American Foxhound
Updated November 28, 2025
Developed from English hounds brought to America in the 1600s, the American Foxhound is one of the oldest and rarest American breeds. They are good-natured, low-maintenance hounds who are loving with family but require a great deal of exercise.
Sweet-Tempered, Kind, Loyal, Independent, Intelligent
60-75 pounds
21-25 inches
11-13 years
Black and Tan, Tricolor (Black, White, and Tan), White, Black, and Tan, Red, Blue, White and Brown
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About American Foxhound
Developed from English hounds brought to America in the 1600s, the American Foxhound is one of the oldest and rarest American breeds. They are good-natured, low-maintenance hounds who are loving with family but require a great deal of exercise.
What Makes American Foxhounds Special
The American Foxhound is a breed with a rich history and a heart full of stamina and loyalty. While they are sweet and gentle companions at home, they come alive in the field with a passion for the chase.
Their musical voice, known as a bay, is a hallmark of the breed, though it may be more appreciated by neighbors in a rural setting. They are loving family members who thrive on activity and companionship.
American Foxhound History & Origin
The American Foxhound has its roots in colonial America, tracing its lineage back to a pack of English hounds brought over in 1650. The breed was developed in Maryland and Virginia, with George Washington being one of the most prominent early breeders. He sought to create a faster, lighter hound, better suited for the American terrain.
The breed was developed by crossing English Foxhounds with other European hounds, including French and Irish varieties.
George Washington played a key role in the breed's development, and his hounds are ancestors of many of today's American Foxhounds.
The American Foxhound is the official state dog of Virginia.
They were bred purely for the sport of fox hunting and have been a part of American rural life for centuries.
The United Kennel Club recognized the American Foxhound in 1905.
American Foxhound Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
American Foxhound Appearance
The American Foxhound has a classic hound appearance, with a long, athletic frame built for endurance. Their expression is typically gentle and soulful.
They possess a hard, close-lying coat that can come in any color, though tricolor is common. Their long legs and powerful hindquarters allow them to run for miles.
Physical Features
Ears
The ears are set low and are long and droopy, reaching nearly to the tip of the nose if drawn out.
Eyes
Their large eyes are either brown or hazel and are set wide apart, giving them a soft, pleading look.
Nose
The nose is large and well-pigmented, usually black, with wide nostrils perfect for scenting.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
American Foxhounds have a short to medium-length coat that is hard and dense to the touch.
Coat Color
While any color is permissible, common colors include tricolor (black, white, tan), black and tan, red, or blue.
Tail
The tail is set fairly high and is carried gaily, often with a slight curve, but never curled over the back.
American Foxhound Temperament
American Foxhounds are known for their sweet and easygoing nature. They are generally good-natured and get along well with children and other animals.
They possess a strong independent streak, a result of being bred to hunt on their own. This independence can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness during training.
While they are loving and loyal to their families, they are not overly demonstrative with affection. They are tolerant and gentle but may be reserved around strangers initially.
Their incredible sense of smell can lead them to follow a scent trail for miles, so a secure yard and leash are necessities. Their characteristic 'bay' is a melodious but loud announcement that they've found something interesting.
They are high-energy dogs that require significant exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. A bored Foxhound can be a loud and creative one.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
American Foxhounds are generally a healthy and robust breed with a life expectancy of 11-13 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and routine ear cleaning can help ensure a long, healthy life.
How to Care for a American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming but has very high energy and exercise needs. They require a patient and consistent owner, especially for training.
Grooming
The American Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt will help to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.
They are average shedders. Baths are only needed occasionally, or when they get particularly dirty.
Their long, floppy ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and cleaned as needed. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort.
Training
Training an American Foxhound can be a challenge due to their independent nature. They were bred to think for themselves while on the hunt.
Patience and consistency are key. Positive reinforcement techniques work best, but the trainer must be firm and confident.
Once they pick up a scent, their focus can be singular, making recall a difficult command to master. Training in a secure, fenced area is essential.
Early socialization is important to help them become well-adjusted adults, comfortable around new people and in various situations.
Diet
A high-quality dog food appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, senior) and high energy level is recommended.
The amount of food will vary based on their size, activity level, and metabolism. Typically, 2 to 3 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals, is sufficient.
These hounds have a tendency to gain weight, so their food intake should be monitored. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats.
Exercise
American Foxhounds are extremely high-energy dogs with great stamina, requiring at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily.
They make excellent jogging or running partners and thrive in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they can run.
Long walks on a leash, hiking, and participating in canine sports like tracking are great ways to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Without sufficient exercise, they can become bored, which may lead to destructive behavior and excessive baying.
Environment
Due to their high energy levels and loud bay, American Foxhounds are not well-suited for apartment living. They need space to run and play.
A home with a large, securely fenced yard in a rural or suburban setting is ideal.
They have a strong prey drive and an instinct to follow scents, so they should never be left off-leash in an unfenced area.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A house with a large, securely fenced yard is almost a necessity.
Climate Adaptability
Adaptable to various climates but should be monitored in extreme heat or cold.
Apartment Living
Strongly not recommended for apartment life.
Best Suited For
Best suited for very active families, runners, or those living in rural areas.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Foxhounds good family dogs?
Yes, their sweet and gentle nature makes them good for families, especially with active, older children. They are tolerant and loyal companions.
Do American Foxhounds bark a lot?
They are not nuisance barkers but they do have a loud, musical 'bay' which they will use, especially when on a scent. This makes them unsuitable for close-quarter living.
How much exercise do American Foxhounds need?
A great deal. They require at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise every day to stay happy and healthy.
Are American Foxhounds hard to train?
Their independence can make them a challenge to train. They require a patient, confident, and consistent owner. Recall is a particularly difficult command to master.
Can American Foxhounds live in apartments?
No, they are not recommended for apartment living due to their high energy needs and loud bay.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early, consistent training and socialization are vital. Secure fencing is a must from day one.
Senior Care
Monitor for joint issues and adjust exercise to their ability. Keep them at a healthy weight.
First-Time Owner Tips
May be challenging for first-time owners due to their high energy and training needs.
Looking for a American Foxhound?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.