American Foxhound

Breed Description

The American Foxhound is a descendant of one of the oldest dog breeds – the hound. In hunting jargon, the term “trail” refers to traces of game or blood. The American Foxhound is a typical hunting dog that emerged in the early 18th century in the southern United States from crosses between French and British hound breeds. Although George Washington was not the first to breed them, the first president of the USA played an important role in the development of this breed. Today, the American Foxhound is the “state dog” of Virginia. It is slightly lighter and faster than its English counterpart and belongs to a type of dogs known as brackens or track dogs. These types of dogs have existed for a very long time, and their images can be found in cave paintings created during the Stone Age. References to hunting with similar dogs, such as the foxhound, can even be found in ancient texts, such as Xenophon’s “Cynegeticus,” written 2400 years ago. John Caius, the personal physician to the English queen, described these dogs in a separate chapter of his book “Of English Dogs” in 1576. A Cambridge professor summarized them under the term “harrier.”
This description remains highly relevant for understanding the foxhound today. Par Force hunting with such agile dogs was mainly practiced by the nobility and later by wealthy industrialists for over 200 years. The American Foxhound is officially recognized by the FГ©dГ©ration Cynologique Internationale, the world organization of dog breeders, but is bred in very small numbers in Europe.

The foxhound embodies what serious dog breeders aspire to: class, stability, and usefulness. These pack-oriented, scent-tracking hounds are gentle and friendly, but they are rarely used as household pets. They can be so consumed by their primal drive to chase that little else, including training, matters to them. Ownership of these noble creatures is best left to hunters who maintain packs of hounds or those who have experience dealing with unique life challenges involving fast, strong hounds specially trained for hunting.

There are four types of foxhounds:

– Field trial hounds, known for their agility and competitive spirit;

– Slow-drifting hounds, known for their excellent baying and used for foot hunting of foxes;- Trailing hounds, also known as scent hounds, which are raced or pursued using artificial lure rather than natural game;- Pack hounds, used by hunters on horseback in packs of 15-20 or more.The price of a puppy ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles.

Appearance

The American Foxhound is an elegant medium-sized dog widely used for hunting. In Russia, it is very rare, while in the southern United States it enjoys great popularity. At first glance, it may resemble a Beagle with long legs. This is because, like the Beagle, the Foxhound is also used for tracking and pursuing game, especially foxes. It produces a loud sound called “the chorus” among other Foxhounds. However, upon closer inspection, noticeable differences can be observed. The Foxhound has an elongated muzzle and is taller and slimmer than the Beagle. Weight is not a significant factor here. The Foxhound’s coat is dense, coarse, and of medium length, and it can come in various shades. Its long ears are set low and hang down. The American Foxhound has large, gentle eyes with a friendly and soft expression, always brown or hazel in color.

Well-balanced and powerful. Foxhounds have a shiny, short, thick coat with a coarse texture. They typically display a tricolor pattern of black, white, and brown, but they can also be white with hare (more brown than black and white, resembling a hare), badger (a mix of white, gray, brown, and black hairs), or yellowish-brown or yellow shades.

The Foxhound is a powerful running hound with great endurance. Its long legs are straight, like gateposts, and just as strong. Males usually stand between 56 to 64 centimeters tall and weigh between 20 to 29 kilograms; females typically stand between 53 to 61 centimeters tall and weigh between 18 to 27 kilograms.

The lifespan of the American Foxhound is estimated by the American Kennel Club to be 11-13 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the American Foxhound is moderately broad and proportional to the body. The skull is slightly rounded, with a pronounced transitional line from the forehead to the muzzle. This gives the dog a confident and intelligent appearance. The ears are long and hanging, fitting closely to the head, which provides the Foxhound with its distinctive look.

Морда

The American Foxhound has a long, straight muzzle with clear lines. The jaws are strong, which ensures a good grip. The lips fit tightly, preventing the loss of teeth. This shape of the muzzle is essential for hunting and performing other functions.

Уши

The ears of the American Foxhound are long, wide, and hanging. They are positioned high on the head and have rounded tips. The ears provide excellent auditory sensitivity, which is crucial for hunting activities. The long ears also help protect the inner parts of the ear from dirt and water.

Глаза

The eyes of the foxhound are medium-sized, round, and expressive, with a lively and attentive gaze. Their color ranges from light brown to dark, giving the dog a friendly and intelligent expression. The eyes are set wide apart, which provides a good field of vision.

Зубы

The jaws are strong, with a perfect, correct, and complete scissor bite, meaning the upper teeth closely overlap the lower ones and are positioned perpendicularly to the jaws.

