American Foxhound

Is an American Foxhound right for you?

The American Foxhound branched off from the English Foxhound and was developed in America for fox hunting; it is a tall, lean, tireless scenthound. At home it can look calm and gentle, but the moment its nose catches a scent it becomes a different dog: the tracking instinct cannot be trained away, only managed.

Accept this before getting an American Foxhound: this dog is not safe off-lead. Once it picks up a scent it will not hear you call; that is not disobedience, it is behaviour bred into the breed for centuries.

Before you adopt

Because the breed still works in hunting packs in the US, rescue groups exist specifically for retired pack hounds; purebred American Foxhounds are rare on general adoption listings, so it's worth checking these channels too.

If buying from a breeder, ask for hip certification. Ask to see the mother when you visit the litter, and check the ears — redness or odour can point to a chronic ear problem in that line.

This breed is essentially unavailable in Turkey; if importing, research customs and vaccination requirements beforehand. In local shelters you are far more likely to find a mixed-breed hound-type dog than a purebred American Foxhound.

Temperament

The American Foxhound is sweet, gentle, and independent. Because it was selected to hunt in packs it gets on well with both dogs and people; aggression is not part of the breed's character. It is neutral rather than affectionate or aloof with strangers.

Though intelligent, it was bred to work independently, which makes it stubborn in obedience work much like the Beagle: it hears a cue, weighs it against the scent, and often chooses the scent.

Its voice is a breed signature — alongside barking it produces a long, melodic bay, meant historically to inform the hunter, and it cannot be fully silenced.

Energy levels are high, and without enough exercise it can become destructive or withdrawn.

Health issues and lifespan

Sources report an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years.

• Hip dysplasia: Abnormal joint development; mild cases are managed with physiotherapy, severe cases need surgery.
• Elbow dysplasia: Often occurs alongside hip dysplasia; ask breeders for parent certification.
• Thrombocytopathy: An inherited, incurable clotting disorder in which platelets don't function properly. A diagnosed dog should avoid unnecessary surgery, and any vet performing one should be informed in advance.
• Ear infections: Long, drop ears limit airflow. Head shaking, scratching, odour, and redness are the signs; regular checks and keeping ears dry help prevent most cases.
• Eye problems: Sources note a general predisposition to eye issues; regular eye exams are advisable.

Feeding

An adult American Foxhound (27-32 kg / 60-70 lb) eats roughly 400-500 g of quality dry food a day; active working dogs need more.

• Puppy (2-15 months): Large-breed puppy food, three meals a day.
• Adult: Two meals a day. 22-26% protein suits this breed.
• Senior (8+ years): Reduce calories and add joint support.

Training treats count toward daily calories — this breed's strong hunting drive gives it a high food motivation that can easily tip into overfeeding.

Grooming and coat

Short, dense, straight coat.

• Brush weekly; sheds moderately.
• Bathe monthly or as needed.
• Check ears weekly — long ears trap moisture.
• Nails every 3-4 weeks.
• A low-drool breed.
• Since it runs through brush and undergrowth, check for ticks after every walk.

Training and exercise

Daily need: at least 1-2 hours, ideally including running and scent work.

Priorities:

1. Leash discipline and a secure space. It won't hear you once on a scent; keep it in a securely fenced garden or on a leash.
2. Recall. Difficult but essential — start at short distances with high-value rewards.
3. Scent sports. Fast CAT and tracking satisfy the breed's natural drive.
4. Socialisation (8-16 weeks). Its pack background usually makes it easy with other dogs, but early exposure still matters.
5. Managing the bay. It can't be eliminated entirely; preventing boredom is the best approach.

Harsh methods don't work — this breed shuts down and becomes more stubborn under pressure. Reward-based, short, enjoyable sessions work best.

History

The American Foxhound descends from English hunting hounds brought to North America in the 1650s, later crossed with French hound lines and shaped by the local climate and terrain. George Washington is known to have contributed to the breed's development, breeding hounds for his own pack.

It differs from the English Foxhound in being lighter-built with longer legs, suited to covering long distances across America's more open, less settled land. The style of hunting changed too: in England hounds were followed on horseback, while the American tradition often has hunters track the pack by sound from a fixed point.

Today the American Foxhound still works in hunting packs but is one of the AKC's least common hound breeds, with limited popularity as a household pet. Being used to living in a pack, a single dog placed in a one-dog household can become unusually attached to its owner — a transition that takes patience.