American foxhounds are excellent pets who get along with kids and other animals. But what is the American foxhound price? And is the fantastic dog worth it? Let’s find out!
Easy-going, sweet, good-natured, and low-maintenance American foxhound is the oldest and scarce American breed. This breed is so uncommon that it is the second rarest dog breed in the US. Due to their physical appearance, these dogs are often mistaken as beagles, but American foxhounds are actually bigger, thinner, and taller than beagles and their English cousins.
The physical appearance, intense stamina, and love of running make American foxhounds a great companion for athletic pet lovers. These dogs may need special considerations, but their mild nature, loyalty, and kindness make them the right fit for families with kids and other pets.
If you fancy having this excellent dog as a companion, you are at the right place. This article gives the full low down on American foxhound temperament, personality traits, shedding, and price ranges. So, you can determine whether the fascinating breed will fit in with your Lifestyle or not.
Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at American Foxhound!
American Foxhound Breed Overview
The American Foxhound (an American dog breed) is one of the rarest canine breeds. His hard coat may be any colour. He is used as a trail hound, a competitive field trial hound, a pack hound or a fox hunter. This requires different characteristics within the dog and so some suit one specific type of job more than others.
Some need more speed, others need a louder voice and others also need the ability to work in a pack. George Washington ran a breeding program for the American Foxhound (which is when they originated) and so is known as the Father of the American Foxhound.
This dog breed loves the open air and are better suited to farms and rural areas. However, they can live in smaller areas as long as they get enough exercise.
If they’re raised in a home, they’ll be mild mannered and will get along with kids and other animals. It’s easy to care for their short coat.
American foxhounds are reliable hunting dogs. Their natural characteristics offer them ultimate speed, and they can be great companion dogs as well.
If you are into getting this dog for your family, you should remember a few things. American foxhounds are affectionate companions, but they are highly energetic. Their energy level is not meant to be for everyone. The breed needs to exercise a lot to stay healthy and active.
A bored American foxhound may find a way to burn its excess energy, and you won’t like it. So, expect to provide the pal with lots of daily activity. Plus, the breed is a little noisy. Their melodious and bell-like voices can travel long distances. Therefore, it is suggested not to bring one home unless your neighbors appreciate the concert every day or are far enough that they won’t hear a thing.
(But that doesn’t mean you can’t have them. We just want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into as a prospective owner!)
American foxhounds thrive in rural areas. City living is not recommended for them. These canines still live the way their ancestors did. They were bred to hunt in large packs. Their hunting background gives them an independent personality, and the pup can be very strong-willed and single-minded.
Generally, American Foxhounds are not considered companion dogs. But the rare furball can make a great friend to someone who can give them the exercise they need. Foxhounds are incredibly active and can easily get distracted by various scents.
Unlike some territorial breeds, American Foxhounds like the company of other dogs. Running around with other canine friends keeps them cheerful. The lovely buddy likes to bond with his human family as well.
Despite the size, they are pretty well-mannered and gentle with children. If introduced at an early age, they can even learn to get along with cats. Their overall expression is pleading and kind.
American Foxhound History
American Foxhounds were initially bred as hunting dogs. They were considered excellent for blood sports such as fox hunting. The loyalty of this companion is unquestionable, and it is closely linked to the heroes of the revolution.
The first European settlers bought their hounds with them to the American colonies. The descendants of these hound dogs were crossed with imported French, Irish, and English hounds. The American breeders were trying to breed a hound having a thinner, taller, and faster body with a great sense of smell.
George Washington was one of the American breeders of that time. He tried to improve his American foxhound by breeding the dog with an imported British hound. He also crossed the descendants of early foxhounds with French Foxhounds given to him by a wealthy French friend named Marquis de Lafayette. And this way, the breed evolved over many years.
Today we have four types of American Foxhounds. The first one is field trial hounds. These canines are famous for their competitive spirit and ultimate speed. The second one is slow trailing hounds.
Slow trailing hounds are popular for their musical baying. They are great fox hunters on foot. The third one is the drag hound. They are also known as trial hounds. These dogs are hunted and raced using artificial prey instead of a real one. And finally, we have pack hounds. Pack hounds are preferred by hunters who keep them in packs of 20 or more for hunting purposes.
American Foxhound Breed Characteristics and Fact Table
| American foxhound temperament
|
Easy going, loyal, independent, mild nature, sweet-tempered, gentle, adorable |
| Size
|
Medium |
| Height
|
22 to 25 inches for males and 21 to 24 inches for female foxhounds. |
| Weight
|
Male American foxhound weight between 65 to 75 pounds. While female weighs between 60 to 65 pounds. |
| Grooming requirements
|
They are short-haired but not hypoallergenic. May require grooming once a week. |
| Exercise requirements
|
Needs a lot of daily exercises. Highly energetic and can display unwanted behavior if they get bored. |
| Life expectancy
|
11 to 13 years |
| Trainability
|
Can be stubborn, but foxhounds are highly intelligent. With the proper guidance, you can efficiently train them. The breed is famous for its willingness to learn. |
| Barking tendencies
|
Frequent and loud barking. |
| Potential for playfulness
|
Very high |
American Foxhound Temperament
Although by tradition, the American foxhound was not a companion dog. But they can be great house pets. Like most hounds, they greatly excel at chasing and hunting.
Keeping this energetic breed active and cheerful requires at least one or two hours of stimulating exercise every day.
The American foxhound is an intellectual and good-humored dog breed. With the right amount of exercise, this dog can be a wonderful family pet.
However, the absence of activity can get them into trouble. The adorable pup may channel all the anxious energy into destructive tendencies.