Корпус

The body of the American Foxhound is strong and muscular, giving it endurance and power. The chest is wide and deep, which allows for easy breathing during physical activity. The back is straight and strong, helping to maintain balance while running.

Конечности

The limbs of the foxhound are straight and powerful, allowing it to reach good speed. The front and back legs are muscular, with strong pads, making them stable on various surfaces. The paws provide excellent traction and allow the dog to maneuver during hunting.

Хвост

The tail of the American Foxhound is of medium length, thickening at the base and tapering towards the tip. It is usually held at the level of the back or slightly higher and may be raised when the dog is excited. The tail serves as an important means of communication for the dog and helps maintain balance while moving.

Шерсть

The coat of the American Foxhound is short, dense, and smooth. It is resistant to adverse weather conditions and easy to maintain. The coat can come in various colors, including black, red, and white, often with different spots and markings.

Окрас

The color of the American Foxhound is diverse and can include combinations of black, tan, and white. Dogs with distinctive patches and markings are common, which gives each representative of the breed a unique identity.

Character

The American Foxhound is a true hunting dog with an impeccable pedigree. Its stubbornness is an inherent trait that has been valued for centuries. However, this stubbornness should not be mistaken for an inability to be trained. The American Foxhound is easily trainable and always ready to learn, provided it receives clear instructions and guidance from its owner. It’s important to remember that this dog is primarily a hunting and pack dog that thrives on work during hunts. With proper upbringing, it will serve without issues. It’s crucial to note that loneliness and boredom can lead to problems for the American Foxhound. In such cases, it may become destructive and disobedient, wreaking havoc in the home or causing damage. Therefore, it requires daily physical activities such as runs or playtime with its handler. This not only helps maintain its physical condition but also strengthens its connection with nature. Due to its friendliness, stress resilience, and low aggression, the American Foxhound helps us slow down the pace of our hectic lives. However, during walks, it’s essential to remember that this is still a hunting dog. The scent of a rabbit or fox can ma
Foxhounds are friendly with their families and other dogs. They have a pleasant nature and a smart disposition, making them great family pets, even for families with small children. Many toddlers have learned to remain calm around their family Foxhounds. However, some Foxhounds may act cautiously or even aggressively towards strangers.

Foxhounds enjoy the company of other hounds, especially other Foxhounds, and they often feel comfortable around horses. They usually get along well with other animals but may chase small pets due to their excellent hunting instincts. Monitor their interactions with cats, small dogs, or other animals until you are certain they all get along.

The American Foxhound is a typical representative of pack dogs, displaying a very high degree of friendliness. However, its true comfort zone is among a pack with other like-minded dogs. Observing it while hunting makes it clear how seriously it takes its work. The American Foxhound is independent, friendly towards other dogs, and goal-oriented. For this reason, it may not be the best choice as a family pet and is not recommended for those new to dog training. Expert opinions suggest that it prefers to be part of a hunting pack rather than simply a companion or family dog. Such exceptions should be rare. At the same time, with active engagement and training, it can be a well-controlled and obedient pet. By nature, it is an enduring dog with inherent hunting skills and a friendly, non-conflictual character.

Care and Maintenance

It is easy to care for smooth-coated Foxhounds. They can be brushed with a stiff bristle brush and bathed with shampoo only when necessary. Their short coat minimizes the grooming needs of the American Foxhound; regular brushing and occasional bathing are all that is required.

If you are someone who hates dog hair everywhere or suffers from allergies, then the wire-haired Fox Terriers may be ideal for you. They are simply not as common as their smooth-coated counterparts. This is because their coat is more akin to human hair than typical dog fur, which means it does not shed as quickly as that of most other dogs. However, they do need to be trimmed every few months to maintain their coarse, hypoallergenic fur.

Foxhounds should be fed high-quality dog food appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. It is advisable to learn more about which foods are ideal for dogs and which are not.

Another health concern for American Foxhounds is their tendency to overeat, likely a legacy from their ancestral role as pack dogs. Otherwise, these dogs are not picky eaters and do well on commercial dog food. However, it is important to monitor their weight and, if necessary, prioritize a diet plan. Foxhounds enjoy their food. To prevent obesity, measure the food you give your Foxhound before serving and feed them twice a day instead of leaving food out constantly. If you have questions or difficulties, consult your veterinarian or another dog breeder, especially if you have concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Training and Education

The American Foxhound is a hunting dog. Consequently, it needs plenty of suitable outdoor exercises. Foxhounds are receptive and eager to learn. Please take the opportunity to show them what you want and reward them with praise or treats when you are pleased with their performance. Like all hounds, the foxhound relies on its sense of smell and can be stubborn in its attempts to follow a scent, find food, or achieve its goals.

