Companion
The American Foxhound‘s journey began in 1650, when the progenitors of the modern breed first arrived in the American colonies with settlers who hoped to continue their cherished English tradition of mounted foxhunting in the New World. These hounds—mostly English Foxhounds, with some French and Irish hounds—had to adapt to the untamed wilderness and wily wildlife of the American South.
In the late 1700s, George Washington set out to develop an American version of the foxhound with more speed, stamina, and scenting power than its British cousin. An avid fox hunter, Washington kept a pack of foxhounds at Mount Vernon, his Virginia estate, and studiously crossed hounds in an attempt to create the perfect hunting dog. In a 1786 letter to the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington wrote of his breeding program:
"I have been reduced, by the death of some, and the dismissal of others quite past their prime, to the necessity of repairing my kennel by the introduction of a new pack; the most celebrated that I could obtain…The result of this experiment cannot be known until the fifth or sixth generation."
George Washington and His Hounds by Thomas Gooch, circa 1785 (Wikimedia Commons)
Washington wasn‘t alone in his passion for hound breeding. Many of America‘s Founding Fathers were avid fox hunters and hound men, including George Mason, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. Their early efforts to adapt English hounds to the rigors of the American landscape laid the foundation for several uniquely American breeds, including the American Foxhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, and Treeing Walker Coonhound.
The American Foxhound soon emerged as a distinct breed, differing from its English Foxhound ancestor in several key ways, as M.E.S. Walker describes in The Foxhound:
"Lighter in build and color, taller, more stream-lined, with longer, more sloping shoulders, and shorter ears than the English Foxhound, the American hound was a distinct new breed. Where the English hound had been bred to follow a strong scent at a steady pace, the American hound was developed for speed and a keen nose in a harsher terrain and climate."
By 1785, Washington had fully transitioned his pack to American Foxhounds, which accompanied him on hunts at Mount Vernon until just months before his death in 1799. In 1886, the American Foxhound became one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed remains closely associated with Washington and his home state of Virginia, which named the American Foxhound its official state dog in 1966.
American Foxhound Traits and Personality
An archetypal scent hound, the American Foxhound is known for its determination and single-minded focus on the trail—as well as its affectionate, gentle nature with people. Here are some key American Foxhound traits:
- Size: Males stand 22-25 inches and females 21-24 inches at the shoulder. Weight ranges from 60-70 pounds.
- Coat and Colors: The short, hard coat lies close to the body and comes in four color patterns: tricolor (black, white, and tan), white/black/tan, white/tan, and red/white, sometimes with ticking.
- Temperament: Sweet, gentle, and loving. Generally friendly with children, other dogs, and pets. May bay, bark, or howl if bored or left alone too long. Independent and stubborn streak, with a tendency to roam and follow scents.
- Exercise: Very high energy, requiring 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. Thrives with an active outdoor lifestyle.
- Training: Intelligent but strong-willed, requiring patient, positive training from puppyhood. Strong prey drive and tendency to follow scents, so a secure fence and leash walks are a must.
- Grooming: Low-maintenance, short coat needs brushing once or twice weekly. Check and clean ears regularly.
- Health: Generally healthy, with a lifespan of 10-13 years. May be prone to hip dysplasia, thrombocytopathy, ear infections, and some eye disorders.
- Popularity: Rare breed, ranking 187th out of 197 AKC breeds in 2021.
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness to Dogs | High |
| Friendliness to Strangers | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Adaptability | Medium |
| Trainability | Low |
| Barking Level | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Exercise Needs | Very High |
| Grooming Needs | Low |
| Shedding Level | Medium |
Table: American Foxhound Traits (Source: American Kennel Club)
The American Foxhound on the Hunt
The American Foxhound was bred first and foremost to run with mounted fox hunters, trailing foxes in packs alongside galloping horses. Even today, the breed‘s keenness, persistence on the trail, and musical voice win it many fans among those who ride to hounds.
