Hound group · United States
American Foxhound
Also called Foxhound.
What makes them remarkable
George Washington bred these hounds, giving this American breed a connection to the country’s first president.
- Sweet-tempered
- Independent
- Easygoing
- Loyal
- Friendly

- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 27 to 32 kg60 to 70 lb
- Lives
- 11 to 13 years
- Energy
- High
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- High
Training
Training an American Foxhound
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Needs a Job
Start here
Without hunting or similar work, provide scent games, tracking, or competitive nose work.
Bred to Run in Packs
American Foxhounds thrive with other dogs. A single Foxhound may become lonely and vocal.
Musical Voice
Their bay is musical but loud. Consider your living situation and neighbours.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your American Foxhound and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsVery High
- StrangersHigh
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2+ hours daily. Built for endurance running. Needs extensive exercise to be calm indoors.
- Grooming
- Low maintenance. Weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Medium length, Dense, HardTricolour, Black White and Tan, White and Cream
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Can affect mobility in active breeds
Ear Infections
Moderate
Long ears trap moisture and debris
Thrombocytopathy
Moderate
Platelet disorder that can cause excessive bleeding
Where they come from
History
Developed from English Foxhounds brought to America in the 1600s. George Washington was a famous breeder. The state dog of Virginia and one of the rarest AKC breeds.
Similar breeds
All breeds
Black and Tan Coonhound
This American tracker combines ancestry from Foxhounds and Bloodhounds, with a nose put to work after dark.
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Bluetick Coonhound
The “blue” is an illusion created by dense ticking in its coat; its speciality is following old scent trails.
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Otterhound
The Otterhound lost its traditional job when otter hunting ended, leaving the breed struggling to survive.
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