English FoxhoundClose relative
Loading breed
American Foxhound
Health grade B- Shoulder height53–63 cm
- Weight20–34 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Puppy price1,000–2,500 €
- Energy5/5
The essentials at a glance
The American Foxhound is an enduring, high-energy pack hound—bred to follow fox scents for hours on end while baying loudly. He is a thoroughbred athlete whose entire world revolves around his nose.
- Health grade B: In the American Foxhound, the main health risks primarily affect the musculoskeletal system through hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as the hereditary, mostly harmless Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA).
- You are looking for a tireless running partner for canicross, long bike rides, or extremely long hikes—a standard walk won't even come close to satisfying this dog.
- You live in the countryside and have a completely escape-proof, high-fenced garden.
- You live in a neighborhood with thin walls—his melodic, far-reaching howl when on a scent is genetically hardwired and not something you can train out of him.
Self-check
Would the American Foxhound really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the American Foxhound fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
Fit checkCost estimateRisk dice
Takes about 1 minute · free & anonymous
Similar Breeds
HarrierSame FCI section
Treeing Walker CoonhoundClose relative
American English CoonhoundSame FCI section
BeagleSame FCI section
Bluetick CoonhoundSame FCI section
Is the American Foxhound right for you?
At a glance
American Foxhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
53–63 cm
Weight
20–34 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: USA
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a American Foxhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the American Foxhound come in?
The coat colors that occur in the American Foxhound — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Coat type
Illustrative imageShort
Illustrative imageMedium
Smooth
Perfect for you if:
- You ideally already have a confident dog at home, because as a classic pack hound, he hates being alone and truly thrives in a pack.
- You have a sense of humor and patience for when his nose takes priority over your recall while out on the trail.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that checks in with you during walks and constantly seeks eye contact—he was bred to work independently and forge ahead.
- You value relaxed off-leash walks in the woods without months of often frustrating long-line training.
- You need to leave him alone in the house regularly for a standard workday.
The real vibes check
An American Foxhound is like a marathon runner with a built-in radar—as soon as he catches a scent, he enters tunnel vision and tunes everything else out. You aren't getting a classic companion dog that reads your every wish; you're getting a friendly but highly specialized hunting athlete. If you share his drive for forward motion and scent work, you will be an unbeatable team; if you keep him just as a pretty family pet, his lack of stimulation will drive you both crazy.
Breed Profile
The American Foxhound is an elegant, graceful and athletic dog that is often referred to as the aristocrat of hunting dogs. He belongs to FCI Group 6, the running dogs, and has a stretched, muscular build with long legs built for speed and endurance. Its head is long and narrow, with large, expressive eyes that have a gentle and intelligent aura. The ears are long and pendulous, and the tail is set high and carried cheerfully. There are no specific differences between show and performance lines in this breed.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 53 - 61 cm (Female), 56 - 63 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 29 kg (Female), 29 - 34 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Friendly, Energetic, Loyal
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Various colors including tri-color, blue spotted, red and black/white
- Price
- 1000 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The American Foxhound is a dog with a heart of gold. He is known for his friendliness and exuberant temperament. If you're looking for a dog that excels both in the field and at home, the American Foxhound could be your perfect partner. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the American Foxhound has a deep passion for hunting and is happiest when he can follow his nose. He has incredible endurance and can reach high speeds over long distances. But that also means he needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If you enjoy the outdoors and have an active lifestyle, your Foxhound will make an enthusiastic companion. A special characteristic of the American Foxhound is its musical voice. He has a rich and melodic bark that is loved by many people but can be problematic in urban environments. Therefore, he is best suited to rural areas where he has plenty of space to run around and bark. Despite his passion for hunting, the American Foxhound is an extremely people-oriented dog. He loves being around his family and shows deep loyalty and affection. This makes him an excellent family dog as long as he gets enough exercise and activity. The American Foxhound can stay alone well if properly trained, but it is important to remember that he is a sociable dog that enjoys the company of people and other dogs. He can get along well with other dogs and pets as long as he is properly socialized. In terms of temperament, the American Foxhound is more energetic than calm. He is playful and loves to move. It is therefore important that he has enough opportunities to play and run around. The American Foxhound has strong hunting behavior that is worth keeping an eye on. He can have a tendency to chase small animals and it is important to keep him in a safe area when he is off leash. His keen sense of smell can sometimes get him into trouble when following a trail, so it is advisable to always keep a close eye on him. As for alertness, American Foxhounds are not particularly alert in the sense of being guard dogs, but they are aware of their surroundings and may bark at unusual noises or activity. In conclusion, the American Foxhound is a wonderful companion for the right person or family. His energy, kindness and loyalty make him a loyal friend. It's important that you're willing to give him the exercise and mental stimulation he needs and consider him a full member of the family. With the right care and love, the American Foxhound will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the American Foxhound is one of the few dog breeds that originated in the United States and that George Washington is considered one of the first breeders of the breed?
What Awaits You
American Foxhounds are good-natured, easy-care dogs that get along well with children, dogs and even cats, but they have special requirements for their future owners. They have close ties to revolutionary heroes and the rolling lands of old Virginia.
Housing & Care
The American Foxhound is not particularly suited to city life due to its high energy and need for exercise. He needs plenty of space to run around and is happiest in a rural setting with a large garden. When it comes to children, the American Foxhound is generally friendly and tolerable, but it is always important to supervise interactions between dogs and small children. The American Foxhound can get along with cats and other pets as long as he is used to them from an early age. However, you should keep an eye on his hunting instinct.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The American Foxhound is an intelligent and energetic dog that benefits from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Sports you could try with a Foxhound include dog sports such as agility, obedience or tracking. It is important to note that this breed requires a lot of activity, but there is also a risk of them becoming "ball junkies." That's why it's important to find a balance and ensure that your dog experiences different types of play and activity. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important skills for an American Foxhound to learn, especially because they have a strong hunting instinct. It is advisable to start recall training early and get the dog used to listening to commands even when distracted. Overall, the American Foxhound's training should aim to make positive use of his natural instincts and energies while helping him to be a well-socialized and well-balanced member of the family.
