The American Foxhound, a made-in-the-USA breed, is an exceptionally athletic yet gentle and affectionate friend. Renowned for his harmonious howls and hearty bays, the Foxhound gives voice when he\u2019s trailing prey. Or sometimes just for fun!<\/p>\n
A revolutionary heritage<\/h3>\n
One of our oldest but now rarest breeds, the American Foxhound\u2019s ancestors date back to George Washington and the American Revolution. Our country\u2019s founding father, whose lifestyle mirrored the British gentry, eagerly participated in traditional foxhunts. Washington was also an enthusiastic dog breeder. He kept a pack of hounds bred from British (and French) imports, and recorded in-depth details about his breeding program. Washington gave his dogs inventive names, including Sweet Lips, Tipsy and Vulcan. Over time, the tall and light American Foxhound became a distinct breed from its earlier cousin, the English Foxhound<\/a>.<\/p>\n Photo: Zoonar\/S.Heap | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In traditional fox hunting, horsemen ride after hounds that find the scent of a fox. When hounds catch the scent, they chase until the quarry goes to ground or is lost.<\/p>\n Farmers and ranchers often view fox (and coyote) as pests; fox and coyote kill chicken, young sheep, calves, dogs and cats indiscriminately. In the United States, according to the Masters of Foxhounds Association, the sport of fox hunting, however, isn\u2019t meant to control fox populations. Instead, the emphasis is on watching two adversaries since the beginning of time: the fox and the hound.<\/p>\n Happiest running full throttle after he catches a scent, the American Foxhound thrives with an energetic lifestyle. He\u2019s a great partner for a family that enjoys running, hiking and action. While he can live in cities if exercised extensively, the American Foxhound\u2019s ideal home has a big, fenced yard. He can participate in obedience sports, but out in the field his hunting instincts will override his classroom lessons. Because of his strong prey drive and independent streak, the American Foxhound isn\u2019t generally reliable off leash. He\u2019ll trail a good scent first, and follow his owner\u2019s call later.<\/p>\n Photo: DevidDO | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Especially when raised in homes from puppyhood, American Foxhounds are usually patient and good-natured with children. And since they were developed to work with other dogs, they thrive in multi-dog families. Some American Foxhounds tolerate cats, but others may not; they were, after all, bred to hunt small animals.<\/p>\n Managing the American Foxhound\u2019s single-minded prey drive may challenge novice hound owners.<\/p>\n The breed can be stubborn and self-determining. Owners also may find curtailing the breed\u2019s vocals a challenging endeavor. But after all, who can fault the breed for their characteristic hound-dog musicality?<\/p>\n The American Foxhound is generally quite social. Since they\u2019re non-suspicious and non-territorial in nature, they\u2019re certainly not guard dogs. They\u2019re also rarely standout watchdogs. Unless, of course, they\u2019re watching for foxes!<\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 60 to 70 pounds (females are smaller) Top photograph: Sheila Brown | Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The post American Foxhound<\/a> by Lynn M. Hayner<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post American Foxhound<\/a> by Lynn M. Hayner<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n The American Foxhound, a made-in-the-USA breed, is an exceptionally athletic yet gentle and affectionate friend. Renowned for his harmonious howls and hearty bays, the Foxhound gives voice when he\u2019s trailing prey. Or sometimes just for fun!<\/p>\n One of our oldest but now rarest breeds, the American Foxhound\u2019s ancestors date back to George Washington and the American Revolution. Our country\u2019s founding father, whose lifestyle mirrored the British gentry, eagerly participated in traditional foxhunts. Washington was also an enthusiastic dog breeder. He kept a pack of hounds bred from British (and French) imports, and recorded in-depth details about his breeding program. Washington gave his dogs inventive names, including Sweet Lips, Tipsy and Vulcan. Over time, the tall and light American Foxhound became a distinct breed from its earlier cousin, the English Foxhound<\/a>.<\/p>\n Photo: Zoonar\/S.Heap | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In traditional fox hunting, horsemen ride after hounds that find the scent of a fox. When hounds catch the scent, they chase until the quarry goes to ground or is lost.