Pet Wiki

Trigg Hound

Also called Trigg, Trigg Foxhound

Rare breedShort profile

From United States (Barren County, Kentucky, around the 1860s)12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20 to 25 kg13
Weight, female16 to 20 kg13
Height, male58 to 61 cm13
Height, female51 to 56 cm13
Lifespan10 to 12 years3
Sizelarge

45 to 55 lb for males, 35 to 45 lb for females.

huge stamina
excellent nose
obedient yet tenacious
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth to stiff hound coat

A short, hard-wearing coat on a lean foxhound with a long muzzle and hanging ears.13

Colourstricolourbicolourwhite, black, brown, blue and pied shades seen13

Personality what they are like

A determined, hard-driving hound that does not give up on a trail, yet is responsive to its handler. At home it is playful and gets along well with other dogs.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High; roughly an hour or more of exercise every day, and it thrives with running or hunting work.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly brushing with a firm brush handles the moderate shedding; check and clean the long ears regularly.3

Company who they like around

Enjoys canine company and does best when it is not left alone for long periods; strong chase instinct means care around small pets.3

The story where it all began

Colonel Haiden C. Trigg of Kentucky bred these hounds in the 1860s by combining the Birdsong, Maupin and Walker lines to keep up with fast red foxes. Local hunters were sceptical at first, but interest grew after Paul J. Rainey bought a pack in 1910 and took them hunting in Africa.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Paul J. Rainey bought 25 Trigg hounds in 1910 and praised them as the bravest hounds he knew.1

  2. 2

    Trigg hounds went on big-game hunting trips in Africa with Rainey.2

  3. 3

    The strain was bred specifically to be fast enough for red foxes.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Trigg Hound is named after Colonel Haiden C. Trigg, who developed the strain in Barren County, Kentucky, in the 1860s.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BarrenKentuckyTrailDashRangerScentBriarHickoryBelleLunaRosieDuke

A day in the life told by a Trigg Hound

The day began with a good stretch and a sniff of the morning breeze. My human took me to the woods, and I picked up a scent, a fox maybe. I ran hard, my nose to the ground, never giving up. My human called me back with a smile, and we walked home together. At home, I played with the other dogs and then napped on the porch. A hard day's work and a happy rest.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Continental Kennel Club
Listed; tricolour or bicolour accepted1
Major kennel clubs
Not recognised as a separate breed; regarded as a strain of the American Foxhound2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Trigg Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

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 Trigg Hound, and at what times?

Feed your adult Trigg Hound at least two meals a day, and puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet. Their stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meals are best.5

What should a Trigg Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for a personalized diet plan.6

How often should I bathe a Trigg Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Trigg Hound need brushing?

Brush your Trigg Hound weekly with a firm brush to manage its moderate shedding. This keeps its short, hard-wearing coat healthy and reduces loose hair around the home.37 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Trigg Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. Ask your vet or groomer for a demonstration if needed.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Trigg Hound need?

Your Trigg Hound needs at least an hour of exercise daily, and it thrives with running or hunting work. Daily walks and play sessions will keep it happy and healthy.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Trigg Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush your Trigg Hound's teeth at least 2-3 times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check its long, floppy ears weekly and dry them gently to prevent moisture buildup. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Trigg Hound live?

A Trigg Hound typically lives 10 to 12 years. With good care, many enjoy a healthy, active life.3

Is a Trigg Hound good with children and other pets?

Trigg Hounds are playful and get along well with other dogs. They have a strong chase instinct, so be cautious with small pets. Their temperament with children can vary, so always supervise introductions and ask a breeder for more details.13

Can a Trigg Hound be left alone?

Trigg Hounds prefer company and do not do well when left alone for long periods. They enjoy canine companionship, so consider a second dog or a dog sitter if you are away often.3

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.

You might also like

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Where this comes from

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

  1. Kiddle: Trigg Hound (Wikipedia-derived) kids.kiddle.coused for origin, recognition, size, history, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: American Foxhound en.wikipedia.orgused for strain status, history
  3. Wag!: Trigg Hound wagwalking.comused for lifespan, colours, exercise, grooming, social needs
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

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