> American Foxhound

American Foxhound Breed Introduction

The American Foxhound is a cousin of the English Foxhound, according to Wikipedia. Just as you might imagine, American Foxhounds, like English foxhounds, were originally bred to participate in foxhunts. The image that comes to mind when you think of a dog in a foxhunt is pretty close to an accurate image of dogs in the American Foxhound breed. They are medium-sized dogs, fast runners, and with a strong scent of smell.
Here are the characteristics of the American Foxhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

American Foxhound's Behavior

Recommended for: hunting, housepet
Despite being the terror of foxes for the last couple of centuries, the American Foxhound can be quite lovable. Foxhounds are still keen hunters, however. Once they pick up a scent, they tend to follow it, no matter how hard you might command them to stop.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

American Foxhound's Physical Characteristics

• Size: male: 22-25 inches tall; female: 21-24 inches tall
• Coat: medium-length and close to the body.
• Color: varies
• Eyes: brown/hazel, large, and not close together.
• Ears: long and wide
• Skull: long and slightly domed.
• Muzzle: medium-long, straight and square-cut
• Nose: No information in the official AKC breed standard.
• Tail: moderately high

American Foxhound's Origins and History

Here are the barebone facts of the American Foxhound breed's history, according to Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: United States
Original purpose: hunting, especially wild animals rather than just foxes.
Historical notes: If the legend is to be believed, the American Foxhound has quite a pedigree. According to Wikipedia, American Foxhounds can trace their roots back to the father of our country! Legend has it that George Washington received French Foxhounds as a gift from Lafayette, the great French general in the American Revolution. Washington bred his dogs with some others, creating the present day American Foxhound.