American Foxhound

The American Foxhound: A comprehensive guide

History of the breed

The origins of the American Foxhound date back to the 17th century, when English and French settlers brought their hunting dogs to America. These dogs were crossbred to create a hound that was both fast and enduring and perfect for hunting foxes. The American Foxhound thus developed into an indispensable companion for American hunters and played an important role in early American hunting culture.

Who is the American Foxhound suitable for?

The American Foxhound is ideal for active people and families who spend a lot of time outdoors. Due to its high energy level and strong hunting instinct, it requires sufficient exercise and activity. It is less suitable for life in the city or for people with a quiet lifestyle.

Character description

The American Foxhound is friendly, affectionate and very social. It gets on well with other dogs and is often open-minded towards strangers. Due to its independent spirit, it can sometimes be stubborn, which requires patience and consistency in training.

Appearance

The American Foxhound is a tall, slender dog with strong muscles. Its coat is short and dense, and it can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tricolor, white with spots, and red with white. The ears are long and pendulous, and the eyes radiate a friendly intelligence.

Grooming

Grooming the American Foxhound is relatively uncomplicated. Its short coat should be brushed regularly to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. The ears should also be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. As he is an active dog, regular visits to the vet and vaccinations are important to ensure his health.

Health

The American Foxhound is generally a robust and healthy breed. However, as with all dogs, there are certain health issues to watch out for, including hip dysplasia and ear infections. With proper care and regular health checks, most of these problems can be avoided or caught early.

Size and weight

An adult American Foxhound reaches a shoulder height of around 53 to 64 cm and weighs between 29 and 34 kg. Males are generally somewhat larger and stronger than females.

Exercise requirements

The American Foxhound has a high need for exercise and requires long walks and plenty of exercise every day. It loves to run and explore, which is why a large garden or regular visits to a dog forest would be ideal. He is less suited to city life unless he has plenty of opportunity to run around.

Training recommendations

Patience and consistency are required when training the American Foxhound. It responds well to positive reinforcement and playful exercises. Due to its strong hunting instinct, it is important to train the recall so that it remains safe and controllable outdoors.

Detailed grooming instructions

In addition to brushing the coat and grooming the ears, the teeth should also be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems. Claws also need to be trimmed regularly, especially if he does not have enough opportunity to wear them down naturally.

Behavioral characteristics and interactions with children and other animals

The American Foxhound is known for its friendly and patient nature, which makes it a good family dog. It gets along well with children and other pets, especially if socialized early. However, his hunting heritage can lead him to chase smaller animals, so caution is advised.

Recognition by the FCI

The American Foxhound is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 6 - Running Dogs, Sighthounds and Related Breeds.