Pet Wiki

American Foxhound

Also called Foxhound

A soft-natured, friendly hound that tends to get along with children and other dogs.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 32 kg (55 to 71 lb)12
Height53 to 64 cm (21 to 25 in)males 53 to 64 cm, females 53 to 61 cm31
Lifespan10 to 13 years12
CoatShort, hard hound coat
OriginUnited States (colonial Virginia and Maryland), built on English foxhound stock with later French and Irish hound blood.13
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and easygoing
sociable with other dogs and people
tireless stamina in the field
12

Personality what they are like

A soft-natured, friendly hound that tends to get along with children and other dogs. Its strong nose and hunting drive mean it needs patient, consistent training and a secure area when off lead.12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Foxhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, hard hound coat

A close, fairly hard coat of medium length covers a rangy, long-legged frame built for covering ground at speed. The tail carries only the faintest hint of brush.31

Coloursany colourtricolour (black, white and tan)redblack and tanblue31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. PetMD suggests planning on one to two hours of exercise every day; long walks, runs and scent games suit it well.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very easy coat care: a weekly brush is usually enough, with a bath only when the dog gets dirty.2

Home where they are happiest

Does best with room to move and a securely fenced garden, since it will follow a scent trail given the chance. Its deep baying voice is worth considering for close neighbours.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Adults are usually fed twice a day and puppies three times; portions should match age, weight and activity, and treats kept to about a tenth of daily calories.2

Company who they like around

A pack hound by background that enjoys company, both human and canine, and generally does well in a home with another dog.12

The story where it all began

Hounds brought from England to Maryland by Robert Brooke in 1650 are the traditional starting point of the breed. George Washington later bred foxhounds at Mount Vernon, mixing in French hounds he received from Lafayette, and is often called the breed's father. The breed was among the earliest recognised by the AKC.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the official state dog of Virginia.1

  2. 2

    George Washington kept and bred foxhounds and is often named as the father of the breed.1

  3. 3

    The AKC recognised it in 1886, only two years after the club was founded, yet it remains a rarely seen breed.2

  4. 4

    Its big, ringing bay helped hunters follow the pack across open country.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called 'American Foxhound' because it was developed in the United States from English and French foxhounds, specifically bred for hunting foxes across the American landscape.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BelleCopperDaisyDukeHarperHoneyMasonRangerScoutSierraTrailWhistle

A day in the life told by an American Foxhound

The sun peeks through the curtains, and I stretch my long legs. It's time for our morning run! I sniff the air, catching scents of rabbit and pine. My human and I jog through the woods, and I lead the way, my nose to the ground. We stop at the creek for a cool drink. Back home, I flop on the porch, watching the world go by. In the afternoon, we play hide-and-seek with a squeaky toy. I find it every time! The kids laugh and pat my head. As dusk falls, I curl up by the fire, my belly full of supper. I dream of chasing scents through the golden fields.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

AKC
Recognised in 1886.1
UKC
Recognised in 1905; Scenthound Group.3
FCI
Standard no. 303, Group 6 (Scent hounds), large-sized hounds; accepted on a definitive basis in 1979, subject to a working trial.5

Treats they will love homemade and simple

American Foxhound tip

American Foxhounds are food-loving hounds who respond brilliantly to treat rewards during training. Because they're prone to putting on weight, it's best to use tiny, low-calorie treats and count them towards their daily meal allowance.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my American Foxhound, and at what times?

Feed your adult American Foxhound twice a day, and puppies three times. Portions should match their age, weight, and activity level, check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts. A good routine is morning and evening meals.26

What should an American Foxhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Foxhound's life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others, always avoid these. Consult your vet for a balanced diet.7

How often should I bathe an American Foxhound?

Bathe your American Foxhound only when they get dirty, which is usually every couple of months. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months.28 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an American Foxhound need brushing?

A weekly brushing is enough to keep their short coat healthy. Pet Wiki's starting plan also suggests brushing every seven days.28 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an American Foxhound's nails, and how often?

Trim your Foxhound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, usually about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every 28 days.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an American Foxhound need?

Your American Foxhound needs one to two hours of exercise daily, including long walks, runs, and scent games. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an American Foxhound's teeth and ears?

Brush your Foxhound's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests ear checks every seven days and daily brushing if possible.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Foxhound live?

American Foxhounds typically live 10 to 13 years.12

Is an American Foxhound good with children and other pets?

Yes, American Foxhounds are friendly and generally good with children and other dogs. They are pack hounds that enjoy company, so they often do well with another dog.12

Can an American Foxhound be left alone?

As a pack hound, your American Foxhound prefers company and may not do well left alone for long periods. They are happiest with human or canine companionship.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. American Foxhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, lifespan, colours, recognition, history, fun facts
  2. PetMD: American Foxhound petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, temperament, fun facts
  3. UKC American Foxhound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colour
  4. akc.org akc.org
  5. FCI nomenclature: American Foxhound (303) fci.beused for FCI recognition
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.