American Foxhound

Get to Know American Foxhounds

• George Washington Helped Create the Breed: The American Foxhound is one of the few dog breeds with direct ties to a U.S. president—George Washington played a key role in developing it by crossbreeding English and French hounds at Mount Vernon in the late 1700s.
• They Have a Distinctive, Musical Bay: Known for their “singing” voice, American Foxhounds have a deep, melodic bay that can carry for miles. It was specifically developed to help hunters follow them through dense forests during long hunts.
• They’re Among the Fastest Long-Distance Runners: With their lean, athletic build and powerful legs, American Foxhounds can run for hours at high speeds without tiring—making them one of the best long-distance runners in the dog world.
• They’re Gentle at Home, Relentless in the Field: Despite their high-energy hunting instincts, American Foxhounds are gentle, friendly, and easygoing with family. They’re known for being great with kids and other dogs, especially when raised in a pack setting.
• They’re One of the Oldest American Breeds: Recognized by the AKC in 1886, the American Foxhound is one of the oldest dog breeds developed in the United States, with a heritage that reflects early American culture, independence, and tradition.

Breed History

The American Foxhound has a rich history that dates back to the early American colonies, where it was developed primarily for fox hunting. Brought to North America by European settlers, particularly the English and French, the breed’s ancestors include English Foxhounds and French hounds gifted to George Washington, who played a significant role in shaping the breed. Bred for endurance, speed, and a keen sense of smell, the American Foxhound became a favorite among hunters in the southern United States. Its leaner build and musical bay distinguished it from its British cousins, making it better suited to the vast and rugged American terrain. Today, the breed remains a symbol of traditional American hunting culture, prized for its stamina, sweet temperament, and strong pack instincts.

Personality and Behaviour

• Friendly & Gentle: American Foxhounds are known for their sweet and easygoing nature, especially with family members and children. They tend to get along well with other dogs, particularly in pack settings, thanks to their social instincts.
• Independent & Stubborn: While intelligent, they have a strong independent streak, which can make training a challenge. Once they catch a scent, their natural hunting instincts kick in, and they may tune out commands—persistence and patience are key.
• Energetic & Driven: Bred for endurance, these dogs have boundless energy and need plenty of physical activity. Without sufficient exercise, they can become vocal or restless, often expressing themselves through their distinctive baying.