American Foxhound: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption Guide
American Foxhound history and origin
Colonial America is where the American Foxhound took shape, with the English Foxhound serving as its foundation. Irish, French and other hounds are thought to have helped refine the breed. George Washington kept a pack and a breeding program, and French hounds given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette were used along with others to develop the American breed. AKC places the breed in the Hound Group, lists its origin as the United States, and recognized it in 1886. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1905.
American Foxhound size and weight
AKC places the American Foxhound in the large size category. AKC publishes a height of 22-25 inches for males and 21-24 inches for females. AKC publishes a weight of 65-70 pounds for males and 60-65 pounds for females. The breed is sturdy and hardy, but taller and lighter on bone than the English Foxhound.
American Foxhound temperament, personality and traits
AKC's temperament words for the breed are independent, easy-going and sweet-tempered. These pack-oriented dogs tend to accept everyone, including other dogs, and having at least one other dog around may help keep an American Foxhound more content. They are often loving with family members and friendly toward visitors. AKC gives the breed its top rating of 5 of 5 for child compatibility and for dog compatibility. AKC also rates vocalization at 5 of 5, and the breed gives voice when on the hunt, which close neighbors may not appreciate.
Exercise and scent work
AKC rates the breed's energy at 4 of 5, and vigorous exercise is described as a must. Without enough exercise, a foxhound may find its own outlets, and following a scent can lead it to skunks, porcupines or into highway traffic. Using the nose is the breed's strength, so hidden-treat search games and field trials can be a good fit.
American Foxhound shedding and grooming
AKC lists the coat as short and smooth. AKC rates grooming frequency at 1 of 5 and shedding at 3 of 5. A hound's glove or soft brush can remove dead hair.
American Foxhound training
AKC rates trainability at 3 of 5. Training is described as basics only, with house manners as the main priority, since formal obedience work tends to bore the breed.
American Foxhound lifespan and life expectancy
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 11-13 years for the American Foxhound. Hip dysplasia and spinal degeneration can occur, and some deafness and blood disorders occasionally appear. Checking whether the parents are OFA certified is suggested. Ask a veterinarian what screening and care suit an individual dog.
American Foxhound adoption and rescue
Anyone considering American Foxhound adoption or a foxhound rescue dog may want to plan for an energetic, scent-driven hound that often enjoys the company of another dog. A secure yard or leashed walks matter, since a strong nose can pull a hound toward hazards.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the American Foxhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1886
- Height (AKC published)
- 22-25 inches (male), 21-24 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 11-13 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 5 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 3 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- No recommended health tests
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : American Foxhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 9, 2026
- American Foxhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 9, 2026
- American Foxhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