<\/p>\n Farmers and ranchers often view fox (and coyote) as pests; fox and coyote kill chicken, young sheep, calves, dogs and cats indiscriminately. In the United States, according to the Masters of Foxhounds Association, the sport of fox hunting, however, isn\u2019t meant to control fox populations. Instead, the emphasis is on watching two adversaries since the beginning of time: the fox and the hound.<\/p>\n Happiest running full throttle after he catches a scent, the American Foxhound thrives with an energetic lifestyle. He\u2019s a great partner for a family that enjoys running, hiking and action. While he can live in cities if exercised extensively, the American Foxhound\u2019s ideal home has a big, fenced yard. He can participate in obedience sports, but out in the field his hunting instincts will override his classroom lessons. Because of his strong prey drive and independent streak, the American Foxhound isn\u2019t generally reliable off leash. He\u2019ll trail a good scent first, and follow his owner\u2019s call later.<\/p>\n Photo: DevidDO | Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Especially when raised in homes from puppyhood, American Foxhounds are usually patient and good-natured with children. And since they were developed to work with other dogs, they thrive in multi-dog families. Some American Foxhounds tolerate cats, but others may not; they were, after all, bred to hunt small animals.<\/p>\n Managing the American Foxhound\u2019s single-minded prey drive may challenge novice hound owners.<\/p>\n The breed can be stubborn and self-determining. Owners also may find curtailing the breed\u2019s vocals a challenging endeavor. But after all, who can fault the breed for their characteristic hound-dog musicality?<\/p>\n The American Foxhound is generally quite social. Since they\u2019re non-suspicious and non-territorial in nature, they\u2019re certainly not guard dogs. They\u2019re also rarely standout watchdogs. Unless, of course, they\u2019re watching for foxes!<\/p>\n Weight:<\/strong> 60 to 70 pounds (females are smaller) Top photograph: Sheila Brown | Getty Images<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n The post American Foxhound<\/a> by Lynn M. Hayner<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Foxhound-Hunt_getty169256394.png\")
<\/p>\nHunting heritage<\/h3>\n
Activity level: impressively high!<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/2008_Foxhound-sit_getty1160585391.png\")
<\/p>\nIn the home<\/h3>\n
Foxhound Facts<\/h3>\n
\nLife span:<\/strong> 11 to 13 years
\nCoat:<\/strong> A medium-length, close, hard coat
\nColor:<\/strong> Any color
\nGrooming:<\/strong> A rather easy-care breed, weekly brushing and wipe downs suffice.
\nShedding:<\/strong> Yes, indeed!
\nEyes:<\/strong> Large, soft eyes with a gentle, irresistible, pleading expression.
\nFour types:<\/strong> Field-trial hounds show great speed and spirit. Fox-hunting hounds are known to work slowly and give voice. Trail hounds hunt or race following artificial lures. Pack hounds work in packs with hunters on horseback.
\nFamous for:<\/strong> State dog of Virginia
\nBest for:<\/strong> Active singles or families with children; runners and hunters, country-living owners. Experienced families that won\u2019t be deterred by the Foxhound\u2019s stubborn streak.
\nPossible health issues:<\/strong> Hip and elbow dysplasia, ear issues, allergies
\nProposed breed quote:<\/strong> “Be active, be healthy, be happy.”<\/p>\nA revolutionary heritage<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nHunting heritage<\/h3>\n
Activity level: impressively high!<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nIn the home<\/h3>\n
Foxhound Facts<\/h3>\n
\nLife span:<\/strong> 11 to 13 years
\nCoat:<\/strong> A medium-length, close, hard coat
\nColor:<\/strong> Any color
\nGrooming:<\/strong> A rather easy-care breed, weekly brushing and wipe downs suffice.
\nShedding:<\/strong> Yes, indeed!
\nEyes:<\/strong> Large, soft eyes with a gentle, irresistible, pleading expression.
\nFour types:<\/strong> Field-trial hounds show great speed and spirit. Fox-hunting hounds are known to work slowly and give voice. Trail hounds hunt or race following artificial lures. Pack hounds work in packs with hunters on horseback.
\nFamous for:<\/strong> State dog of Virginia
\nBest for:<\/strong> Active singles or families with children; runners and hunters, country-living owners. Experienced families that won\u2019t be deterred by the Foxhound\u2019s stubborn streak.
\nPossible health issues:<\/strong> Hip and elbow dysplasia, ear issues, allergies
\nProposed breed quote:<\/strong> “Be active, be healthy, be happy.”<\/p>\n