Nutrition & Care
The American Foxhound needs a balanced diet to meet its energy needs. High-quality dog food that is rich in proteins and nutrients is recommended. Be careful not to overfeed him as he tends to gain weight if he doesn't get enough exercise. When it comes to grooming, the American Foxhound is quite easy to care for. He has short, dense fur without an undercoat. The coat sheds moderately, so regular brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and keep the coat clean. Since the American Foxhound does not have an undercoat, it can be sensitive to cold in cold climates such as Germany, so it is advisable to put a coat on it in cold weather.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the American Foxhound, the main health risks primarily affect the musculoskeletal system through hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as the hereditary, mostly harmless Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA). A responsible breeder has the parent animals X-rayed before breeding and checks their blood count for Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA). Make sure that you are presented with official evaluations for both parents with the cut-off values HD A–B and ED 0, as well as test results for Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly exercise, check his floppy ears regularly, and inform your vet about potential bleeding risks before any procedures.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have their breeding dogs X-rayed for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) and have their blood tested for Pelger-Huët anomaly (PHA) in order to avoid joint diseases and the transmission of the anomaly.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
3
Risks tracked
1
Recommended standard
2
High severity
Elbows & front leg
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a American Foxhound cost?
A American Foxhound costs around ~€180 per month (€100 – €350, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,780 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (11 years) it comes to about ~€26,760.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€180 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,780
Across the dog's life
~€26,760
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,000 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a American Foxhound?
HonestDog Concierge
No verified American Foxhound breeders on HonestDog yet
We currently have no breeders for this breed who have passed our verification. Create your short buyer profile: we'll set up your search alert, review a possible source and email you within 28 days.
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The American Foxhound originated in the United States in the early 18th century when various European hound breeds, particularly the English Foxhound, were crossed with local dogs. The breeding of the American Foxhound was largely shaped by the influence of George Washington, who was an avid fox hunter and is even recorded in the annals of the American Foxhound-Breeders Association. Developed specifically for fox hunting, the breed is characterized by its ability to run quickly over long distances and maintain a constant, melodic voice. The American Foxhound was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886. There are different strains within the breed, including the Walker, the Trigg, and the Goodman, each with slightly different characteristics.
Original Use
The American Foxhound was bred for fox hunting in packs, known for its endurance and speed.
Origin
USA
Date
1700
Owner experiences
At home and with the family, many owners describe the American Foxhound as a surprisingly cuddly, gentle and affectionate companion.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home and with the family, many owners describe the American Foxhound as a surprisingly cuddly, gentle and affectionate companion. It is often called a "couch hound" with a wink: once it has had its fill of exercise outside, it happily curls up indoors and enjoys close physical contact with its people. Thanks to its history as a pack hound, it is usually very patient with children and generally gets along very well with other dogs. Many owners stress that it really needs regular contact with other dogs and often thrives in a multi-dog household.
On the other hand, some of its behavior makes life in a city or a rented apartment very difficult. Its breed-typical, far-carrying bay and howl can quickly cause conflict with close neighbors. Owners also warn about its prey drive toward smaller pets such as cats or rabbits, which it may instinctively treat as prey both outdoors and indoors. For a harmonious life together, experienced owners therefore almost all recommend a rural setting with a high, escape-proof fence around the yard.
Sources:diehundezeitung.comreddit.com
When it comes to training, almost all owners say the same thing: an American Foxhound has little of the obliging "will to please" and act…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to training, almost all owners say the same thing: an American Foxhound has little of the obliging "will to please" and acts very independently. Bred as a scent hound to follow trails single-mindedly over many kilometers, it tunes out completely when it catches an interesting game scent. Many owners report that reliable off-leash time in woods and fields is hardly possible, or only after years of intensive anti-hunting and long-line training.
At the same time, owners point out that the breed is very sensitive. In their experience, pressure, harsh corrections or excessive strictness lead to stubborn refusal or fearfulness. Owners make the best progress with unshakable patience, positive reinforcement and very high-value rewards. According to owner reports, the often exhausting adolescent phase frequently drags on until the third year of life before the dog becomes noticeably more balanced and easier to reach.
Owners describe the breed's daily need for exercise and activity as huge and stress that ordinary walks on a short leash don't do this do…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners describe the breed's daily need for exercise and activity as huge and stress that ordinary walks on a short leash don't do this dog justice. The breed seems to have endless stamina and covers long distances with ease. To keep their dogs content, many owners turn to canicross, mantrailing or tracking, since mental scent work often settles these dogs better than physical exercise alone.
Health-wise, owners see the American Foxhound as a very vigorous, robust and weatherproof breed with little susceptibility to hereditary diseases. The short coat is also about as easy-care as it gets. The typical weak spots owners mention are mainly the drop ears, which need regular checks for dirt and infection, and a higher risk of joint wear or injuries that can result from the breed's strong urge to run and from jumping in rough terrain.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a American Foxhound the right dog for me?
The American Foxhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a American Foxhound live?
The average life expectancy of a American Foxhound is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a American Foxhound need?
American Foxhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a American Foxhound good for families with children?
The American Foxhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the American Foxhound come in?
The American Foxhound comes in these colors: Tricolor, Black and tan, Red and white, Black and white, Red, Tan, White, Blue.
Are you a American Foxhound breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred American Foxhound.