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.21
Coloursany colourtricolour (black, white and tan)redblack and tanblue21
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.13
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.3
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.3
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.31
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.3
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.13
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.13
George Washington kept and bred foxhounds and is often named as the father of the breed.1
3
The AKC recognised it in 1886, only two years after the club was founded, yet it remains a rarely seen breed.3
4
Its big, ringing bay helped hunters follow the pack across open country.3
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
Sgt. Stubby A decorated war hero of World War I, though often identified as a Boston Terrier mix, he is sometimes associated with the American Foxhound type in historical accounts.4
George Washington's Foxhounds George Washington is credited with developing the American Foxhound breed by breeding English Foxhounds with French hounds, and his dogs are famous in American history.4
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.
Standard no. 303, Group 6 (Scent hounds), large-sized hounds; accepted on a definitive basis in 1979, subject to a working trial.5
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
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.
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
Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
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.
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.36
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months.38Pet Wiki plan
How often does an American Foxhound need brushing?
A weekly brushing is enough to keep their short coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan also suggests brushing every seven days.38Pet 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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 28 days.8Pet 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. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play.3Pet 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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests ear checks every seven days and daily brushing if possible.8Pet Wiki plan
How long does an American Foxhound live?
American Foxhounds typically live 10 to 13 years.13
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.13
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.13
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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