American Foxhound
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Find American Foxhound BreedersGet to Know American Foxhounds
- George Washington Helped Create the Breed: The American Foxhound is one of the few dog breeds with direct ties to a U.S. president—George Washington played a key role in developing it by crossbreeding English and French hounds at Mount Vernon in the late 1700s.
- They Have a Distinctive, Musical Bay: Known for their “singing” voice, American Foxhounds have a deep, melodic bay that can carry for miles. It was specifically developed to help hunters follow them through dense forests during long hunts.
- They’re Among the Fastest Long-Distance Runners: With their lean, athletic build and powerful legs, American Foxhounds can run for hours at high speeds without tiring—making them one of the best long-distance runners in the dog world.
- They’re Gentle at Home, Relentless in the Field: Despite their high-energy hunting instincts, American Foxhounds are gentle, friendly, and easygoing with family. They’re known for being great with kids and other dogs, especially when raised in a pack setting.
- They’re One of the Oldest American Breeds: Recognized by the AKC in 1886, the American Foxhound is one of the oldest dog breeds developed in the United States, with a heritage that reflects early American culture, independence, and tradition.
Breed History
The American Foxhound has a rich history that dates back to the early American colonies, where it was developed primarily for fox hunting. Brought to North America by European settlers, particularly the English and French, the breed’s ancestors include English Foxhounds and French hounds gifted to George Washington, who played a significant role in shaping the breed. Bred for endurance, speed, and a keen sense of smell, the American Foxhound became a favorite among hunters in the southern United States. Its leaner build and musical bay distinguished it from its British cousins, making it better suited to the vast and rugged American terrain. Today, the breed remains a symbol of traditional American hunting culture, prized for its stamina, sweet temperament, and strong pack instincts.
Personality and Behaviour
- Friendly & Gentle: American Foxhounds are known for their sweet and easygoing nature, especially with family members and children. They tend to get along well with other dogs, particularly in pack settings, thanks to their social instincts.
- Independent & Stubborn: While intelligent, they have a strong independent streak, which can make training a challenge. Once they catch a scent, their natural hunting instincts kick in, and they may tune out commands—persistence and patience are key.
- Energetic & Driven: Bred for endurance, these dogs have boundless energy and need plenty of physical activity. Without sufficient exercise, they can become vocal or restless, often expressing themselves through their distinctive baying.
American Foxhound Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own an American Foxhound Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an American Foxhound is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About American Foxhound
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available American Foxhound puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for American Foxhound, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an American Foxhound is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
