If Sherlock Holmes were a dog, he’d have long legs, a nose to die for, and a bark you could hear three counties over. Meet the American Foxhound — the aristocrat of the hunting field and possibly the most polite chaos you’ll ever meet.
Developed in the 1700s from English foxhounds brought to America by settlers (yes, George Washington himself was a fan), these hounds were bred for one thing: running. And running. And, well, a bit more running.
If you’re curious whether this elegant athlete is your perfect match, take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz and see if your life can keep up with those legs.
Pickles’ Aside: If your idea of exercise is walking to the kettle, this might not end well.
Great Names for American Foxhounds
Finding the right name for your long-eared legend is half the fun. Try these on for size:
- Fun: Rocket, Scout, Dixie, Blaze
- Classic: Bella, Charlie, Max, Lucy
- Quirky: Pancake, Bagel, Hiccup, Sir Snuffles
- Heritage: Liberty, Washington, Monroe, Jefferson
Still can’t decide? Fetch inspiration from our Dog Name Generator for more nose-twitching ideas.
Exercise
Picture this: you’ve just come home from work, dreaming of a cuppa, and your Foxhound is at the door vibrating like a tuning fork. This isn’t a dog who strolls — this is a dog who charges through life.
- Daily walks: Minimum of 90 minutes, ideally in big, open spaces.
- Off-lead play: Only in secure areas — they’ll chase a scent clear to Scotland.
- Ideal sports: Canicross, scentwork, long countryside rambles.
Warning: Marathon Dog Alert!
They were bred to run with horses. A stroll around the block won’t cut it, unless you enjoy redecorating your home with shredded sofa cushions.
One Reddit owner said, “My Foxhound once followed a deer trail for 45 minutes straight. I just stood there shouting into the void.”
Pickles’ Aside: You call it stubborn. They call it commitment.
Temperament
Foxhounds are the perfect blend of sweet and silly. They’re gentle souls with a strong pack instinct — meaning they adore company, whether it’s other dogs or every human within tail-wagging distance.
- With family: Affectionate, loyal, and calm indoors (after their marathon run).
- With kids: Brilliant companions for active, outdoorsy families.
- With strangers: Friendly, but their booming bark makes a cracking doorbell.
One owner summed it up: “He’s the kindest dog I’ve ever met, unless you’re a squirrel.”
They can be sensitive, too. Foxhounds don’t respond well to harsh words; they prefer gentle direction, consistency, and heaps of praise.
Pickles’ Aside: Treats help. Lots of them. Preferably cheese.
Training
Training an American Foxhound is like negotiating with a very polite but utterly determined diplomat. They’re intelligent, but their nose often overrules their brain. You’ll need patience, a sense of humour, and a sense of adventure.
- Keep it fun: Turn training into games. They’re scent-driven, so hide-and-seek is magic.
- Positive reinforcement: Praise and food work wonders. Shouting doesn’t.
- Recall training: Start early and never assume perfection — they follow their noses!
- Mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders, scent trails, and training challenges.
For expert help, use the World’s First AI Dog Trainer — perfect for designing sessions that work with your hound’s clever, curious nature.
One owner wrote, “She’s so smart, but if she catches a smell, it’s like I don’t exist anymore.”
Pickles’ Aside: Priorities, darling. Some smells are simply irresistible.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Foxhounds are far too friendly to be fierce guards, but they make excellent watchdogs thanks to that deep, musical bay. If someone’s at the door (or half a mile away), you’ll know.
- Bark level: Operatic. Not ideal for thin-walled flats.
- Temperament: Friendly to visitors once introduced.
- Watchdog score: 10/10 for alerts, 2/10 for actual guarding.
Pickles’ Aside: Think of them as the neighbourhood gossip — always first with the news.
Other Animals
Because they’re pack hounds, American Foxhounds tend to be social butterflies with other dogs. Cats and smaller pets, though, might trigger their inner hunter.
- Dogs: Excellent in groups — they thrive in company.
- Cats: Depends on socialisation. Early introductions are key.
- Small pets: High prey drive — proceed with caution.
An owner on a pet forum joked, “Our Foxhound gets along fine with our cat… as long as the cat doesn’t run.”
Grooming
Good news — that glossy, short coat is a breeze to manage!
- Brushing: Once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
- Bathing: Only when needed (they’re not smelly by nature).
- Ears: Regular checks and gentle cleaning — floppy ears love moisture.
- Nails: Trim monthly if not worn down naturally.
Warning: Seasonal Shed!
Twice a year, your Hoover will earn its keep. Other than that, they’re delightfully low-maintenance.
One owner said, “Five minutes with a grooming mitt and he’s show-ready again — unless he’s just rolled in something questionable.”
Pickles’ Aside: Rolling in mystery smells is a lifestyle, not a hobby.
Health
Foxhounds are sturdy, athletic, and generally healthy, with a lifespan of 10–13 years. Still, a few issues crop up in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia: Common in active breeds; keep joints strong.
- Ear infections: Keep those lovely ears dry and clean.
- Thrombocytopathy: A rare blood disorder — ask your breeder about testing.
Always choose your pup from a responsible breeder. The Best in Breeder Guide is packed with questions to make sure you’re starting off on the right paw.
One experienced owner said, “He’s been running trails for eight years and still acts like a puppy. Best decision we ever made.”
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Owning a Foxhound isn’t too pricey upfront, but feeding and insuring an athlete adds up.
- Puppy Price: £800–£1200
- Food: £50–£70 per month
- Insurance: £30–£50 monthly
- Routine Vet Care: £200–£300 per year
- Grooming: DIY brushing – maybe £20 for a good mitt
Yearly Cost Estimates:
- Budget Year: £1200 (basic care, DIY grooming)
- Realistic Year: £2000 (insurance, food, vet)
- Chaotic Year: £2800+ (injuries, chewed garden fence, professional help for recall training)
One owner joked, “I spend more on dog food than I do on myself, but he’s worth every bite.”
Famous Owners & Moments
The breed is woven into American history — George Washington himself bred them, naming his pack after Greek gods. Modern Foxhounds have made their mark too, featuring in hunting circles, scent sports, and even as therapy dogs thanks to their gentle, loyal nature.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| Foxhounds are aggressive hunters | Actually, they’re gentle giants with a loud voice. |
| They can’t live in cities | They can, with plenty of exercise and stimulation. |
| They need professional grooming | A brush and a mitt will do nicely. |
| They’re impossible to train | They just need patience, snacks, and consistency. |
FAQs
- Are American Foxhounds good with kids? – Yes, brilliant for active families who love the outdoors.
- Can they live in a flat? – Only if you’re prepared for multiple long walks daily.
- Do they bark a lot? – Yes! They’re vocal hounds with an impressive range.
- Are they suitable for first-time owners? – Possibly, if you’ve got time and energy to match their enthusiasm.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you dream of countryside walks, muddy adventures, and a loyal friend who’ll keep you laughing (and running), the American Foxhound might just be your perfect match.
Before your pup arrives, grab the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner to get organised, and treat yourself to a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait once your new hound has settled in.
Pickles’ Aside: Don’t worry — they’ll train you faster than you’ll train them.
Breed Stats
- Origin: United States
- Weight: 30–34 kg
- Height: 53–64 cm
- Lifespan: 10–13 years
- Best Trait: Gentle nature and unstoppable stamina
- Challenging Trait: Selective hearing and endless energy
Pickles’ Aside: Once they start running, you’ll need a head start just to catch them for dinner.