Despite their pleasant attitude and low maintenance requirements, American Foxhounds can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. They get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Revolutionary heroes and enormous estates of old Virginia have long been connected with them. The sleek, rangy appearance of the American Foxhound belies its legendary speed, stamina, and work ethic as a hunting dog.
The American Foxhound is a breed with a long tradition of gentleness, sweetness, kindness, and loyalty, but they also have the ability to be a great companion for today's dog owner.
However, if you're willing to give your American Foxhound the activity and time they'd normally get from roaming around with their canine buddies, you can raise one as a solitary companion dog. Unless they're on the prowl for prey, these massive predators maintain a low profile. As a result, they become more and more ferocious in their pursuit.
The Foxhound, like other dogs, has a melodic nature. The baying of hounds may be heard for kilometres, and they have bell-like voices. Unless you know your neighbours will like the performance or live far enough away to not bother them, you should avoid bringing one home.
Discover all there is to know about the American Foxhound dog breed in the list below!
Highlights
- The Foxhound's bays and howls can be heard for miles, making city living unsuitable for this species.
- There are many different odours that can distract foxhounds. You'll have a hard time getting him to change his mind once he's determined to take one path.
- Foxhounds don't like to stay in one place and will go exploring if given the opportunity.
- Foxhounds are incredibly active and require at least one to two hours of exercise each day. Take them for long walks so they may have plenty of time to sniff around or even go for a run together.
- In order for foxhounds to thrive, they must have access to a large yard or maybe an acre or two.
- If their food intake isn't tightly monitored, foxhounds are prone to gaining weight.
- The stubbornness and independence of foxhounds can make training difficult. However, in order to have a better relationship with your dog and establish yourself as the pack leader, obedience training is essential.
- Children love foxhounds because they are kind, tolerant, and patient. They like the companionship of other dogs and can learn to get along with cats if they are introduced to them at a very young age.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
Many people think little dogs are only suitable for apartment living, but this is not always the case. It's not uncommon for tiny dogs to be exasperatingly excitable and vocal when living in an apartment building. Being quiet, low-energy, peaceful indoors, and respectful to other neighbours are all ideal attributes in an apartment dog. And if you want to offer your dog a bit more privacy in your apartment, this is the place to do it.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. "Easygoing," "resilient" and "thick-skinned" dogs can better endure a noisy, chaotic household, an aggressive or boisterous owner, and an unpredictable or erratic routine than dogs who are more sensitive. Does your life revolve around entertaining, having a full-time job, having small children, or being in a band? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Protective nature
The propensity of a breed to warn you when outsiders are nearby. The mailman or a squirrel outside the window won't faze these dogs, which are more alert to potential danger. In the event that a stranger enters the house and is accepted by the family, one of these breeds is likely to warm up to the visitor.
Potential for Playfulness
Some dogs never grow out of their puppyhood and are always looking for a game to play, while other dogs are more reserved and serious. Consider how many games of fetch or tag you wish to play each day and whether you have children or other canines who can stand in as playmates for the dog, even if a rambunctious pup seems adorable to you.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
Sheepdogs, which were intended to herd animals and require a high level of intelligence and attention, need mental exercise just as much as dogs raised to gallop all day do. A lack of mental stimulation can cause them to create their own labour, such as digging and chewing, if they don't get it. Dog sports and occupations, like agility and search and rescue, are excellent methods to offer a dog a mental workout.
Energy Level
Dogs with a lot of energy are continuously on the lookout for something to do. Due to their heritage as working dogs, such as retrieving game for hunters or shepherding livestock, they have the endurance to put in a long day's work. They're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and exploring new sights and smells if they're getting the activity and cerebral stimulation they require.
The canine version of a couch potato, a low-energy dog is satisfied to sleep the day away. Think about your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a dog breed. Is a feisty, lively dog something you enjoy or find irritating?
Easy To Train
Those canines that are easier to train are better able to quickly make the connection between a cue (such as the phrase "sit"), an action (such as sitting), and a reward (such as earning a treat." It takes more time, patience and practice to train other breeds of dogs.
