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DOGS BY BREED:: AMERICAN FOXHOUND
American Foxhound (Fox Hound)
Information, Facts & Origins
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.
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 wasnÕt 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
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
Coat and Colors Information
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.
Grooming and Care
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.
Temperament and Character
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
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.
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
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 10 Š 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
- Tracking
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 when considering puppies.