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American Foxhound - MAIN HUB

Meet the American Foxhound: a sweet, easygoing athlete with a musical bay. Perfect for active families who love long adventures and soulful company.

BREED GROUP

Hound Dogs

Country of origin

United States

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

21 -

25 IN

53 -

64 cm

BREED WEIGHT

60 -

70 LB

27 -

32 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The American Foxhound is one of America's oldest native breeds, originally developed by George Washington and others for fox hunting. Known for their musical bay and incredible stamina, these sleek, athletic hounds are sweet-tempered and easygoing at home. However, they possess a single-minded prey drive and require significant daily exercise to prevent destructive behaviors. While they are sweet-tempered, they are pack-oriented and may require specialized training to manage their independent hunting instincts and loud baying. While they are affectionate and excellent with children and other dogs, their independent nature and loud voices make them best suited for active families with ample outdoor space.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1886.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 2016.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are American Foxhounds good family dogs?

Great

9 out of 10

American Foxhounds are sweet-tempered, easygoing, and excellent with children, making them affectionate additions to the right home. However, they are best suited for active families with ample outdoor space due to their loud voices and high exercise requirements. Failure to provide enough activity can lead to destructive behaviors because of their intense stamina and prey drive.

Great

9 out of 10

They are typically excellent with children. Bred to work in packs, they are patient, tolerant, and enjoy the company of kids. As always, interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

They are generally not recommended for novice owners. Foxhounds are independent thinkers with a stubborn streak, making training a challenge. They require patient, consistent guidance and an owner who understands how to manage a strong scent hound.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

American Foxhounds are not suited for apartment living. They are high-energy dogs that need room to run. Additionally, their loud, carrying bay can easily disturb neighbors in close living quarters.

Strictly Required

1 out of 10

A securely fenced yard is essential. As scenthounds, they will instinctively follow an interesting smell and can wander for miles, ignoring calls to return. A tall, sturdy fence is necessary to keep them safe.

Very Good

8 out of 10

American Foxhounds are independent and easygoing, making them more capable of handling solitude than many other social breeds. While they can manage moderate periods of solitude, they thrive when they have received significant physical activity beforehand to prevent boredom-driven behaviors like loud baying or destructiveness.

Fair

4 out of 10

Their high prey drive makes them less suitable for homes with small animals unless strictly supervised and introduced early.

Gentle

9 out of 10

They are not aggressive dogs. In fact, they are known for being exceptionally friendly and tolerant of strangers, which makes them very poor guard dogs, though they may bark to announce arrivals.

Very High

9 out of 10

American Foxhounds are high-energy athletes with incredible stamina, originally bred for long-distance hunting. They require significant daily exercise, typically one to two hours of vigorous activity like running or hiking, to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors like excessive baying or chewing.

~120+ min a day

10 out of 10

They require at least an hour or two of vigorous exercise every day. Long brisk walks, jogging, or running in a safe, enclosed area are necessary to burn off their abundant energy.

Great

8 out of 10

Their short, hard coat allows them to tolerate warm weather quite well. However, strenuous exercise should still be limited during extreme heat, and they must always have access to shade and water.

Great

8 out of 10

Their short, hard coat allows them to tolerate warm weather quite well. However, strenuous exercise should still be limited during extreme heat, and they must always have access to shade and water.

Often Restricted

4 out of 10

American Foxhounds are often subject to rental restrictions due to their large size and loud, musical bay that can easily disturb neighbors. While typically friendly, their high energy levels and need for ample space often lead landlords to exclude them from standard apartment environments. Always verify specific building policies regarding weight limits and noise before moving in.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"The American Foxhound is a generally robust breed with a lifespan of 11-13 years. As a veterinarian, I advise monitoring their long, floppy ears for infections by cleaning them regularly. They also love to eat and are prone to obesity, so strict portion control is essential. Keeping them lean and active helps prevent joint issues and supports their overall health."

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