At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 55-71 lb (25-32 kg) for males; PetMD gives 60-70 lb (27-32 kg) without splitting by sex. The UKC standard sets no weight.
UKC: males 22-25 in (56-64 cm), females 21-24 in (53-61 cm). Wikipedia gives 21-25 in (53-64 cm) for males.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, hard hound coat
A close, fairly hard coat of medium length covers a rangy, long-legged frame built for covering ground at speed. The tail carries only the faintest hint of brush.21
Personality what they are like
A soft-natured, friendly hound that tends to get along with children and other dogs. Its strong nose and hunting drive mean it needs patient, consistent training and a secure area when off lead.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. PetMD suggests planning on one to two hours of exercise every day; long walks, runs and scent games suit it well.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy coat care: a weekly brush is usually enough, with a bath only when the dog gets dirty.3
Home where they are happiest
Does best with room to move and a securely fenced garden, since it will follow a scent trail given the chance. Its deep baying voice is worth considering for close neighbours.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Adults are usually fed twice a day and puppies three times; portions should match age, weight and activity, and treats kept to about a tenth of daily calories.3
Company who they like around
A pack hound by background that enjoys company, both human and canine, and generally does well in a home with another dog.13
The story where it all began
Hounds brought from England to Maryland by Robert Brooke in 1650 are the traditional starting point of the breed. George Washington later bred foxhounds at Mount Vernon, mixing in French hounds he received from Lafayette, and is often called the breed's father. The breed was among the earliest recognised by the AKC.13
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the official state dog of Virginia.1
- 2
George Washington kept and bred foxhounds and is often named as the father of the breed.1
- 3
The AKC recognised it in 1886, only two years after the club was founded, yet it remains a rarely seen breed.3
- 4
Its big, ringing bay helped hunters follow the pack across open country.3
Recognised by the official bits
- AKC
- Recognised in 1886.1
- UKC
- Recognised in 1905; Scenthound Group.2
- FCI
- Standard no. 303, Group 6 (Scent hounds), large-sized hounds; accepted on a definitive basis in 1979, subject to a working trial.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Foxhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American Foxhound, and at what times?
Feed your adult American Foxhound twice a day, and puppies three times. Portions should match their age, weight, and activity level, check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts. A good routine is morning and evening meals.35
What should an American Foxhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for your Foxhound's life stage. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others, always avoid these. Consult your vet for a balanced diet.6
How often should I bathe an American Foxhound?
Bathe your American Foxhound only when they get dirty, which is usually every couple of months. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months.37 Furry Diary plan
How often does an American Foxhound need brushing?
A weekly brushing is enough to keep their short coat healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan also suggests brushing every seven days.37 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an American Foxhound's nails, and how often?
Trim your Foxhound's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, usually about every four weeks. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 28 days.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an American Foxhound need?
Your American Foxhound needs one to two hours of exercise daily, including long walks, runs, and scent games. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an American Foxhound's teeth and ears?
Brush your Foxhound's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests ear checks every seven days and daily brushing if possible.7 Furry Diary plan
Is an American Foxhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, American Foxhounds are friendly and generally good with children and other dogs. They are pack hounds that enjoy company, so they often do well with another dog.13
Can an American Foxhound be left alone?
As a pack hound, your American Foxhound prefers company and may not do well left alone for long periods. They are happiest with human or canine companionship.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
English Foxhound
Harrier
Treeing Walker CoonhoundLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- American Foxhound - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, lifespan, colours, recognition, history, fun facts
- UKC American Foxhound breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, coat, colour
- PetMD: American Foxhound petmd.comused for weight, lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, temperament, fun facts
- FCI nomenclature: American Foxhound (303) fci.beused for FCI recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.