In many cases, you'll need to employ rewards and games to encourage your dog to want to comply with your commands if he approaches training with a "What's in it for me?" attitude.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
The degree to which a dog is inclined to be affectionate toward members of its own family or other close friends. It is possible for some breeds to be distant from everyone but their owner, whilst other types treat everyone of their acquaintances as if they were their closest friends.
Kid-Friendly
the degree to which a breed is tolerant of and patient with the antics of children, as well as its general friendliness to families with young children. Children under the age of 12 should never be left alone with dogs, even if they've had some previous experience with them.
Dog Friendly
Friendliness toward dogs and a human's friendliness are two separate concepts. It's not uncommon for dogs to attack or try to dominate each other, even if they're known as "lovebugs" by their owners. It's not only a matter of genetics. Dogs with high social skills are more likely to have been raised with their littermates and mother until they were at least six to eight weeks old and spent a lot of time playing with other puppies.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means having to deal with dog hair on your clothes and all over your home. However, the amount of shedding varies widely among the different breeds of dogs. There are some dogs that shed all year round, some that "blow" (shedding) seasonally, and still others that shed very little. Pick a breed that sheds less or lower your requirements if cleanliness is important to you. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your home a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
Wet spots may be left on your clothes and your arm by canines that are more prone to slobbering than others. In the event that drool isn't a concern for you, then go ahead and get a dog that doesn't drool excessively.
Easy To Groom
If you're looking for an easy-to-groom dog, there are a number of breeds that don't require any grooming whatsoever. Grooming a dog that requires a lot of time and patience may not be in your best interest if you do not have the time or the money to do so.
Exercise Needs
Even a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood can be enough exercise for certain breeds. Those that were originally developed for physically demanding jobs, such as herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
These breeds may put on weight if they don't get enough exercise, and their pent-up energy may manifest itself in unwanted behaviours like barking, chewing, and digging. If you're an active person who likes to go outside and play with your dog, you should consider a breed that requires a lot of activity.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
40 to 60 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 13 years
Height
21 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Types
In the breed, there are four varieties of American Foxhounds field trials, foxhunting, trail hounds, and pack hounds.
History
It is believed that the first English fox-chasing hounds arrived in the New World around 1650, giving rise to this uniquely American breed. Even George Washington enjoyed riding to the hounds, a typical upper-class sport by the 1700s. American Foxhound is a descendant of these early foxhounds that George Washington bred with French foxhounds that the Marquis de Lafayette gave him.
As the breed evolved, immigrants from countries like England, France, and Ireland were brought in. Since 1850, foxhound ancestry has been documented in the United States. A speedier dog, able to start and chase a fox alone and also give chase to a deer, became more popular in the southern United States at the same time, particularly in the highlands of Kentucky and Tennessee. More than their English counterparts, the canines were able to streamline their physiques.
The dogs evolved into a variety of breeds, the most popular of which is the Walker. Genealogical evidence suggests that the dog responsible for this lineage was named Tennessee Lead and had been purchased by George Washington Maupin after it was allegedly kidnapped from a deer chase. His crosses with this fast-breeding foxhound resulted in some of the best-running dogs ever seen. They were later referred to as Walker hounds.
Trigg, Goodman, July, Calhoun, and Hudspeth are some of the other foxhound breeds. Some of these dogs ended up being trained to run and hunt, while others were trained to be show dogs or pack dogs, which allowed them to specialise even more. As a breed, Foxhounds are known for their group mentality. These dogs have a powerful nose and a propensity to give chase as a pack member, making them ideal for chasing down prey.
Although the number of American Foxhounds registered with the AKC has never been exceptionally significant, the breed was one of the first to do so in 1886. Although the Foxhound has a low AKC registration rate, this does not reflect its widespread popularity, as most Foxhounds are not registered with the AKC. As a result, it can claim to be one of the least popular breeds in the United States.
Personality and Temperament
American Foxhounds, despite their pleasant and easy-going demeanor, have a stubborn and independent temperament that is typical of the breed. When it comes to hunting, they haven't had much guidance from humans, and they don't really see why they should follow your instructions exactly.
