American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a tall, light-boned pack hound — leggier and faster than its English ancestor, and one of the oldest breeds developed in the United States.

History

It descends from English hounds brought to the American colonies in the seventeenth century, crossed later with French and Irish hounds for more speed over open country. George Washington kept and bred them, which is a large part of why the breed's early record is so well documented. It is the state dog of Virginia.

Temperament

The breed is known for being good-natured, tolerant and sociable with other dogs, and single-minded once it has a scent. It has a famously loud, musical voice that carries for a very long way.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure fencing; recall is the hard part of any scent hound and this one runs fast. It suits a household with space rather than a flat, and the short coat is easy to keep.

Health

Generally robust, with hip dysplasia and, in a deep-chested hound, bloat among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.