The American Foxhound is one of the oldest and most classically American dog breeds out there. With a deep baying voice, powerful build, and roots that go back to the founding fathers, this breed has been used for everything from fox hunting to running in competitive field trials.
These are hound dogs to their core.
If you’re curious about what makes this hound tick—or whether one might fit into your life—you’ll want to understand its working heritage, personality quirks, and very real exercise demands.
So, let's take a closer look!
Breed History and Real-World Use
The American Foxhound descends from English Foxhounds brought to the American colonies as early as the 1650s. But the breed as we know it today was largely shaped in the 18th and 19th centuries.
George Washington himself was an early breeder, and played an important role in the origins of this breed, crossing imported English Foxhounds with French hounds gifted by Lafayette. The goal: a faster, leaner, and more agile dog suited for hunting across the rough terrain of Virginia and the American South.
The result was the American Foxhound—taller, more versatile in the hunt, and more driven than its English counterpart, with a nose that could follow a trail for miles and a voice that could be heard from even farther.
This allowed dogs to track and indicate to their owners from great distances.
Historically, these dogs were bred and kept in large packs by hunters, especially in states like Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. They weren’t pets in the traditional sense—more like working animals that thrived in open spaces with little confinement.
Temperament: Driven but Gentle
Despite their intensity in the field, American Foxhounds are surprisingly gentle and easygoing in the home—at least once their energy is spent.
They’re not aggressive. In fact, most are polite with strangers, calm around children, and sociable with other dogs. But they’re not couch potatoes. A Foxhound that doesn’t get enough exercise will quickly become a vocal, destructive handful.
When your American Foxhound gets vocal, it can become the primary focus of your home. They have a loud, baying howl intended to signal humans from miles away.
Here's a little glimpse of what that could sound like:
They have a strong independent streak, like most scent hounds. If they catch a scent, they may bolt—and once they’re off, recall is nearly impossible. This isn’t a dog that should be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.
Example: In field trials, Foxhounds have been known to follow a scent trail for 10–12 hours straight, covering dozens of miles. That’s what their brains and bodies are built for.
Physical Characteristics
American Foxhounds are tall, lean, and athletic. They typically stand 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 75 pounds. Their frame is built for endurance, not bulk.
They have long, straight legs, a narrow waist, and a deep chest for lung capacity. Their ears are long and low-set, and their tails curve upward slightly in a saber-like shape.
The coat is short and hard, and color patterns vary widely—tri-color, red and white, black and tan, or even bluetick. Most hounds are low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
Life expectancy is around 11 to 13 years, and they tend to stay active and mobile well into old age if kept fit.
Training a Foxhound: What to Expect
This is a smart, stubborn, easily-distracted breed. While they’re not difficult in the sense of being aggressive or defiant, they have low handler focus. That means even basic commands like “come” can be tough to enforce, especially outdoors.
Training success comes down to three things:
- Start early – Foxhounds should be socialized and conditioned to listen to humans from puppyhood.
- Use high-value rewards – Praise or dry biscuits won’t cut it. You’ll need meat-based treats or toys they love.
- Containment is training – These dogs need a fenced yard, period. No amount of verbal recall will overcome a hot scent trail.
They're not ideal for dog parks or areas with small animals—Foxhounds have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller pets, including cats, unless raised with them from an early age.
Exercise Needs and Mental Stimulation
This isn’t a walk-around-the-block kind of dog. American Foxhounds were bred to run long distances, and they need 1–2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. Otherwise, they may start howling, chewing, pacing, or digging out of frustration.
Examples of good outlets:
- Long-distance jogging or hiking
- Rural acreage or open fields (with fencing!)
- Nose work, scent games, or tracking sports
- Canine sports like lure coursing or agility
Urban or apartment life is usually a poor match unless you’re extremely active and can meet their needs daily. A bored Foxhound will almost certainly become a nuisance neighbor.
Grooming and General Maintenance
The short coat of the American Foxhound makes grooming a breeze. Weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good shape.
They do shed, but it’s minimal compared to longer-haired breeds. You’ll want to check their ears weekly for wax buildup or signs of infection, especially if they’re active outdoors.
They’re generally odor-free unless they’ve gotten into something, and they don’t need frequent baths. Nail trimming should be done monthly, and teeth brushing a few times a week helps prevent tartar buildup.
Health Concerns and Preventative Care
American Foxhounds are generally hardy and long-lived. But like all purebred dogs, they do have some predispositions worth watching for:
- Hip Dysplasia: Can affect some individuals. Keep them lean and consider joint supplements as they age.
- Ear Infections: Due to long, floppy ears. Weekly cleaning can prevent chronic issues.
- Thrombocytopathy: A rare blood platelet disorder that affects clotting. Ask your breeder if they test for it.
- Hypothyroidism: Less common, but possible. Watch for weight gain, lethargy, or skin issues.
As a whole, Foxhounds have fewer structural issues than many modern breeds. Their working heritage has preserved much of their functional soundness.
Is the American Foxhound the Right Dog for You?
If you want a loyal, sweet-natured dog with a strong work ethic and a taste for the outdoors, the American Foxhound can be a fantastic companion. But they’re not for everyone.
They need space, stimulation, and a strong fence. They’re not a breed that thrives when left alone all day, and they’re not ideal for novice owners who expect off-leash control or constant snuggling.
But for the right home—especially one that values the breed’s history, personality, and drive—the American Foxhound is a joy to live with and an incredible part of America’s canine legacy.