Generally, American Foxhounds are easy-going and sweet pals. But just like any other hound, they have an independent and stubborn nature. And honestly, you cannot blame them for being single-minded as they have been bred to hunt by using their own capabilities. Very little guidance was provided by their human companions, so these canines don’t really see why they have to do a thing your way.
Seems legit, right?
A foxhound raised with other dogs rather than humans can be tricky to handle. It is because they have bonded with their pack rather than humans. Such dogs may need more time, training, and attention to get used to family life.
Foxhounds are a little reserved with strangers. Their loud howling and activity level aren’t appropriate for apartment life. However, early socialization can help them be friendly towards unfamiliar people. It can significantly reduce their tendencies to howl.
Owners are recommended to expose their American foxhounds to different people, sounds experiences, dogs, and animals while they are young. It will help the puppy to grow into a well-rounded adult dog.
American Foxhound Cost
The American foxhound price varies depending on multiple factors such as breeder’s reputation, location, linage of the puppy, breed popularity, socialization efforts, litter size, training, and more. But luckily, these puppies are not very expensive.
You can easily get an American foxhound dog with documents (without show-quality or breeding rights) for around 400$. Puppies without papers can cost you less, but we won’t recommend buying a dog without papers.
If you are looking for a puppy with breeding rights, show quality, and complete documentation, you should expect to pay anywhere between $1100 to $4500. American foxhound puppies with superior ancestry and top breed lines can cost you more.
American foxhound puppies price tends to go from $400 to $600. Always remember a registered American foxhound puppy will cost more than a puppy without any registration. Many questionable online sites are offering American foxhound puppies for sale.
Some of these breeders are not registered, while others are apparent scams. Don’t fall for any quick delivery puppy scam, and always complete your research. Finally, never buy from a breeder who hesitates to arrange your tour to their place.
These scams promise a lot, but their customers usually end up with a non-pure American foxhound. So, beware of any puppy mill operators.
Following are the prices that you can expect to pay for an American foxhound puppy. Be alert if someone tries to sell you an American Foxhound for less than average:
American Foxhound Price Table
| The average cost of an American foxhound | $500 |
| American foxhound price (median) | $400 |
| Top-quality American foxhound price | $1100 to $4500 |
| American Foxhound puppy price | $500 to $700 |
| Estimated annual upkeep cost (food, vaccinations, training, grooming, vet bills, etc.)
|
$500 to $2000 for the first year and $500 to $1000 or more every year.
|
American Foxhound Grooming Requirements
American foxhounds have a medium-length coat. Their coat is available in many colors and has a hard texture that protects them from bushes and barriers in the field.
These adorable fuzzy balls are a brush-and-go breed. Brushing once a week removes all the dirt from their coat and keeps it healthy. Interestingly, you don’t need to bathe your American foxhound regularly. Only washing your dog when the fella gets into something muddy or has a strong dog smell is just fine.
Dental hygiene is an essential aspect of American foxhounds grooming needs. Brushing your American foxhounds’ teeth two to three times a week can help you get rid of the tartar buildup and bacteria.
If you don’t have to win a battle to brush your dog’s teeth, then daily brushing is even more beneficial. It can help you prevent bad breath and any possible gum disease.
Dogs with high energy levels naturally wear down their nails. But if this isn’t the case with your dog, then regular trimming is your way to go.
If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, they are too long! Neatly trimmed nails don’t only keep your dog’s feet in good condition but also protect you from getting any scratches.
Keep in mind pups are sensitive about their feet. Make sure paw handling is a positive experience for them. Fill this experience with loads of compliments and rewards.
While grooming, keep an eye if the furry friend has signs of infection, sores, rashes, redness, or inflammation on the skin, mouth, ears, eyes, nose, and feet. The eyes should be clear, and the ear should be without so much wax. There should be no redness or discharge from the eyes or nose.
Carefully examine your dog’s health while grooming to spot any health problems beforehand.
Do American Foxhounds Shed a Lot?
Shedding is the process of getting rid of damaged fur to make room for new healthy hair to grow. This is a natural process get grooming and shedding brushes can help with it.
Like any other dog breed, the element of shedding is expected in American foxhounds as well. Luckily, these pups only shed in moderate amount. Their shedding habits are manageable, and with a proper amount of care, you can prevent yourself from drowning in the ocean of loose fur.
American foxhounds don’t have double coats, which significantly helps with the level of shedding. This pooch is not hypoallergenic, but it sheds a lot less than many other breeds. In general, you can expect your American foxhound to shed a couple of times a year. However, some factors do affect the amount of shedding. These factors include:
- Age
Growing age makes American Foxhound’s hair thinner. So senior American Foxhounds may shed more than average.
- Season
Seasonal changes can make your companion shed more. Usually, spring and autumn are the times for shedding.
- Baths
Bathing significantly helps with the level of shedding. You can remove all the loose fur. However, these pups don’t shed excessively throughout the year, so weekly bathing is not required.
- Female heat cycle
Heat cycles cause many hormonal changes in a female American foxhound. These changes can lead to excessive stress and can result in shedding. So don’t be afraid it is entirely normal.
Wrapping Up American Foxhound Price Details
The American Foxhound is a loyal, sweet-tempered, and affordable companion that sheds like most dogs. These pups have noble and winning personalities, making them excellent pets for people with active lifestyles.
This canine is really smart and easy-going, but pet lovers need to show little patience to bring the best out of their American foxhound experience. These lovely companions are just the match for people who understand the commitment being a pup parent entails.
With that note, enjoy a happy American Foxhound keeping!
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, American Foxhound Information.