
Quick Facts
- Suitable for experienced owners; requires consistent training and socialization
- Early socialization and obedience training are essential; can be independent and stubborn
- High energy; requires substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Medium to large-sized dog
- Low drooling tendency
- Low grooming needs; regular brushing to maintain coat health
- Non-hypoallergenic breed
- Highly vocal; known for distinctive baying and howling
- Friendly and sociable; not typically used as a guard dog
- Generally good with other dogs; may have a high prey drive towards smaller animals
- Good with children; supervision recommended due to energy levels
History and Origin
The American Foxhound’s story begins in the Colonial era, and like other great American tales, it involves George Washington himself. In 1785, the future president received a gift that would help shape American hunting history—several French Foxhounds from the Marquis de Lafayette. These dogs, however, weren’t Washington’s first involvement with foxhound breeding. He had already been working with English Foxhounds, carefully documenting his breeding program at Mount Vernon.
Washington’s meticulous records show a deliberate effort to create a faster, lighter hound than the English varieties. He wasn’t alone in this pursuit. Early American hunters discovered that English Foxhounds, bred for following foxes across the manicured estates of England, struggled with the larger American red fox and the challenging terrain of the New World. The forests were denser, the distances greater, and the quarry more elusive.
The introduction of French hounds to the existing English stock proved transformative. These crosses produced dogs with greater speed and stamina, essential qualities for hunting in vast American territories. Washington’s detailed breeding records from Mount Vernon provide the first documented evidence of the development of what would become the American Foxhound.
In the years following American independence, distinct regional strains emerged. The Walker Foxhound, developed by John W. Walker of Kentucky in the 1850s, became particularly influential. Walker focused on creating dogs with exceptional endurance and a clear, carrying voice—qualities essential for long hunts through challenging terrain. His breeding program was so successful that “Walker” remains a recognized strain of the American Foxhound to this day.
The Trigg Foxhound, another significant strain, emerged from Kentucky breeding programs in the late 1860s. Colonel Haiden C. Trigg developed these dogs specifically for hunting in rough country, selecting for both speed and stamina. Historical records show careful breeding selections aimed at creating hounds capable of maintaining the chase over long distances.
The July Foxhound strain, developed by Colonel Miles G. July of Georgia, added another dimension to the breed’s development. These dogs were bred specifically for hunting in the hot conditions of the American South, contributing heat tolerance to the breed’s growing list of adaptations to American conditions.
Formal recognition came in 1886, when the American Foxhound became one of the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Yet, unlike many early AKC breeds, the American Foxhound continued to evolve primarily as a hunting dog rather than a show animal. Different regions maintained their distinct strains, each adapted to local hunting conditions and preferences.
Today’s American Foxhound still reflects its purposeful development. Longer-legged and rangier than its English ancestor, it maintains the speed and stamina that colonial hunters bred for. The various strains—Walker, Trigg, July, and others—continue to demonstrate how the breed adapted to meet different hunting needs across America.
The breed stands as one of the few whose working abilities haven’t been significantly altered by show breeding. This preservation of function over form reflects the priorities of the hunters who developed it, from Washington’s early breeding program to the strain developers who followed. Their focus remained steadfastly on creating dogs that could perform in American hunting conditions, regardless of changing fashions in the dog world.
The American Foxhound represents one of the earliest examples of American dog breeders adapting European hunting dogs to meet the unique challenges of the New World. Its development, documented through breeding records spanning more than two centuries, demonstrates how practical necessity shaped one of America’s oldest native breeds.

Fun Facts About the American Foxhound
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George Washington’s Breed: The first president of the United States, George Washington, was a key figure in developing the American Foxhound. He bred his own pack of foxhounds and kept detailed records of their lineage, helping to shape the breed.
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Pack Workers: American Foxhounds are typically used in pack hunting, where multiple dogs work together to chase and corner game. This makes them highly social with other dogs, though they may not always be as focused on human interaction.
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Built for Speed: American Foxhounds are built for speed and stamina, with long legs and a lean body that helps them cover great distances quickly. They can run up to 30 miles per hour when in full pursuit of game.
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Singing Hounds: Known for their distinctive baying, American Foxhounds have a melodic bark that can carry over long distances. This makes them excellent hunting dogs but can also be a bit noisy for families in suburban or urban environments.
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Rare as Pets: Although they are recognized by the AKC, American Foxhounds are still relatively rare as companion dogs. They are primarily found in the southern United States, where they remain popular with hunters.
Common Myths About the American Foxhound
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Myth 1: “American Foxhounds are too high-energy to be family pets.”
While American Foxhounds are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise, they can make loyal and affectionate family pets for active households. Regular walks, runs, and playtime will help them stay happy and healthy.
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Myth 2: “They are too stubborn to train.”
While American Foxhounds can be independent and stubborn, they are also intelligent and capable of learning commands. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can be trained successfully.
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Myth 3: “They don’t get along with other dogs.”
In fact, American Foxhounds are highly social dogs that typically work in packs. They are generally good with other dogs, especially if they’ve been raised together or properly socialized.
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Myth 4: “They are not suitable for homes with small yards.”
While American Foxhounds thrive in open spaces, they can adapt to homes with smaller yards if they receive sufficient exercise. Regular long walks or trips to the dog park can help keep them happy in more confined living spaces.
Conclusion: The Athletic and Loyal American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a breed that combines speed, endurance, and a strong work ethic with a gentle, affectionate personality. Whether they are chasing game across the countryside or lounging at home with their family, American Foxhounds are known for their devotion and loyalty. While their high energy levels and independent nature may make them a better fit for experienced dog owners, they can be wonderful companions for those who appreciate their hunting spirit and love of adventure.