American Foxhound and American Foxhound Puppies Outdoor Type Dog Breeders and Grooming

The American Foxhound breeders in the Southeastern area of the U. S. A. It has not always been used as a scent hound to hunt the fox. There are diary accounts claiming this breed was used to hunt Indians rather
than fox or hare. These accounts were written by DeSoto's retainers when this Spanish explorer was in the Carolinas during the early 1500's. This is a breed with a well documented history. For example, we can
trace a single family of this hound back three hundred years to the specific date of 1650.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is loving, sweet and kind. They can be good with children and other dogs but they are hunters so do not trust them with other pets. They do not do well in apartments but can make a good family pet, they can adapt if started at an early age. They do need lots of exercise, socialization with people and other pets, and obedience training. They are a bit independent. They were bred to run and love to track scents. In fact, unless they were raised indoors, they are an outdoor type dog needing lots of fenced in space to exercise and proper shelter. They are slender, muscular and built to run.

History. Some early settlers to America brought their hounds with them. They were quite valuable as they helped hunt game starting almost 200 years ago. Much breeding and cross breeding between French, English and Irish hounds resulted in the American Foxhound. There are different strains today, still known as American Foxhounds. The walker strain is most popular and then there is Goodman, Hudspeth, Calhoun, Trigg, and July. These dogs were once used in packs to hunt game.

American Foxhound

Approximate Adult Size. Males will run 22 to 25 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and females will run 21 to 24 inches to the withers. Either sex can weigh from 65 to 75 pounds. Special Health Considerations. No breed genetic disorders have been isolated yet. Canine hip dysphasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness) is an occasional problem, as well as chronic ear problems and platelet disease or thrombocytopathy.

American Foxhound Grooming. The coat is medium length, and considered hard. They shed an average amount and need a firm bristle brush. Bathe sparingly. Their teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious diseases. Life Span. The life span with proper care and food is 11 to 13 years.

American Foxhound Puppies

  
American Foxhound Food and Health
Native meat supplies for this breed would have been the small game animals found in the Carolina countryside, such as the fox, raccoon, and squirrel. The crops of this area consisted of corn, wheat, beets, beans (soy), and rice. For the American Foxhound I recommend foods that contain a blend of beef, soy, wheat, rice and corn. However, the foods you should avoid feeding an American Foxhound are those containing fish meal, poultry or lamb.