Training and socialization are essential for the American Foxhound, especially if the dog is not pursuing its ancient hunting instincts. Being intelligent and responsive, they can quickly get distracted by interesting scents, so patience and training are vital.

Foxhounds require a sufficient amount of physical exercise. This means daily walks, games of fetch in the yard where they can run, and occasional swimming-these activities will be enjoyable for your dog.

For their well-being, regular exercise can be a great support. They can be let out to chase an enticing scent; these exercises should be conducted in a safe, controlled environment or on a leash. Zoonica brings together certified breeders offering puppies with excellent pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the American Foxhound breed is a responsible process that requires careful consideration and awareness. This breed is known for its active nature, friendliness, and excellent hunting qualities. To ensure your new pet becomes a part of the family and brings joy, follow these recommendations.

First of all, determine why you specifically want a Foxhound puppy. These dogs require a lot of physical activity and mental stimulation, so it’s important to understand how you will entertain and care for them. If you lead an active lifestyle and can dedicate time to walks and play, a Foxhound will be a great choice.

The next step is to find a reputable breeder. Look for those with a good reputation and reviews from other owners. Research information about the breeder, their dog care conditions, and breeding methods. A reliable breeder is always ready to provide documentation on the health of the puppies and their parents.

Pay attention to the conditions in which the puppies are kept. They should be clean and safe. Puppies should be active, playful, and show interest in their surroundings. If they appear lethargic or scared, this may be a sign of health issues or improper upbringing.

Get to know the puppy’s parents. This will give you insight into the character and appearance of your future pet. If the parents have calm and friendly temperaments, there is a high likelihood that the puppy will inherit these traits. It is also important to learn about the parents’ health, as this can affect the puppy’s well-being.

Ensure that the puppy has undergone all necessary veterinary examinations and vaccinations. Ask the breeder for medical documents and test results for hereditary diseases such as joint dysplasia and eye diseases. A healthy puppy has clear eyes, shiny fur, and active behavior.Consider the age of the puppy. The ideal age for purchase is between 8 and 12 weeks. At this age, puppies are more receptive to socialization and training. Make sure the puppy has all the necessary documents, including registration and vaccination information.When choosing a puppy, take its temperament into account. American Foxhounds can exhibit different character traits, even within the same litter. Observe the puppies during playtime: select an active and curious puppy that does not show aggression or excessive shyness.Also, consider the puppy’s gender. Males are generally more independent and may be more stubborn, while females are usually more affectionate and people-oriented. The choice of gender depends on your preferences and the role you want the dog to play in your family.Don’t forget to set a budget. The cost of an American Foxhound puppy can vary based on the bre

Health and Diseases

The American Foxhound is an energetic and resilient breed, known for its outstanding hunting abilities and friendly demeanor. Like many other breeds, Foxhounds can be prone to certain health issues, making it essential for owners to be aware of potential health problems and take preventive measures.

One of the most common conditions in American Foxhounds is hip dysplasia. This hereditary condition can lead to improper joint development, causing pain and lameness. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help minimize the risk of developing dysplasia. Additionally, watch for symptoms such as difficulty getting up or reluctance to engage in physical activity, which may indicate joint issues.

Foxhounds may also suffer from ear problems, as their long, hanging ears can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for bacteria. Ear infections are a frequent issue that can cause discomfort and even lead to hearing loss. Regular ear cleaning and veterinary check-ups can help prevent infections and maintain your pets’ ear health.

Moreover, American Foxhounds can experience eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma. These conditions may develop with age and require careful monitoring. Owners should observe any changes in their dogs’ behavior, such as redness or tearing, and consult a veterinarian at the first signs of a problem.

Like many other breeds, Foxhounds are susceptible to allergies that can manifest as skin rashes or itching. These allergies can be triggered by food, pollen, or other external factors. Providing proper nutrition and regular skin examinations can help minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

American Foxhounds may also suffer from some hereditary diseases, such as hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Symptoms can include weight gain, fatigue, and hair loss. Regular hormone level checks and attention to health can help prevent this condition.Physical activity plays a crucial role in the health of American Foxhounds. These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid obesity and related diseases. Walk your pet every day, play with them, and ensure they have enough physical activity.To ensure the health of your American Foxhound, schedule regular veterinary check-ups, maintain a balanced diet, and provide ample physical activity. Caring for your pet’s health requires a comprehensive approach, including attention to their condition, timely medical intervention, and preventive measures. With early detection and treatment of health issues, your Foxhound can be a loyal companion for many years. Interested? There is a vast selection of ads on the Zooinica map by city.