A pack-oriented foxhound might be difficult to train because they've formed a stronger attachment with their group than with their owners. As a result, they will require more time, attention, and training to adjust to life as a household pet.
While every dog needs early socialization exposure to a wide variety of people and animals Foxhounds are no exception. Helps Foxhound puppies develop into pleasant, well-rounded dogs through socialisation.
The Foxhound is a well-behaved dog, despite the fact that it was traditionally kept as a farm animal. Human or canine friendship is the greatest environment for foxhounds to thrive. Even though they aren't particularly outgoing, they are tolerant, friendly, and gentle dogs. People tend to be apprehensive of strangers. This dog requires regular exercise in a safe location. The Foxhound will follow happily, ignoring commands, once it has picked up on a scent. It's hard to categorise a dog like this as a "city dog" because it's active and enjoys the great outdoors.
Care
Learning about the American foxhound is essential to a pleasant relationship with this laid-back but lively breed. Every day they need a lot of activity, and they're notorious for being tenacious in their pursuit of their own goals (a trait that makes them excel when pursuing a scent on the hunt). Due to its short hair, the American foxhound requires less maintenance when it comes to appearance and grooming.
Health
Lifespan is 11 to 13 years for American Foxhounds when compared to other dog breeds, they're considered to be very healthy but that doesn't mean they aren't susceptible to common ailments.
Joint Dysplasia
So when the hip or elbow joint's ball and socket don't match up perfectly, this ailment becomes identified and causes substantial pain. When it comes to joint dysplasia, American Foxhounds aren't exempt. There are a variety of risk factors, ranging from heredity and rapid growth to body mass and dietary habits. To treat joint dysplasia in dogs, your veterinarian may prescribe joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medicine as well as physical therapy or surgery.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are more common in American Foxhounds than in any other breed with floppy ears. For bacteria and yeast to thrive, they need a wet and warm environment like that provided by their ears' structure. To avoid an ear infection, be sure to thoroughly dry your pet's ears after bathing or swimming. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to properly clean your pet's ears.
Thrombocytopathy
Abnormal or excessive bleeding from tiny cuts or bumps is caused by platelets that aren't working properly. If the ailment is severe or has a known aetiology, doctors will tailor their approach to treating it accordingly.
Bloat
With their large chests and narrow waistlines, American Foxhounds are predisposed to stomach dilatation-volvulus. GDV is a condition in which the stomach twists and extends as a result of gas. If you suspect your dog has GDV, take him to the veterinarian right away. By avoiding vigorous exercise one hour before and after meals, using a slow feeder to prevent your pups from inhaling their food and giving them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, you can avoid this problem. The stomach can be stitched to the side of the body to prevent it from happening again, which your veterinarian may prescribe.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- Analyses of the Ear
- Analysing the blood
- Examination of the Entire Body
Nutrition
Obesity is a major problem for this breed, so it's critical to monitor their nutrition carefully. Don't feed them kibble that's full with junk and be stringent about portion control. Corn, wheat, and soy are all examples of cheap filler ingredients to stay away from when making a healthy meal. Besides causing your dog to gain weight, these treats only provide short bursts of energy.
You should instead opt for a high-protein diet that employs lean cuts of quality meat. Avoid items that claim to be created from animal by-products, as these are lower-quality pieces of meat that were previously rejected for other uses. You don't want your dog ingesting these because they could be from ill or long-dead animals.
Training treats are a common area where people allow their dogs to get out of hand. It is common for novice owners to resort to bribery in training sessions with food to encourage their dogs to comply. As a result, the dog will be less well-trained, and the extra calories will build up over time.
It's also a good idea to add glucosamine or omega fatty acids to their diets, as these can help prevent arthritis and other joint disorders. However, they should not be used as a substitute for a lean and nutritious diet.
Grooming
In terms of grooming, the foxhound is one of the most low-maintenance breeds. This breed's short, smooth hair stays near to the body, making it an excellent choice for apartment living. The coarse hair doesn't get matted easily, but it does tend to shed all over the house when it's dry. Owners of this breed should brush it once a week to keep its coat in good condition and limit the amount of shedding. On an as-needed basis, bathe your foxhound if its coat becomes noticeably soiled.
