American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a lean, athletic breed developed in colonial America specifically for fox hunting, with roots tracing back to English Foxhounds brought by settlers in the 1600s. George Washington is credited with helping develop the breed, crossing English hounds with French hounds gifted by Lafayette. Standing 21-25 inches tall and weighing 60-70 pounds, these hounds are built for endurance rather than speed, capable of running for hours across varied terrain.

They have long, straight legs, deep chests for lung capacity, and muscular bodies that balance power with elegance. American Foxhounds have characteristic hound features: long, low-set ears that hang close to their heads, large brown or hazel eyes conveying gentle expressions, and slightly domed skulls. Their coats are short, hard, and dense, coming in various color combinations including tri-color, red and white, blue and tan, and other hound colors.

The breed has a distinctive melodious bay used during hunts to communicate with handlers and other dogs. Their feet are fox-like with well-arched toes and thick pads designed for endurance running. American Foxhounds are lighter and rangier than their English cousins, bred for the rougher American terrain and climate.

These working hounds maintain strong hunting instincts and exceptional stamina, requiring active owners who can provide substantial exercise and appreciate their independent hound nature.