Looking After Pets

Legend has it that the present day American Foxhound can trace its roots from the favorite hunting dogs of George Washington. General Lafayette, the French general that fought in the American Revolution has given George Washington French Foxhounds. The American Foxhounds were developed from these hounds that were given to George Washington.

Present day American Foxhounds, just as their ancestors, live and hunt in packs. American Foxhounds are excellent hunters and their booming melodious voice is a big asset. American Foxhounds are the ultimate hunters as their high prey drive makes it difficult for owners to call off the dogs once they have started chasing a prey. Baying while following the prey is the hunting style of American Foxhounds and when the animal being hunted is cornered the kind of baying will change to warn the human hunters that the prey is found .

An American Foxhound is a handsome breed. Anyone watching a American Foxhound will be impressed by the dog’s lean body that is covered by a short white coat that has tan and black patches, the wide and long ears, the tail that is carried moderately high and the brown or hazel colored large eyes with a gentle expression. American Foxhounds are large hunting dogs but they are noted to have mild manners and gentleness especially with children. This breed has a sweet, loyal and easy going personality. Is it possible to turn this keen hunter into a placid home companion?

These hunting dogs are accustomed to hunting in packs. Being dogs that are hunted in packs, American Foxhounds would be more people oriented and less human oriented. American Foxhounds have continued the way of life of their ancestors. These dogs are pack oriented thus they would be in their natural element if allowed to live, play and hunt with other dogs. However, these are adaptable dogs and they would do well if kept as home companions.

The high exercise requirements would make this dog unsuitable for small quarters or apartment living. The ideal owner of this dog is one that is athletic as the dog would make a good running or jogging companion. Being a hound, it would have the tendency to show the typical stubbornness of hounds thus an owner has to be able to handle the dog. The stubborn streak of these dogs would be a problem especially for an owner that does not know how to handle dogs thus it is imperative that while the dog is still young it should be socialized and obedience trained.

The American Foxhound is a large impressive looking breed that closely resembles a Beagle in looks. The dog measures from 21 to 25 inches at the withers and weighs from 65 to 75 pounds. This breed’s sleek athletic body is well covered with a short coat that ranges from black, tan and white, tan and white or red and white color combinations. The admirable speed of this excellent hunter is attributed to the well boned strong legs.

Although this hunting breed has adapted the name America, these dogs have existed long before the land has gained independence from Great Britain. This breed originated from the English dogs that were brought to the New World in 1650 by Robert Brooke.

In Great Britain, these dogs were highly acclaimed for their excellent hunting abilities. The dogs were used by the British landed gentry to hunt foxes. In a fox hunt, hunters on horseback follow packs of American Foxhounds. Hunters will know if a prey is found by the change in the melodious barking of the hounds. New World settlers utilize the dog in the same manner. However, because of the ferocious tenacious nature, it was rumored that the dogs were utilized by the English military commanders to track and hunt Indians.

The American Foxhound was developed from the crossing of English hounds with the dogs of settlers from Ireland and France. This has resulted to the development of the American Foxhound.

The American Foxhound, first and foremost is a hunting dog. This dogs would love nothing more than to hunt. This breed is equipped with a sensitive scenting ability, strength and stamina and a strong prey drive. Once this dog has found an interesting scent nothing can stop the dog from trailing the prey. Foxes are the usual quarry of American Foxhounds but these dogs hunts other animals too.It is not surprising if this breed is on the top list most valued hunting dogs.

American Foxhounds are first and foremost highly valued for their remarkable hunting abilities. However, apart from the hunting prowess, these dogs are valued as well for their loving and gentle nature. These energetic dogs turn into placid pets with gentle disposition at home. Unlike other breeds, American Foxhound does not give its loyalty to just one person. This breed that loves the whole family is particularly affectionate and gentle with children.