Breed guide
Meet the American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is an athletic scenthound with a strong interest in following trails. A friendly manner does not remove its need for exercise, secure boundaries and tolerance for hound voices.
- Size
- Medium to large scenthound
- Build
- Leggy endurance build
- Coat
- Short, close coat
- Character
- Sociable and scent-driven
Size and character describe general tendencies. Individuals vary with age, health and background.
Daily life & exercise
Provide substantial age-appropriate walks and scent activities. Practise recall on a long line and prevent an interesting trail from becoming an unsupervised escape.
Coat, grooming & everyday care
Brush the short coat and check ears and paws after outdoor activity. Keep nails comfortable and monitor body condition alongside the activity plan.
Training & living together
Use rewards that compete with environmental distractions. Teach settling and gradual alone time, and discuss noise honestly with other household members and neighbours.
Your lifestyle matters
Could this breed be right for you?
Use these six points as a starting checklist. The individual dog’s age, health, history and temperament matter as much as its breed.
You can provide daily scent-led activity
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide secure boundaries
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide managing hound vocalisation
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide patient recall training
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide regular ear and paw checks
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
You can provide company and routine
Consider whether this fits your normal week, including busy days.
A good match also needs realistic costs, suitable housing and a plan for holidays or changes in routine. Meet adult dogs and speak with a responsible breeder or rescue before deciding.
Explore & check the details
Official breed reference · More dogs in this group · Browse all other breeds
This guide describes tendencies, not promises. Ask your veterinarian about care and screening suited to the individual dog.
