American Foxhound Breed: Images, Care Tips, Personality, and Characteristics

Tips for Selecting the Ideal American Foxhound Puppy

Bear in mind that these dogs were originally bred for hunting, and their innate dedication to this purpose is deeply ingrained in their genes. As such, they may have certain tendencies that render them ill-suited for apartment living, in particular. This isn’t to say that you can’t successfully keep an American Foxhound in a small city apartment—indeed, many owners have done so with great success. Our aim is simply to ensure that you’re fully aware of the potential challenges that come with owning one of these dogs. After all, one of the primary reasons people relinquish their dogs is due to an incompatible living situation.

As long as you have a clear understanding of what to expect when adopting an American Foxhound, you’re likely to be more than pleased with the outcome.

Analyzing the Temperament and Intelligence of American Foxhounds

Considering their tenacity as hunters, one might assume that the American Foxhound would exhibit a fiery and aggressive temperament. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. These dogs are incredibly relaxed and easygoing, taking great pleasure in simply being by your side. They generally get along with everyone (with the possible exception of foxes) and are rarely aggressive. At times, they may be shy and reserved around unfamiliar people, but this usually dissipates quickly and seldom becomes problematic. The intelligence of this breed is somewhat debatable.

However, some argue that the conventional dog IQ tests are biased against these breeds, as they rely heavily on visual cues, whereas scent hounds are primarily driven by their sense of smell. Additionally, their laidback stubbornness can work against them. They might not feel compelled to impress during training sessions by obeying commands, leading some people to mistakenly assume they are unintelligent. However, when given the right motivation, they can prove to be quite clever.

Is the American Foxhound a Suitable Family Dog?

With their gentle nature and seemingly endless patience, American Foxhounds make fantastic family pets. They have a particular affinity for young children, but it is still essential to supervise their interactions. It’s important to remember that a dog doesn’t need to be aggressive to accidentally hurt a child. These sizable canines can be quite energetic, and it’s not uncommon for them to unintentionally knock over a small child who couldn’t move out of the way quickly enough. The whole family may need to be involved in wearing these energetic dogs out. American Foxhounds are packed with vitality and will take every opportunity to run and play. It might be necessary to take turns in helping them burn off their excess energy. Just be sure to have a secure containment system in place; otherwise, you could be setting your family up for heartache if your beloved pet escapes their fenced-in area.

American Foxhounds and Their Compatibility with Other Pets

As a breed primarily bred for hunting smaller animals, one might assume that American Foxhounds wouldn’t be an ideal addition to a household with other pets. However, these lovable hounds actually get along quite well with various types of animals. Accustomed to working in packs, they easily accept other dogs as part of their family and appreciate having a companion that can match their energy levels. Just be cautious when pairing them with other howling-prone breeds, like Siberian Huskies, as they may encourage each other to vocalize, potentially resulting in late-night concerts for you and your neighbors.

American Foxhounds also tend to tolerate cats and smaller pets quite well, particularly if they are raised together. Despite their hunting background, they possess a surprisingly low prey drive, making cohabitation with cats, gerbils, hamsters, and similar pets a possibility. Nonetheless, it’s always best to exercise caution and ensure that all interactions are closely supervised until you’re confident that all your pets can coexist peacefully.

Important Considerations for Owning an American Foxhound

As an uncommon breed, American Foxhounds may seem a bit mysterious when you first bring them home. However, they share many similarities with other canines, making them easier to understand. Nonetheless, it’s wise to conduct thorough research prior to adopting one.

Nutritional Needs and Dietary Guidelines for American Foxhounds

Obesity is a major health concern for American Foxhounds, so it’s crucial to be mindful of their diet. Maintain strict portion control and avoid feeding them kibble filled with undesirable ingredients. Steer clear of low-quality fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as these only provide short-lived energy and contribute to weight gain. Instead, opt for high-protein food made from lean, high-quality meat. Stay away from anything containing animal by-products. Training treats are another area where American Foxhounds can face dietary challenges.

These dogs can be stubborn during training, and inexperienced owners may resort to food bribes for compliance. However, this not only leads to a poorly trained dog but also results in excessive calorie intake. To support joint health and prevent arthritis, consider adding glucosamine and omega fatty acids to their diet. It’s important to remember that supplements should not replace a balanced, nutritious diet for your American Foxhound.

