" The Pilgrim Father's Dog "
|Breed Origins: ||United States in the 1600's but ancestry dates back to an earlier English heritage|
|Breed usage: ||Hunting Dog: Fox and Small Game|
pack hunters with 15 - 20 dogs
|Dog Weight: ||21 - 24 Pounds |
|Dog Height: ||22 to 25 inches to the shoulder |
|Cost of Puppies: ||Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history|
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Information, Facts & Origins of the American Foxhound (Fox Hound)
The American Foxhound originates from the United States and is a dog of large size with a lean and powerful body. It is similar to it's main ancestor, the English Foxhound, but is taller and lighter, having also been also bred with French and Irish hounds. This cross breeding has resulted in the American Foxhound being the fastest breed of all the Foxhounds. It was bred originally to hunt small game and foxes. It's origins can be dated back to the 1600's and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group, which we go on to describe, in detail, in the section at the bottom of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog is often referred to as the Fox Hound.
American Foxhound Dog Names
The American Foxhound - A Scent Hound
The American Foxhound ( Fox Hound ) belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location.
As a pet the American Foxhound is friendly, kind, tolerant but can be reserved with strangers. It is not generally regarded as a house pet but the American Foxhound has been known to adapt to this lifestyle, although they are difficult to housebreak due to their origins as outdoor, pack dogs used to living in kennels. They make a distinctive, almost melodious, baying sound.
Information, Facts & History of the American Foxhound Dog (Fox Hound)
The History of the American Foxhound commenced in the 1600's when their ancestors arrived in America with the Pilgrim Fathers and the first settlers. The leaders of the American colonies brought their love of fox hunting with them from England and this tradition was soon adopted in the new colonies of America. Their immediate descendents from the English Foxhound were cross bred with French an d Irish dogs culminating in a taller, lighter and above all faster breed of dog. One of the most eminent of Americans, George Washington, became involved in the breeding process and kept Foxhounds at Mount Vernon. He introduced the French strain in 1785, courtesy of the French Soldier & Statesman Gilbert du Montier, the Marquis de Lafayette, who had been assigned to his staff. The breeding continued and their are a number of American Foxhound strains in existence today. These strains include the Walker, Trigg, Goodman, July and Calhoun, originating from Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee and Georgia.
- The Walker strain originated in Kentucky and were first known as Mauphin hounds from the breeder Wash Mauphin. Wash Mauphin loved the dogs but not the record keeping and so the Walker brothers undertook this task. A large number of hounds were sent to Texas shortly after the Civil War, and it was there that this strain was first called Walkers. The Mauphin Hounds were thenceforth referred to a Walker Hounds.
- The Trigg strain originated in Kentucky by Colonel Haiden Trigg.
- The Goodman strain originated in Maryland strain and was imported across the country by Willis Goodman.
- The July strain originated in Georgia. This strain is named after a hound called July who was imported in 1858 from Maryland by Nimrod Gosnell to Colonel Miles G. Harris of Georgia.
- The Calhoun strain originated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee and was bred by Otie Calhoun
Description of the American Foxhound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The American Foxhound's coat comes in a range of the following colours tri-colour (black, white & tan), or bi-colour with a white background. The Fox Hounds coat is short and dense and is weatherproof.
Dog Health information - potential health problems of the American Foxhounds
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the American Foxhound, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the American Foxhound may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.
Description of American Foxhound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized American Foxhound dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average American Foxhound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of American Foxhound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.
Information on Grooming and Care of the American Foxhound Dog Breed ( Fox Hound)
The American Foxhound requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.
Information on the Temperament and Character of the American Foxhound Dog Breed
The American Foxhound is a very sociable breed, especially enjoying the company of other dogs as they are pack dogs. They are tolerant, active, and amiable. The American Foxhound was developed as an active hunting dog so it is inclined to just follow a scent heedless of any commands.
Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the American Foxhound Dog Breed
The American Foxhound dogs and puppies are not well suited to living in the town because it requires a substantial amount of exercise. It is well suited to living in the country and even outdoors in kennels. This dog will make a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise in a safe location and is given lots of attention.
American FoxHound - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosingAmerican Foxhound puppies:
- Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
- Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
- Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
- Exercising requirements for the American Foxhound breed
- Living Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies
- Family - child suitability
Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average American Foxhound - essential information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Age comparison between the American Foxhound Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Life Expectancy of the American Foxhound Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 10 – 13 years.
Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and Driving game
- Vermin Hunting
- Guard duties
In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original American Foxhound dog breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average American Foxhound dog - essential information but unique to this site.
American Foxhound Dog Breed
Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the American Fox Hound and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:
American Foxhound Dog & Puppies