Hound group

American Foxhound

A lean, sweet-natured pack hound with deep roots in American history.

American Foxhounds are rangy, long-legged scent hounds bred to chase foxes over rough country. They are gentle and sociable, love other dogs and need a great deal of exercise; their musical bay is part of the package.

Height
21–25 in53–64 cm
Weight
60–70 lb27–32 kg
Life expectancy
11–13 years
Size
Large
Group
Hound
Origin
Virginia, United States

Coat: Close, hard, medium-length coat. Colours: Tricolour, Red and white, Lemon and white, Any colour.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level3.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness5.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability1.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Foxhounds are easygoing, friendly and gentle, with a strong pack instinct that makes them very dog-friendly. Many are a little reserved with strangers at first.

They were bred to run for hours following scent, so they are independent, persistent and hard to recall. Bored foxhounds bay, roam and dig.

Living with a American Foxhound

Exercise

Needs two hours of exercise a day; long runs, hikes and tracking suit them best. Use a lead or secure area.

Grooming

Minimal: a weekly rub with a hound mitt, weekly ear checks and regular nail trims. Check for ticks after country walks.

Training

Independent and food-motivated. Patience and consistency are key; recall is difficult.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and excellent with other dogs. Unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Pack dogs that dislike isolation; a canine companion helps. Expect baying if bored.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a American Foxhound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a American Foxhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a American Foxhound typically lives 11–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Thrombopathy

    An inherited platelet disorder causing bleeding; a DNA test is available.

  • Ear infections

    Hanging ears need regular cleaning.

  • Obesity

    Foxhounds without enough exercise gain weight easily.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for thrombopathy

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: American Foxhound; American Foxhound Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Robert Brooke brought English hounds to Maryland in 1650, and American hunters later crossed them with French and Irish hounds. George Washington was a keen breeder and received French hounds from the Marquis de Lafayette.

The American Foxhound is the state dog of Virginia and was one of the first breeds recognised by the AKC, in 1886, yet it remains one of the rarest AKC breeds as a pet.

Did you know?

  • George Washington bred foxhounds at Mount Vernon.
  • The American Foxhound is the state dog of Virginia.
  • Foxhounds are among the least-registered AKC breeds, despite being one of the oldest American breeds.

Library guides for American Foxhound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are American Foxhounds good pets?
For active homes with space, yes. They are gentle but need lots of exercise.
Do Foxhounds bark a lot?
They bay, and loudly — especially when bored or on a scent.
Are Foxhounds good with other dogs?
Yes — as pack hounds, they are usually very dog-friendly.