American Foxhound
美國獵狐犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The American Foxhound is the sleek, rangy, longer-legged cousin of the English Foxhound, developed from English packhounds imported to Virginia and Maryland in 1650 and famously bred by George Washington. Sweet-tempered, easy-going and good with children, other dogs and even cats, it comes with special considerations: it needs an hour or two of hard exercise a day, its single-minded prey drive means it may never be safe off leash, its loud bawling can be a nuisance to neighbours, and training and house-training these independent souls can be a steep challenge for novices. The CKC advises pet buyers to choose show lines and a house-raised puppy over kennel or field stock.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 53–64cm |
| Weight | 27–32kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 3/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 5/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Ear infections
Recurring ear infections are commonly reported, particularly in drop-eared dogs. Ask your vet how to check and clean the ears.
Bleeding disorders
Thrombocytopathy — poorly functioning platelets causing abnormal or excessive bleeding from minor scrapes — is occasionally reported in the breed and responsible breeders test for it. Tell your vet before any surgery.
Behaviour
Independent and strong-willed — bored when alone
The CKC says the American Foxhound is known for independence and strong will yet is affectionate, gentle and loving at home; it gets along well with other dogs because of its pack background and can become bored if left alone. It asks anyone wanting a house pet to remember the breed's history as an outdoor kennel hound: try show lines rather than field types, and choose a dog bred and raised in a house over one from a pack or raised outside.
Easy-going at home, patience in training
The AKC calls the breed easygoing and amiable but stubborn and independent, which can make training an exercise in patience; obedience classes are recommended, and as a scenthound it may never be safe off leash because its nose can lead it into trouble. Foxhounds raised in the home tend to be mild-tempered, devoted companions that get on well with children, but they need an hour or two of exercise every day or they can become depressed and destructive.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "independent / easy-going / sweet-tempered".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 5/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — American Foxhound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Foxhound American (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — American Foxhound (standard no. 303, group 6)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]American Foxhound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Foxhound American — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]American Foxhound — FCI standard no. 303 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.