The American Foxhound evolved from the dogs who
were originally brought into this country as English Foxhounds by
early settlers before the United States became independent from
Great Britain. Early colonists used these hounds in large groups
called packs to hunt fox followed by humans on horseback. This
type of hound has the typical "bay" when following their prey and
become especially loud with a distinctive change in the
vocalization when they corner the animal. Americans used their
hounds more for hunting deer and fox with solitary dogs . Most
early colonists still maintained several dogs on their property
and tended to keep them together in a group in their kennels
however. Hunters who still used the dogs in packs tended to have
smaller packs than were used in the English countryside. The breed
gradually changed to a dog with finer bone structure and longer
leg than its English counterpart and became known as a separate
breed.The American Foxhounds still
maintain the "pack" nature and if raised as a kennel dog will
behave as a dog that runs in a pack, being more "dog-oriented"
than people oriented in nature. Most of these dogs even when kept
as a lone hunting dog are more prone to be independent and relate
more to dogs than people since this has for many many years been a
part of their temperamental and genetic makeup. However, dogs who
are socialized early can become great house pets and are generally
very affectionate. As a general rule these dogs make gentle and
quiet household pets if they are brought up as part of the family.
They make fine watchdogs as they will give voice when unusual
things occur in their environment. They are easy to train if the
owner establishes themselves as pack leader, but are independent
and strong willed if left to their own devices. Foxhounds kept in
the house do best when they do have other dogs in the household.
Dogs that have for centuries lived as part of the pack need
companionship of other dogs or at least a pack mentality in their
household and without this they can exhibit real problem
behaviors. These behaviors can include separation anxiety and
repetitive movements such as tail chasing or circling. They need
plenty of exercise as do all dogs who are bred to be hunters.
The coat is short, the breed has a medium to
long tail, with a well balanced and powerful neck and the typical
"hound" appearance to the muzzle. The colors are black and tan and
white generally in no particular pattern except that the areas of
color are usually large in prominent patches rather than
"speckled" or roan. The head of the American Foxhound has natural
tulip shaped ears which lop over and a soft expression to the eye.
This breed has been consistently healthy through many years and
exhibits few health problems. Of course any dog that will be used
for breeding should be x-rayed for hip dysplasia but other than
this there are few genetic conditions.