Foxhounds, like other canine species, require regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. This breed necessitates weekly ear checks and monthly ear cleanings to keep their ears free of dirt. This breed is more susceptible to developing ear infections due to its loose ears, which trap moisture. An appointment with your veterinarian should be made as soon as possible if your dog's behaviour changes, such as frequent pawing at its ears or shaking its head. Ear infections can spread quickly and be extremely painful. An owner's best bet is to consult with their vet about how often their dog's ears should be cleaned if the dog has had multiple infections.
Exercise
In order to minimise unwanted behaviour, owners should be aware that these dogs have an abundance of energy that has to be used every day. Recall that American foxhounds were bred to be fast dogs with endurance. They have a seemingly infinite amount of energy, and this requires a lot of exercise every day. To keep your foxhound in shape, you should plan on exercising him for at least two hours each day. The best thing you can do for your dog is to provide it with a safe, fenced-in space to run around in. If left alone in the house, these dogs might become destructive when they're looking for their own entertainment.
The American foxhound, like other scent hounds, has an acute sense of smell and a single-minded focus on the pursuit of prey. Because of this, you should never allow your foxhound to go off-leash in the city, where the risk of being hit by a car or becoming lost is considerably greater. Dogs like this one were bred to focus on a certain scent and disregard the rest of the world. As a result, if your foxhound chases birds, automobiles, humans, or other animals, it is unlikely to listen to your recall commands.
Training
However, the independent nature of the American foxhound can be problematic when it comes to living in a home. In order to be a responsible foxhound owner, you should begin teaching your dog to obey commands as soon as they are eight weeks old. To avoid this, you should start by teaching your dog the fundamentals of house training and recall commands.
This breed responds well to training that emphasises positive reinforcement. Short, frequent training sessions are best for keeping your dog motivated, since otherwise, he may become bored and wander off. It's best to steer clear of any punishment-based approaches, as they tend to backfire. Foxhounds are highly emotional animals, and if their owners yell at them too much, they may develop a fear of them and stop listening to them.
Children and Other Pets
If you've ever heard of a child learning to walk by holding onto their family's American foxhound, you're not alone. A dog and child should never be left alone together, regardless of the breed. They should always be watched to make sure neither of them does any ear biting or tail pulling.
American Foxhounds were bred to live in huge packs, so they like spending time with other dogs. In the event that you're away from home all day, it's great if your dog has at least one canine companion to keep him company.
If American Foxhounds are raised in the home alongside other pets, such as cats and rabbits, they can get along just fine. Don't ever leave them alone with other pets without making sure they get along first.
Puppies
In the same manner that an adult dog requires special attention, so do puppies. To make training the puppies easier, it's best to begin training them at a young age so that they may form healthy behaviours early on.
The puppy's meals should be divided up into multiple smaller ones so that their stomachs can process the food.
When it comes to finding a foxhound breeder, it can be difficult. If you want a puppy, you may have to go quite a distance to do so.
Since these canines are so rare, they often cost between $500 and $1,000 each. If you want a dog with a championship pedigree, the price could go up significantly, but this is only important if you plan to breed or exhibit the animal.
The amount of training the dog receives could also raise the price. The breeder should be able to train them how to aid in a hunt if you're purchasing primarily for hunting purposes. It's possible that this will raise the price, but in that case, you'll be paying for the training rather than the dog.
Dog breeds related to American Foxhounds
In the event that an American foxhound isn't the correct fit for your family, there are a slew of other canine species to consider. Here are several dogs that share certain characteristics with these breeds.
Bluetick Coonhound
These canines, like American foxhounds, are known for their "cold" noses, which they use to detect the scent of prey. They are, however, significantly larger, weighing in at around 80 pounds when they are done growing.
Beagles
Beagles are a lot of fun to be around, and they're also extremely intelligent. They also feature a lovable visage, making them a popular choice with children and their parents alike.
Basenji
These dogs are also known as "bark-less dogs" because they are used for hunting. They're not as quiet as American foxhounds, but they're still a significant improvement..
