American Foxhound
Hound Large
The American Foxhound is a beloved large breed from United States, ranked #149 in AKC popularity. America's own foxhound, personally bred by George Washington, whose melodious bay has echoed through American history for nearly four centuries.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the American Foxhound
Few breeds have the storied background of the American Foxhound. George Washington is considered the father of the American Foxhound, keeping detailed breeding records; the breed became the state dog of Virginia in 1966.. In 2026, the breed holds AKC rank #149.
Physically, the American Foxhound is a large-sized dog standing 21–25 inches and weighing 60–70 pounds. Possesses one of the most musical voices in the dog world, with a deep, melodious bay that can carry for miles across open countryside.
America's own foxhound, personally bred by George Washington, whose melodious bay has echoed through American history for nearly four centuries..
Lifespan Overview
The American Foxhound typically lives 11–13 years. Learn more about American Foxhound lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $600–$1200 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult American Foxhounds weigh 60–70 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Energy level: 5/5. Trainability: 2/5. America's own foxhound, personally bred by George Washington, whose melodious bay has echoed through American history for nearly four centuries. Full temperament guide →
History
Bred for fox hunting in the American countryside, developed to be faster and lighter than their English cousins to cover the rougher terrain of the American colonies.. Descended from English hounds brought to America in 1650 by Robert Brooke, and later refined with French hounds gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington..
George Washington is considered the father of the American Foxhound, keeping detailed breeding records; the breed became the state dog of Virginia in 1966.. Now ranked #149, Still used actively in organized fox hunts across the eastern United States; rare as a companion dog due to their extreme exercise needs and vocal nature..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Thrombocytopathy | Occasional | Moderate |
| Hip Dysplasia | Occasional | Moderate |
| Ear Infections | Occasional | Mild |
| Obesity | Occasional | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Is the American Foxhound Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The American Foxhound is a large-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The American Foxhound has very high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 1/5, the American Foxhound is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the American Foxhound is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The American Foxhound is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $70–62/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a American Foxhound home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 11–13 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $600–$1200 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,267. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $179, broken down as follows: food ($65–99/mo), grooming ($70–62/mo), insurance ($41–69/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($473–807/yr) and supplies ($234–427/yr). As a large breed, the American Foxhound costs more for food, medication dosing, and larger equipment than smaller dogs.
Over a full 11–13 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $41–69/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective American Foxhound owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the American Foxhound fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The American Foxhound belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 3/5, and shedding rated 3/5, the American Foxhound presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (5/5) and barking tendency (5/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With moderate intelligence (3/5), the American Foxhound learns at a reasonable pace and responds well to consistent training without requiring constant mental stimulation. They benefit from regular training sessions but are less likely to get into trouble from boredom compared to highly intelligent breeds.
Shedding and home cleanliness: Moderate shedding (3/5) means some hair around the home but nothing unmanageable. Weekly brushing keeps the coat healthy and minimizes excess shedding. Seasonal increases in shedding are normal and can be managed with more frequent grooming during transition periods.
American Foxhound Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the American Foxhound requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the American Foxhound if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The American Foxhound's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, cannot tolerate frequent vocalization, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a large breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the American Foxhound seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with American Foxhound owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with American Foxhounds before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.