Exercise Essentials for Keeping an American Foxhound Healthy

Despite their seemingly relaxed demeanor, American Foxhounds are far from being fans of lengthy Netflix marathons. These energetic canines possess an impressive stamina, making them a perfect match for active families or those with spacious outdoor areas for them to frolic for hours. However, if your lifestyle leans more towards the sedentary side, both you and your American Foxhound might struggle to find happiness. Merely walking these dogs won’t suffice, as they require extensive running exercise – think marathons rather than sprints. A lengthy jog or a few hours of free rein at the dog park would be ideal for these energetic pets.

Insufficient exercise may lead to various behavioral problems in American Foxhounds, such as excessive vocalization and destructive tendencies. The key is to tire them out so thoroughly that they won’t have the energy to cause any mischief. However, accomplishing this is easier said than done. Additionally, it’s essential to engage their minds as well as their bodies. These dogs delight in games that stimulate their olfactory senses, although they may not be as enthusiastic about visually-oriented activities like fetch.

Training Recommendations for Your American Foxhound

Training your American Foxhound can prove to be a challenge, as these dogs have a strong sense of independence and can display a stubborn streak. This may make them unsuitable for first-time dog owners. American Foxhounds are not likely to obey commands simply because you tell them to; they need to be persuaded that it’s worth their time and effort. Their keen sense of smell means they can be easily sidetracked by a tempting scent in their surroundings, making it difficult to maintain their focus during training sessions. To achieve the best results, employ positive reinforcement techniques and try to conduct your training sessions in locations with minimal distractions.

Tailor your training approach to their natural abilities, such as scent-based exercises, which are more likely to be successful. If you feel overwhelmed by the task of training your Foxhound, consider seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer. Ensuring proper training for your American Foxhound is crucial, so it’s better to enlist professional help than to leave their training incomplete.

Grooming Tips and Guidelines for American Foxhounds

Caring for an American Foxhound’s coat is a continuous task due to their short, rough fur that sheds persistently. You’ll find traces of them everywhere! However, by brushing their coat at least once a week, you can significantly decrease shedding, although it’s improbable to completely eradicate it. Bathing is generally unnecessary unless they are noticeably dirty, which, let’s be honest, is quite common. Additionally, it’s essential to gently clean their ears weekly using a moist cloth, brush their teeth daily, and trim their nails when required. If they’re allowed to roam and exercise as much as they desire, you might be able to skip nail trimming altogether.

Comparing Male and Female American Foxhounds

Male American Foxhounds generally have a larger build and are heavier compared to their female counterparts. However, it’s worth noting that females often reach physical and mental maturity more rapidly and exhibit slightly more independence. Nonetheless, the distinctions between the two genders are quite subtle and may not be significantly noticeable.

A Fascinating Fact About the American Foxhound

Interestingly, one of the key figures in developing the American Foxhound breed also played a significant role in history. Many American hunting breeds trace their lineage back to the 17th century when a man named Robert Brooke brought his dogs, known as “Brooke’s hounds,” to the country. These hounds were bred successfully for over 300 years, and one of their notable owners was George Washington. He combined Brooke’s hounds with French Foxhounds and Grand Bleu de Gascognes, ultimately creating the modern American Foxhound we know today.

Another Interesting Fact About the American Foxhound

American Foxhounds are known for their loudness, and it’s not just their bark that can be a nuisance. These dogs were originally bred to hunt in packs, and their unique vocalization, known as “baying,” was an essential part of their hunting strategy. Baying is a long, deep, and mournful howl that served to signal the rest of the group and the hunter when a fox was cornered. This sound needed to carry for miles, ensuring the pack could work together efficiently during the hunt. While baying is incredibly useful in the vast, open countryside, it can be quite problematic in a more urban setting, such as an apartment building.

One More Intriguing Fact About the American Foxhound

High Fences are Essential, Perhaps Even Multiple Layers: Although American Foxhounds can make wonderful pets, their innate hunting instincts remain strong. These instincts can become so overpowering that they may focus solely on pursuing a scent, potentially escaping from your backyard in the process. In their determination to locate the source of the scent, they can travel miles away from home, making it easy to unintentionally lose your beloved pet. If you’re considering adopting an American Foxhound, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect and reinforce your fencing before leaving them unattended outdoors. Additionally, it’s important to note that this breed should always be kept on a leash when outside of a securely fenced area.

Concluding Observations on the American Foxhound

American Foxhounds may not be suitable for everyone, but if you can provide ample time, energy, and space, they can be wonderful companions. It’s difficult to resist their charming personalities, and their playful side is simply irresistible. These dogs possess remarkable endurance and demand a substantial amount of exercise. Unfortunately, many people find it challenging to keep up with them, which isn’t fair to both the dog and the owner. However, if you’re a highly-driven individual with the enthusiasm to match these dogs’ energy, an American Foxhound could become the best friend you’ve ever had.