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Dogs - American Foxhound Breed
"The Pilgrim Father's Dog"
 The
American Foxhound has its Origins in the United States in the 1600's, but
the ancestry dates back to an earlier English heritage
The American Foxhound was used mostly in hunting Fox and Small Game.
They were pack hunters with 15 - 20 dogs
Typical Weight:
21 - 24 Pounds
Dog Height:
2 to 25 inches to the shoulder
Information, Facts & Origins of the American Foxhound (Fox Hound)
The American Foxhound originates from the
United States and is a dog of large size with a lean and powerful body. It
is similar to it's main ancestor, the English Foxhound, but is taller and
lighter, having also been also bred with French and Irish hounds.
This cross breeding has resulted in the
American Foxhound being the fastest breed of all the Foxhounds. It was
bred originally to hunt small game and foxes.
Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog is
often referred to as the Fox Hound, and was made famous in the U.S., by
Walt Disney's Classic, "The Fox and the Hound."
The American Foxhound - A Scent Hound
The American Foxhound ( Fox Hound ) belongs to the collection of dogs
referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or
the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began
to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent
hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and
traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which
have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to
pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are
long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed
for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting
takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on
foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to
produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer
legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were
used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their
location.
As a pet, the American Foxhound is friendly, kind, and tolerant, but can
be reserved with strangers. It is not generally regarded as a house pet
but the American Foxhound has been known to adapt to this lifestyle,
although they are difficult to housebreak due to their origins as outdoor,
pack dogs used to living in kennels. They make a distinctive, almost
melodious, baying sound.
The leaders of the American colonies brought their love of fox hunting
with them from England and this tradition was soon adopted in the new
colonies of America. Their immediate descendents from the English Foxhound
were cross bred with French and Irish dogs, culminating in a taller,
lighter and above all faster breed of dog.
One of the most eminent of Americans,
George Washington, became involved in the breeding process and kept
Foxhounds at Mount Vernon. He introduced the French strain in 1785,
courtesy of the French Soldier & Statesman Gilbert du Montier, the Marquis
de Lafayette, who had been assigned to his staff. The breeding continued,
and there are a number of American Foxhound strains in existence today.
The American Foxhound's coat comes in a range of the following colours
- tri-colour (black, white & tan),
- or bi-colour with a white background.
The Fox Hounds coat is short and dense.
Dog Health information - potential health problems of the American
Foxhounds
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of
their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to
time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the American
Foxhound, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the
benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur
because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic
factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth
and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive
System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction
and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the American Foxhound
can include:
Description of American Foxhound Dog and
Puppies
The American Foxhound requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of
the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep
dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only
brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes,
teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any
potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible,
especially important in puppies and older dogs.
The American Foxhound is a very sociable breed, especially enjoying the
company of other dogs as they are pack dogs. They are tolerant, active,
and amiable. The American Foxhound was developed as an active hunting dog
so it is inclined to just follow a scent heedless of any commands.
The American Foxhound dogs and puppies are not well suited to living in
cities because foxhounds require a substantial amount of exercise. They
are well suited to living in the country and even outdoors in kennels.
This dog will make a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise
in a safe location and is given lots of attention.
Children and Puppies!
The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown
size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute
puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was
necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas,
unaware of the puppies growth rate.
Age comparison between the American
Foxhound Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we
hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the
first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two
years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old,
and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
The life expectancy for the American
Foxhound is between 10 – 13 years.
 Hound
Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name, the hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight
or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional
eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the
intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the
Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the
trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their
noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and
features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals
who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was
only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies
were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties
they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially
introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and Driving game
- Vermin Hunting
- Guard duties
- Tracking
In this day and age, only a few hounds
still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the
skills and characteristics that made the original American Foxhound dog
breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others
by sight. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require
a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable
for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a
distinctive ' baying ' sound.
Top resource sites about the American Foxhound
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American Foxhound Information & Breeders
American Foxhound - Is this the right breed for you? Breed facts, photos, links and more...
!!Brazos Foxhounds - Foxhounds, Foxhound, american foxhound,...
Foxhound, Brazos Foxhounds, Brazos Foxhound, Brazos American Foxhounds, Brazos American Foxhound, American Foxhounds, American Foxhound...
A-Z The Dog Breeds Alphabet, Dog Breed Encyclopedia and Directory
A comprehensive directory of links to the best dig breed information on
the net, listed by dog breed. Worldwide breed clubs, FAQ's, dog breed
information
American Foxhound Club Inc
Homepage for the American Foxhound Club Inc.
American Foxhound,
Dog Breed Information Center
American Foxhound, Dog Breed Information Center
Dogs - Pictures, Breeders, Puppies, Rescue, Photos
Foxhound Relocation and Retirement
Foxhound Relocation and Retirement PO Box 676 Contoocook, NH 03229-0676.
The Masters of Foxhounds Association of America
The promotion of the sport, the publication of a Foxhound Stud Book ... and the hunting sports that are a part of American culture and history.
ANIMAL DOCTOR
Dear Dr. Fox: I am inquiring as to an ear condition with our American foxhound
dog. She seems, from time to time, to develop something that bothers her
hearing.
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