Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Dog Breed: American Foxhound

By Jerry Welsh


An American Foxhound's appearance is very similar to that of a Beagle. An American Foxhound's height is between 21 and 25 inches and the weight ranges from 65 to 75 pounds. This breeds sleek athletic body is well covered with a short coat that ranges from black, tan and white, tan and white or red and white color combinations. The admirable speed of this excellent hunter is attributed to the well boned strong legs.

The American Foxhound is a very old breed - older than America, the country it was named after. This breed originated from the pack of English hunting dogs that was brought to the Crown Colony by Robert Brooke in 1650.

In Great Britain, these dogs were highly acclaimed for their excellent hunting abilities. The dogs were used by the British landed gentry to hunt foxes. In a fox hunt, hunters on horseback follow packs of American Foxhounds. A change in the deep melodious voice of the dog signifies that a prey is found. The dogs are used by the settlers of the Crown colony to hunt foxes as well. American Foxhound is a ferocious breed thus it was rumored that the dog have been used by the colonizers to hunt Indians.

The American Foxhound was developed from the crossing of English hounds with the dogs of settlers from Ireland and France. The American Foxhound, a versatile breed of dog was born.

The American Foxhound, first and foremost is a hunting dog. These dogs would be happiest if they are hunting. This breed is equipped with a sensitive scenting ability, strength and stamina and a strong prey drive. An American Foxhound that has found an interesting scent will not let anything or anybody to stand in its way to bag the prey. Foxes are the usual quarry of American Foxhounds but these dogs hunts other animals too.That the dog will be highly valued by hunter is a given fact.

American Foxhounds are first and foremost highly valued for their remarkable hunting abilities. However, apart from the hunting prowess, these dogs are valued as well for their loving and gentle nature. American Foxhounds have gained a reputation for being courageous and tenacious hunters but in the company of its human family the dogs turn into gentle well mannered companions. Unlike other breeds, American Foxhound does not give its loyalty to just one person. An American Foxhound loves all the members of the family but the dogs are noted to be especially friendly and affectionate with the children.




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