Dog Breed Profile: American Foxhound

According to the American Kennel Club, the American Foxhound is one of the native breeds of America. That being said, it is also one of the rarer breeds of dog and a potential owner may end up being hard-pressed to find one of these beautiful dogs. However, if you're looking to adopt and you're considering the American Foxhound, it is always good to know a few of the breed basics like temperament and potential health problems.

Breed History: American Foxhound

The American Foxhound has been around for a few centuries now, originating back to the 1700s. In fact, the American Kennel Club credits George Washington as being the "father of the American Foxhound," adding that the first president of the United States even ran an American Foxhound breeding program.

The American Foxhound can be traced back even farther, as it's ancestors―the French Foxhound and the English Foxhound―were brought to America in the mid 1600s. These two breeds were selectively interbred to create what is now known as the American Foxhound.

The Temperament of an American Foxhound

Those lucky enough to own an American Foxhound describe their dogs as affectionate and loving canine companions. Since they were bred for hunting and are often still used for that purpose today, they are also described as being brave. As a pack hunting dog, they are friendly and work well with other dogs.

American Foxhounds may be more difficult to train than other breeds, especially when it comes to housebreaking (potty training). Therefore, it is important for the owner to be firm with commands and follow through with needed discipline. In short, the owner must be confident in his or her ability to "lead" this pack dog.

It should also be noted that these dogs require plenty of exercise and have plenty of energy to release, so Foxhounds not used as hunting dogs should receive daily exercise. Furthermore, due to their hunting background, it is not unusual for this dog to take off after an interesting scent―so a fenced in yard is an absolute must.

Health Problems in the American Foxhound

One of the positives of the American Foxhound is that there are relatively no genetic or hereditary diseases that occur. This includes common issues such as hip dysplasia, which are a regular occurrence in other large, but often "over-bred" dogs.

While there are no genetic issues associated with the American Foxhound, these dogs do gain weight easily; so proper nutrition is vital for keeping this dog healthy.

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Additional Information:

American Kennel Club: American Foxhound

Dog Breed Info: American Foxhound

American Foxhound Club, Inc.