American Foxhound
Description
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest native U.S. breeds, tracing back to the early 1700s. It grew from a mix of English and French hounds, including those owned by George Washington, who helped shape the breed. These dogs stand around 60 to 70 pounds, with a lean, athletic build made for running and tracking. Friendly and easy-going, American Foxhounds get along well with kids and other pets. But don’t let that fool you—they have a strong prey drive and will chase small animals without hesitation. They’re independent thinkers and can be stubborn, so training takes patience and consistency. Expect plenty of howling and baying; they’re vocal dogs with a musical voice that echoes their hunting roots.
Grooming
The American Foxhound sports a short, smooth coat that sheds lightly to moderately. Keep it looking sharp with weekly brushing using a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hair and dirt. Bathe every 4 to 8 weeks—don’t overdo it, as their skin can dry out. Trim nails every 2 to 4 weeks and check ears monthly to prevent buildup. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, avoid over-bathing - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Pro tidy as needed Their coat colors vary widely, from solid reds and tans to tri-color mixes like black, white, and tan. No special stain care needed since their short coat stays clean with regular brushing. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to wipe paws and face after walks to keep dirt from settling in.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Plan on about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. The American Foxhound needs plenty of time to stretch its legs and satisfy its strong hunting instincts. Walks should be brisk and varied to keep their mind engaged and muscles working. Start with a 45-minute morning walk that includes some off-leash time in a secure area for sniffing and exploring. Follow up with a 55-minute evening stroll focusing on steady pacing and leash work to reinforce training and calm energy. Example routine: - Morning: 45 minutes off-leash in a fenced park - Evening: 55 minutes leash walk around the neighborhood This breed thrives on routine but also craves new scents and sights to stay sharp and happy.
Boarding
For boarding, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to comfortably fit this medium-large dog. They need room to stretch out but also a cozy den to retreat to. American Foxhounds are playful but not rough, so staff should plan two active play sessions daily that include scent and brain games to keep their sharp noses busy. Avoid small-animal toys; their strong prey drive can cause problems. Secure fencing is a must to prevent escapes during outdoor time. Staff should be ready for vocalizations—howling and baying are part of their nature and can signal excitement or boredom. Enrichment should include puzzle feeders and scent trails to tap into their hunting heritage. Consistent interaction and gentle guidance help them settle in and enjoy their stay.