American Foxhound

• ExerciseVery high

  Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment11–13 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Ear infections · Obesity

The American Foxhound is one of the oldest breeds developed in the United States, refined in Virginia from English and French hounds by George Washington among others, and bred for one purpose: running behind a scent for hours across open country. It is taller, lighter and longer-legged than the English Foxhound, and it is built for stamina rather than sprint. As a companion it is gentle, easygoing and genuinely sweet with people and other dogs, but the working instinct governs everything. A Foxhound on a scent is effectively deaf, so reliable recall in an open area is unrealistic and off-lead freedom needs secure fencing. It has a loud, musical bay it uses freely, which is a real consideration for neighbours. And it needs enormous exercise, well over an hour of running daily; a Foxhound kept as a suburban house dog without an outlet becomes destructive and vocal. Grooming could not be simpler: the short hard coat needs a weekly brush, though the drop ears must be cleaned to prevent infection. Health is generally robust for a large breed, but buy from a breeder who screens hips, and watch the weight closely, because a Foxhound that is exercised less than its build expects gains weight quickly. Thrombocytopathy, a bleeding disorder, is documented in the breed, so mention it to your vet before any surgery.

• How much exercise does a American Foxhound need?

  Very high. Thrives with a job, sport or serious daily exercise.

• How much grooming does a American Foxhound need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a American Foxhound suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a American Foxhound a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do American Foxhound live?

  11–13 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the American Foxhound?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Ear infections, Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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