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American Foxhound Facts
- Group
- Hound
- Affiliations
- UKC, CKC, AKC
- Height
- 21" - 25" (53.3 - 63.5cm)
- Weight
- 65 - 75lbs (30 - 34kg)
- Lifespan
- 10 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
There are no alternate names for the American Foxhound
Origin
The first pack of working English Foxhounds arrived in American from Great Britain in 1650. In the early 1700s, the dogs were bred with a french hound sent from Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington. The two breeds (French and English hounds) in combination have produced the American Foxhound.
Date Of Origin
The American Foxhound was created in Virginia in the early 1700s.
History
In 1650, Robert Brooke sailed to Crown Colony in America with his pack of English hunting dogs, which were the root of several strains of American Hounds. These dogs remained in the Brooke family for nearly 300 years. George Washington received French Foxhounds, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, (which look much like an American Bluetick hound) as a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette. Many of the dogs Washington kept were descended from Brooke's, and when crossed with the French hounds, helped to create the present day American Foxhound. The breed was developed by landed gentry purely for the sport of hunting foxes. With the importation (or migration) of the red fox, Irish Foxhounds were added to the lines to increase speed and stamina in the dog - qualities still prevalent in today's dogs.
During the 17th century, the American Foxhound was used for seeking out Indians.
Today there are several different strains of American Foxhound, including Walker, Goodman, Trigg, July and Penn-Marydel. Though the different strains look quite different, they are all recognized as members of the same breed. Most show hounds are Walkers.
The American Foxhound was recognized by the AKC in 1886 and by the UKC in 1905.
Description
The American Foxhound is a medium sized to large muscular dog. It has a long, broad head; medium length drop ears; and large, brown eyes. The muzzle is straight and square. It has a long back, straight legs, and a long tail that is set high and curved. The close, coarse coat is of any color.
Temperament
The American Foxhound is an energetic, but easy going and friendly dog that gets along with almost everyone, including children and other dogs. Although the American Foxhound is good with other dogs, he should not be trusted with small pets - given their hunting heritage. It can be stubborn and independent so training will take patience. The unique "baying" sound made by hounds may cause complaints with the neighbors.
American Foxhounds require daily aerobic exercise, but many will not play catch or fetch games, so a long, vigorous walk will be needed. They are an ideal pet for those who live in rural areas or on large farms.
Uses
Today they are used to hunt fox singly or in packs, to participate in field events, drag hunts and as a companion. In America, the working Foxhound is used for four different purposes,creating a need for hounds possessing different strengths. Competitive field trial hounds, "trail" hounds (the focus is on speed), fox hunting hounds (slow workers with good voices), and pack hounds (15 - 20 hounds or more).
The American Foxhound can also be kept as a family pet and is generally quite calm and gentle in the house. The breed is, however, primarily a hunting dog.
Health Concerns
Potential health concerns for the American Foxhound include ear infections (common with drop-eared dogs) and hip dysplasia.
Additional Information
The American Foxhound is known for its excessive energy and will need an active, patient, and firm owner. The American Foxhound should not be allowed to roam free outside a fenced yard. As a hunter by nature, if the scent of a rabbit or squirrel is found, the American Foxhound will be gone with little to no response to your calls or commands. A fenced yard is recommended.
Grooming of the American Foxhound is easy, and only requires weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or curry comb to loosen the dead hairs.
Some consider the unique "baying" bark of this breed to be so melodious that it's tones have been used in songs [citation needed].
Sources
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
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