THE COMPLETE AMERICAN FOXHOUND HANDBOOK: Raise a Well-Behaved, Healthy American Foxhound with Proven Strategies for Training, Nutrition, Exercise, and Long-Term Care - Softcover

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Introduction to the American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is one of the oldest and most respected dog breeds developed in the United States. Known for its remarkable endurance, keen sense of smell, and friendly nature, this breed has earned a reputation as an exceptional hunting companion and a loyal family dog. Originally bred to pursue foxes across vast landscapes, the American Foxhound combines speed, stamina, and determination with a gentle, easygoing temperament that makes it a unique addition to active households.
Although less common than many other sporting breeds, the American Foxhound remains highly valued by hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and dog lovers who appreciate its athleticism and affectionate personality. Understanding the breed's history, purpose, physical characteristics, and temperament is the first step toward becoming a responsible and knowledgeable owner.
History and Origin of the Breed
The American Foxhound traces its ancestry to English Foxhounds brought to the American colonies during the seventeenth century. Early settlers relied on hunting dogs to help control wildlife and provide food, but they soon realized that the rugged American landscape required a faster, lighter, and more agile hound than those used in England.
Over time, breeders crossed English Foxhounds with French hounds, Irish hounds, and other scent hounds to create a dog capable of pursuing foxes over long distances and rough terrain. One of the most influential figures in the breed's development was George Washington, often called the "Father of the American Foxhound." Washington maintained extensive breeding records and imported French hunting hounds that significantly improved the breed's speed, endurance, and scenting ability.
By the nineteenth century, the American Foxhound had become firmly established as a distinct breed. It played an important role in traditional fox hunting throughout the eastern and southern United States and eventually gained recognition by major kennel organizations. Today, the breed is admired not only for hunting but also for companionship, tracking, search-and-rescue work, and participation in canine sports.
Purpose as a Hunting Dog
The American Foxhound was specifically developed for scent hunting. Unlike sight hounds that rely primarily on vision, scent hounds use their exceptionally sensitive noses to detect and follow odor trails that may be hours or even days old.
These dogs were bred to:

• Track foxes across long distances.
• Work cooperatively in hunting packs.
• Maintain a steady pace for several hours.
• Navigate forests, fields, hills, and rough terrain.
• Follow scent trails despite changing weather conditions.

Rather than catching prey quickly, the American Foxhound excels at patiently following a scent while communicating with hunters through its distinctive musical bay. This loud, melodious voice allows hunters to monitor the dog's location even when it is out of sight.
Modern American Foxhounds also excel in activities such as:

• Tracking competitions
• Scent work
• Search-and-rescue operations
• Hiking and trail running
• Canine endurance sports

Their outstanding sense of smell remains one of the breed's greatest strengths.

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