American Foxhound Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized American Foxhound colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

American Foxhound Colors Overview

The palette of American Foxhound coat colors reflects the breed's genetic diversity. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Responsible breeders prioritize health over color production. While rare colors may be appealing, they should never come at the expense of proper health testing and breed-standard temperament.

Recognized Colors

Tri-color Standard

Red and White Standard

Blue Mottle

Tan and White Standard

White and Cream Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($600–$1200)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$360–$600)

Coat Genetics

American Foxhound coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among American Foxhounds, the standard colors (Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream) are most common. Non-standard colors like Blue Mottle are rarer and may command premium prices above the standard $600–$1200 range. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Do American Foxhound Colors Change with Age?

Color evolution is normal in American Foxhound puppies. As a hound breed originally from United States, the transition from puppy to adult coat occurs between 4–12 months and can bring noticeable changes in shade, pattern intensity, and marking definition. Standard colors like Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream are generally established by maturity.

Controversial Colors

Some American Foxhound colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. Colors like Blue Mottle fall outside the standard palette of Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $1200 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Thrombocytopathy and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard American Foxhound colors include Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Among American Foxhound colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Yes, many American Foxhound puppies experience color changes between 4 and 12 months as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern.. Standard colors like Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream are generally stable by 12 months.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. Any color is acceptable in the breed standard, making them one of the least color-restricted breeds; tri-color is the most commonly seen pattern..

Standard colors like Tri-color, Red and White, Tan and White, White and Cream are the most widely available for American Foxhounds. Non-standard colors such as Blue Mottle may occasionally appear but are less common. Breed experts consistently advise choosing based on health testing and temperament rather than color preference.