American Foxhound - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
The American Foxhound was developed in the states of Virginia and Maryland and its history is closely related with George Washinghton, who loved foxhunting. He owned a pack of brittish hunting dogs. Later he received French Foxhounds and Grand Bleu de Gascogne dogs from Marquis de Lafayette. Washington decided to cross those French dogs with his Brittish dogs and that is how the first American Foxhound were born. But George Washington is not the only person credited for developing this breed. It is important to mention Robert Brook, who brought the first American Foxhound ancestors to USA in 17th century and also Jeffersons, Lees and Curtises who also played role in the breeds development.
2) English Foxhound
A very close relative to the American Foxhound is of course the English Foxhound, but there are some important differences between those two breeds. The most important difference is the size, because the American Foxhound is taller. They are also faster and more agile hunters and they are known for having more melodious baying, which is most likely inherited from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.
3) State dog
As i already mentioned in the breeds origin, this breed was developed in the states of Virginia nad Maryland. And those states are proud to be the place of origin of the American Foxhound and Virginia designated American Foxhound as their official state dog.

4) Family companions
Even though this breed was developed as a hunter, they do make excellent family companions. This breed is described as easygoing, friendly and affectionate. They are also very gentle and tolerant, which makes them great partners for kids, but of course, you should always monitor the situation between a young child and any dog breed. On the other hand, you should never forget about their hunting ancestry and if you have some other smaller household pets, you should never leave them alone with your American Foxhound.

5) Exercise
It is true, that the American Foxhound is a great companion, but they are not for everyone. They need active owner who will provide a lot of exericse. This is highly energetic dog breed that needs daily longer walks, hikes or runs accompanied with some interactive playtime. They love sniffing and you should let them sniff, but only in well known or fenced area, because they can get very easily distracted by interesting scent and once they start following it, it would be very hard to recall them.

6) Training
Even though this is definitely a smart dog that loves its family, it is not exactly easy to train dog breed. It is because, just like many other hunting dog breed, they are independent and know how to be stubborn. Which is great when they are on hunt, but it can be challenging for obedience training. Patient and firm training and early socialization is essential for this breed.

7) Vocal dogs
The American Foxhound is famous for its bays and howls that can carry for miles and miles. It is very melodious and musical bay, but even if you will love it, your neighbors would probably not and it is one of the reason, next to the high energy level, why these dogs are much better fit for countryside, rather than a city.

8) Size
This is an athletic medium sized dog breed with average height between 53-64 cm, which is 21-25 inches and weight is typically between 25-32 kg, which is 55-71 lbs. The females tend to be little bit smaller than males.

9) Coat
Many people think, that the American Foxhound is always black, white and tan. While it is by far the most common color combination, they can be found in any color. The coat of medium length is close fitting and has hard texture, which is protecting the dog from brush and briars in the field.

10) Health
This breed is generally healthy and they do not suffer much from any hereditary ilnesses. The minor health concerns include ear infections, Thrombocytopathy and platelet disease. The average lifespan is around 12 years.