American Foxhound

Foxhounds love to eat and gain weight easily, so measure meals rather than free-feeding.

Most adults do well on two measured meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Puppies have a higher metabolism, so add a midday feeding for three meals total. Your vet can set the right schedule for your dog's age.

The guide on the food bag gives a general starting point by weight, but your veterinarian can tailor amounts to age, body condition, lifestyle, and health. Remember that treats add up fast during training, so count them in the daily total and keep them to no more than 10% of daily calories.

A Foxhound eating a complete and balanced AAFCO-approved diet generally does not need extra supplementation. Talk to your veterinary team before adding anything new, and check in about any concerns with your dog's weight or diet.

The American Foxhound's coat is short and lies close to the body. Its hard texture once protected the dog from the underbrush it ran through on the hunt, and it is easy to care for. A short weekly session with a bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt, or hound glove is usually enough to manage stray hairs and keep shedding in check.

Bathing is not usually necessary unless your Foxhound gets into something messy outdoors. After outdoor adventures, check the skin for ticks and scrapes, and trim the nails regularly.

Because Foxhounds are prone to ear infections, see your vet if you notice redness, odor, pain, or itchiness. They are not prone to eye problems, but call your vet if you spot anything unusual such as redness or discharge.

Foxhounds were bred to spend long hours chasing prey, and an American Foxhound needs a solid one to two hours of exercise every day. Without enough activity, it can grow bored and turn to chewing, barking, and baying.

These dogs are happiest living indoors with their people and make good companions on long walks and hikes. Because they were bred to chase and follow a scent, let them loose only in securely fenced areas and keep every walk on a leash. Once a Foxhound locks onto a scent, calling it back can be near impossible.

The breed also works mind and body in canine sports such as tracking, rally, and coursing ability tests, which dog and owner can enjoy together. Before bringing one home, weigh the commitment honestly: are you fine with a more talkative dog, do you live where baying will not bother neighbors, and do you have time for one to two hours of exercise a day? If you can answer yes with enthusiasm, you may be ready for an American Foxhound.

American Foxhounds are amiable but can be stubborn and self-directed. Bred to work on their own, they bring an independent streak that turns training into an exercise in patience. Their noses lead them into trouble, so as scenthounds it may never be safe to have them off-leash.

Use consistent, positive training that relies on rewards rather than punishment. It builds the bond and works both brain and body. Treats, play, toys, and other things your dog enjoys all make good rewards, and if you use treats, factor them into the daily calorie count. Obedience classes are recommended, and like all breeds, Foxhound puppies need consistent socialization so they grow up confident in new situations.

A steady exercise routine is one of the strongest ways to prevent misbehavior, since hounds can develop unwanted habits without enough activity. In the home, Foxhounds get along well with children and make fast friends with other dogs and with people of all ages. Their prey drive can be a concern around small animals, so supervise introductions with cats and other small pets.