American Foxhound Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Hound Group

Scratch an American Foxhound behind its floppy ears and it will love you and follow you anywhere! This is just about the truth for this loving, sweet, and friendly dog.

History

The American Foxhound was introduced to the colonies in 1650 when Richard Brooke sailed there from England although the Foxhounds ancestry goes back several hundred years further.

George Washington received a gift of a French hound from the Marquis de Lafayette. Many of Washington's dogs descended from Brooke's hunting hounds. They were cross bred with the French hounds and the present day American Foxhound resulted.

Physical Features

The American Foxhound is a medium to large animal measuring about 26-29 inches in height and weighing about 65-75 pounds. It has a short, harsh, sometimes wiry coat which comes in a variety of colors. It can be red and black with white, black and tan with white, blue and tri. It has a large, domed head and narrow wide set eyes.

The eye coloration may be hazel or brown. The muzzle of the hound is long and below the neck there is slight wrinkle. The body is of medium length with sloping, muscular shoulders while the chest is narrow; the legs are very straight-boned. The tail of the Foxhound is smooth and set moderately high on its broad, slightly arched hind quarters and it inclines to the front.

Personality

The Foxhound is skittish at times and not a very protective dog. The Foxhound can be very trying to train; be patient and vary the routines, otherwise it will start digging somewhere. It is an obedient dog when properly trained; will give speak on command. Older dogs can be very difficult to train. Sweet and loveable and it returns the affection. Not dominant. It wants you to be the pack leader. On the hunt though, when it picks up a scent, it is a "warrior". Forget about commands!

Common Health Problems

Don't overfeed them! It will become obese, sluggish which can lead to other problems. They are prone to thrombocytopathy which is a platelet disorder.

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