American Foxhound

The personality of the American Foxhound depends on the environment in which it was raised. Dogs raised in families are affectionate and loyal. They become very attached to their owner and are friendly to strangers. Family-raised American Foxhounds are prone to independent decision-making and a certain stubbornness.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The American Foxhound is one of the oldest hound dogs. The dogs appeared in America in the seventeenth century. A large batch of the breed was delivered in 1650 by Robert Brook. Breeders have long experimented with improving the breed. Foxhounds were crossed with French, Irish, and British hounds. As a result, these dogs became tougher, stronger, and taller at the withers. Today there are four types of the breed:

• the field is fast and energetic;
• the slow ones are fox hunters on foot;
• tracks – participate in races on artificial bait;
• gregarious – with a developed group instinct.

Foxhounds are popular with hunting enthusiasts in the United States. In 1966, dogs became the official symbol of the state of Virginia.

Appearance

The coat color of the American Foxhound is standard for hounds. Representatives of the breed with a tight-fitting, rigid hair coat. The animal is athletic, build on strong legs. Dog with well-developed musculature. The tail with a “brush” on the bottom is set high but not twisted. The American Foxhound’s muzzle expression is attentive and wary. The head is set wide. The dog has long ears, tight to the cheekbones, and is rounded at the ends.

Character

The personality of the American Foxhound depends on the environment in which it was raised. Dogs raised in families are affectionate and loyal. They become very attached to their owner and are friendly to strangers. Family-raised American Foxhounds are prone to independent decision-making and a certain stubbornness.

Pets are active, requiring long walks and vigorous playtime. The American Foxhound is a born hunter. Life with other animals (cats, dogs of small breeds) should be accustomed to since childhood. Otherwise, the pet will perceive them as prey. American Foxhounds are positively related to children. Representatives of the breed, grown in a pack, do not trust people, are less affectionate and open. Keeping it in an apartment is inappropriate. If the dog gets bored, it will start howling and making mischief.

Care

The American Foxhound does not feel comfortable in four walls. The dog needs space, a place to run and play actively. You should regularly check your dog’s ears and remove dirt from its shells. Keep an eye on the condition of the claws and the mucous membrane of the eyes.

The coat of this breed is short and hard, tightly fitting to the body. Thanks to this coat, the dog is well protected from the weather. Pet should be combed 1-2 times a month, during molting more often.

Training

The American Foxhound is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners. It would help if you spent a lot of time with your pet, especially during puppyhood. The dog needs regular exercise and intellectual training.

The American Hound shows independence and stubbornness, which should be suppressed in the early stages. The dog learns basic commands easily. Pay attention to training for chasing, searching, and running.

Common Diseases

The American Foxhound is not a dog with good health. The breed is prone to the following diseases:

• cryptorchidism;
• deafness;
• hip dysplasia;
• osteochondrosis;
• heterochromia;
• hypothyroidism.

Visit the veterinarian regularly to prevent the development of the ailments listed above. Monitor your pet’s bones, mood, and behavior in general.

Nutrition

American Foxhounds are prone to obesity. Overweight can cause problems with the cardiovascular system. The pet’s diet should include meat, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, greens, dairy products.

A balanced diet is an important part of a dog’s well-being. Make sure it gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. If you don’t have time to choose a diet, buy special ready-made food.