In the field, American Foxhounds work cooperatively in a pack of 15-20 hounds, with each dog contributing its individual voice to the "cry," the melodious sound of the pack in full pursuit. The hounds track the fox by scent, while mounted hunters follow the pack as closely as the terrain allows.
The hunt begins with the hounds being led to a covert where a fox is likely to be found. When a hound picks up the scent, it gives "tongue" by barking or baying. As the other hounds honor the scent, the pack‘s cry grows in intensity and excitement. The hounds work as a team, with lead "strike dogs" heading the chase as other hounds follow, barking all the while.
A good hunting pack contains both "baritone" and "tenor" hounds, with some dogs specializing in finding the scent on the ground while others excel at hard, fast chases. The hounds are judged on their ability to work together, the consistency and musicality of their cry, and their single-minded dedication to the hunt.
Living with an American Foxhound
The American Foxhound‘s sweet, placid nature and strong pack instincts make it a good candidate for a family pet, especially in an active home with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Foxhounds typically love children and get along well with other dogs, especially when raised together from puppyhood. Many can even live peacefully with cats and other small animals if socialized to them at an early age. These pack hounds dislike being left alone for long periods and may howl, bay, or become destructive if isolated from their people too often.
Although gentle and tolerant, American Foxhounds have very high energy and exercise needs that can prove challenging for the average pet owner. This breed requires at least an hour or two of vigorous activity each day, preferably including opportunities to run, hike, and explore. Without enough exercise, Foxhounds tend to become bored, anxious, and destructive. A spacious, securely fenced yard is a must for this agile, determined breed with a tendency to wander and chase small prey.
Training is another challenge with this single-minded scenthound. Like their Beagle and Bloodhound cousins, American Foxhounds are intelligent but strong-willed and easily distracted by tantalizing scents. Positive, rewards-based training with plenty of patience and consistency is key. Even a well-trained Foxhound will be unreliable off leash due to the breed‘s powerful instinct to follow any interesting trail.
If you can meet the Foxhound‘s intense exercise needs and appreciate the breed‘s independent (some might say stubborn) nature, you‘ll be rewarded with a gentle, devoted companion renowned for its endearing houndy charm. This easygoing breed‘s forever-puppy looks and outgoing, inquisitive personality are sure to melt your heart.
Finding an American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a rare breed today, with only 67 dogs newly registered with the American Kennel Club in 2021. The breed‘s low popularity can make it challenging to find a well-bred puppy, especially outside of the southern U.S. and East Coast.
Expect to spend time on a responsible breeder‘s waitlist and pay $800 to $1,200 for a pet-quality puppy, with show/breeding prospects costing $2,500 or more. Always choose a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and raises puppies in the home with proper socialization.
You can start your search for a quality American Foxhound breeder with the American Kennel Club Marketplace or a referral from the American Foxhound Club, the official AKC parent club for the breed. Avoid pet stores, online sellers, or anyone offering multiple breeds or designer mixes.
Rescuing an adult American Foxhound is possible but may require some detective work, as few all-breed shelters or rescue groups have experience with this uncommon breed. The AKC lists several Foxhound rescue organizations on its website.
Conclusion: A Storied Breed of Surprising Sweetness
The American Foxhound is a living embodiment of history, its journey deeply entwined with the earliest days of the United States and the father of our country, George Washington. Over centuries, these athletic, single-minded hounds evolved into the ideal dog for pursuing swift, wily foxes across the American South and Mid-Atlantic.
But there‘s so much more to love about the American Foxhound beyond its illustrious history and reputation as a talented hunter. This gentle, easy-going breed also makes a wonderful family pet, spreading sweetness and houndy charm in any home lucky enough to have one.
Yes, the Foxhound‘s intense exercise needs, vocal nature, and independent spirit can prove challenging for the novice owner. But for an experienced dog lover willing to put in the time and effort, the American Foxhound is a devoted, affectionate companion like no other—an enduring symbol of a young nation‘s daring spirit and irrepressible love of the chase.
