HoundLargeUnited States

American Foxhound

American Foxhound

Weight

60-70 lb

Height

21-25 in

Lifespan

11-13 yrs

Coat

Smooth Short

A lean, athletic scenthound bred for endurance, voice, and pack hunting.

Hound group breedOrigin: United StatesExercise needs: 5/5
Breed Names

Official, native, and commonly used variants

No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.

EasygoingAthleticIndependentFriendlyStubbornSociable
American Foxhound

Weight

60-70 lb

Height

21-25 in

Lifespan

11-13 yrs

Coat

Smooth Short

At A Glance

Daily living snapshot

A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.

Energy

High

Barking

High

Drooling

Low

Shedding

Moderate

Grooming

1/5

First-time owner

No

Overview

The American Foxhound originated in United States and was developed for pack hunting with stamina and voice. A lean, athletic scenthound bred for endurance, voice, and pack hunting.

In daily life, this breed is often described as easygoing, athletic, independent. It not a natural fit for apartment living and usually does best in rural or highly active homes with room to move.

Temperament & Personality

EasygoingAthleticIndependentFriendlyStubbornSociable

This breed tends to suit homes looking for a easygoing, athletic, independent companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.

Coat type

Smooth

Coat length

Short

Shedding

Moderate

Colors

Tricolor, Red and White, Blue and White, Lemon and White

Lifestyle Compatibility

Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs5/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5

Good fit if you want

  • A family-friendly companion
  • Room for routine exercise
  • Confidence handling structure and training

Plan ahead for

  • 5/5 exercise needs
  • moderate shedding and coat upkeep
  • high barking in daily life

Care Guide

Exercise

Plan for heavy daily exercise and structured work. Breeds with this profile stay more settled when activity includes both movement and mental engagement.

Grooming

The short smooth coat has moderate shedding and grooming demand rated 1/5. Brush regularly and stay current with ear, nail, and skin checks.

Training

This breed is independent and benefits from patient repetition. Early socialization and short, consistent sessions usually produce the best results.

Nutrition

Feed a quality diet sized for a large dog and keep body condition lean. Split daily portions into measured meals and adjust intake for activity level.

Behavior & Environment

Energy level

High

Barking level

High

Drooling level

Low

Watchdog ability

2/5

Guard dog ability

1/5

Climate tolerance

Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5

Health Considerations

Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.

Hip dysplasiaThrombocytopathyEar infections

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Foxhound good for apartment living?
The American Foxhound not a natural fit for apartment living. Daily structure and realistic exercise are the deciding factors.
How much exercise does a American Foxhound need?
Most American Foxhound dogs need heavy daily exercise and structured work. Mental work helps just as much as physical activity for many individuals.
Is the American Foxhound good for first-time owners?
Usually not. This breed is better suited to owners who are comfortable managing stronger instincts or more demanding training needs.

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