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
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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
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.