American Lab Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a versatile and active breed that is excellent in hunting and tracking. They are also intelligent and friendly.
American Lab Foxhound Breed overview
The American Foxhound is a large, high-energy breed that is known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They get along well with both children and other dogs, and their even-tempered nature makes them a great choice for families. They require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy, so owners should be prepared to provide ample opportunities for these activities. While they can be somewhat challenging to train, their loyalty and love for their owners make them well worth the extra effort.
Explore other breeds
What To Expect When Caring For a American Lab Foxhound
Training
The American Foxhound is an intelligent breed that responds well to positive reinforcement training methods. Basic obedience training is recommended to ensure that they remain well-behaved members of the household. They can also be trained for hunting and tracking activities, which they excel at.
Exercise
The American Foxhound is an active breed that requires a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and runs are essential for their physical and mental wellbeing. They also do well in tracking and agility activities.
Health
The American Foxhound is generally a healthy breed, but some may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, and eye diseases. They are an active breed and require plenty of exercise to maintain their health. A well-balanced diet and regular veterinary checkups can help ensure that they remain healthy throughout their lives.
Grooming
The American Foxhound has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Brushing their coat once a week can help to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. Bathing should be done as needed.
Nutrition
The American Foxhound requires a well-balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, activity level, and overall health. High-quality commercial dog food is recommended, and the amount should be adjusted based on their individual needs. Treats should be given in moderation to prevent obesity.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
American Lab Foxhound Traits & Characteristics
The American Foxhound stands 22-25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 65-75 pounds. They have a short and dense coat that comes in a variety of colors. The breed is known for its excellent sense of smell, which it uses in hunting and tracking. They have a long, muscular neck and a broad chest that allows for efficient breathing while on the hunt. The breed is known for their gentle disposition and loyalty to their owners. They do well with children and other dogs, but may not be suited to households with smaller pets like cats and rabbits. The American Foxhound's proportions and stamina make it well-suited for hunting over long distances and in varied terrain.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The American Foxhound is a highly affectionate breed known for its devotion to its human family members. They are known for being loyal and always willing to spend time with their owners, often bonding deeply with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The American Foxhound is a great choice for families with children. Their even-tempered nature makes them very patient and tolerant of children, and their high energy levels make them great playmates. They're especially good at keeping up with active kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
American Foxhounds get along well with other dogs and generally thrive in homes with other canine companions. They have a social and friendly nature, and their love of play means they're happy to make new friends with other dogs at the dog park.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
American Foxhounds are usually friendly towards strangers and won't be aggressive or standoffish. However, they can be somewhat reserved at first and may take some time to warm up to new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
American Foxhounds are playful and energetic dogs that love to play and engage in activities. They're always up for a game of fetch, and their high energy levels mean that they're great at keeping up with active families.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
American Foxhounds are generally alert and aware of their surroundings. This makes them great watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners if they sense any potential danger or intrusion.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
American Foxhounds can adapt to different living environments, but they do best in homes with yards where they can run and play. They're not great apartment dogs, as they need plenty of exercise and space to burn off their energy.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The American Foxhound has a short, dense coat that sheds consistently throughout the year. While they're not heavy shedders, owners should be prepared to brush their dogs regularly to prevent the amount of shedding from getting out of control.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The American Foxhound has a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing will help to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding, but otherwise, they don't require much in the way of grooming or upkeep.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The American Foxhound is a dry-mouthed breed with little to no drooling. This makes them a great choice for owners who don't want to deal with excessive slobber and drool.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The American Foxhound is a large breed that can weigh up to 75 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size and stature make them impressive and imposing dogs that are sure to turn heads wherever they go.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
American Foxhounds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Owners should be prepared to give these dogs plenty of opportunities to run and play, and they'll need plenty of space to do so.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As a high-energy breed, American Foxhounds require plenty of exercise and physical activity to stay fit and healthy. Owners should provide their dogs with plenty of opportunities to run and play, and regular walks or runs are a must.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The American Foxhound is a working breed that is traditionally used for hunting and tracking. Their keen sense of smell and endurance make them well-suited to this task, and they are prized hunting companions.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The American Foxhound is first and foremost a hunting breed that excels at tracking and scenting prey. They have a strong prey drive and should be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from wandering off on a hunt.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
American Foxhounds are high-energy dogs with a great deal of physical stamina and endurance. Their robust and muscular build allows them to keep up with even the most active human companions.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
American Foxhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity. Owners should maintain regular vet checkups and monitor their dogs’ diet and exercise levels.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Due to their love of food and relatively sedentary lifestyle, American Foxhounds may be prone to obesity. Owners should monitor their dogs’ diet and ensure that they get plenty of exercise to prevent this from occurring.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
While they have a thick coat, American Foxhounds may struggle in extremely cold weather conditions. Owners should provide their dogs with adequate warmth and protection in winter months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
American Foxhounds are highly adaptable to hot weather conditions thanks to their short, thin coat. However, owners should ensure that their dogs have access to plenty of water and shade during hot summer months.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Due to their high energy levels and need for space, American Foxhounds are not well-suited to apartment living. They require plenty of room to run and play, and living in a small apartment can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
American Foxhounds are highly independent dogs that love to explore and roam. They have a strong prey drive and may wander off if they catch a scent that interests them. Owners must ensure that their dogs are always on a leash or in a secure, fenced area.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
American Foxhounds are somewhat sensitive dogs that may become stressed or anxious in high-stress environments. Owners should provide plenty of positive reinforcement and avoid using harsh punishment-based training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
American Foxhounds can become somewhat anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They do best in homes where their owners are present and can provide them with plenty of attention and exercise.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
As a hunting breed, American Foxhounds are prone to barking and will often bark at anything they perceive as a potential threat or prey. This can make them great watchdogs, but it can also be problematic for owners who live in close proximity to neighbors.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
American Foxhounds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. Owners should provide plenty of interactive toys and games to keep their dogs occupied and mentally stimulated.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
While American Foxhounds are friendly and affectionate dogs, they can be challenging for novice owners to train and care for. They require a firm, consistent hand in training, and their high energy levels mean that they need plenty of exercise and playtime.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
While they're intelligent and willing to learn, American Foxhounds can be somewhat stubborn and challenging to train. They require firm, consistent training methods and an owner who is patient and willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The American Foxhound is a highly affectionate breed known for its devotion to its human family members. They are known for being loyal and always willing to spend time with their owners, often bonding deeply with them.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The American Foxhound is a great choice for families with children. Their even-tempered nature makes them very patient and tolerant of children, and their high energy levels make them great playmates. They're especially good at keeping up with active kids.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
American Foxhounds get along well with other dogs and generally thrive in homes with other canine companions. They have a social and friendly nature, and their love of play means they're happy to make new friends with other dogs at the dog park.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
American Foxhounds are usually friendly towards strangers and won't be aggressive or standoffish. However, they can be somewhat reserved at first and may take some time to warm up to new people.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
American Foxhounds are playful and energetic dogs that love to play and engage in activities. They're always up for a game of fetch, and their high energy levels mean that they're great at keeping up with active families.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
American Foxhounds are generally alert and aware of their surroundings. This makes them great watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners if they sense any potential danger or intrusion.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
American Foxhounds can adapt to different living environments, but they do best in homes with yards where they can run and play. They're not great apartment dogs, as they need plenty of exercise and space to burn off their energy.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The American Foxhound has a short, dense coat that sheds consistently throughout the year. While they're not heavy shedders, owners should be prepared to brush their dogs regularly to prevent the amount of shedding from getting out of control.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The American Foxhound has a low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing will help to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding, but otherwise, they don't require much in the way of grooming or upkeep.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The American Foxhound is a dry-mouthed breed with little to no drooling. This makes them a great choice for owners who don't want to deal with excessive slobber and drool.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The American Foxhound is a large breed that can weigh up to 75 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder. Their size and stature make them impressive and imposing dogs that are sure to turn heads wherever they go.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
American Foxhounds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. Owners should be prepared to give these dogs plenty of opportunities to run and play, and they'll need plenty of space to do so.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
As a high-energy breed, American Foxhounds require plenty of exercise and physical activity to stay fit and healthy. Owners should provide their dogs with plenty of opportunities to run and play, and regular walks or runs are a must.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The American Foxhound is a working breed that is traditionally used for hunting and tracking. Their keen sense of smell and endurance make them well-suited to this task, and they are prized hunting companions.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The American Foxhound is first and foremost a hunting breed that excels at tracking and scenting prey. They have a strong prey drive and should be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from wandering off on a hunt.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
American Foxhounds are high-energy dogs with a great deal of physical stamina and endurance. Their robust and muscular build allows them to keep up with even the most active human companions.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
American Foxhounds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity. Owners should maintain regular vet checkups and monitor their dogs’ diet and exercise levels.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Due to their love of food and relatively sedentary lifestyle, American Foxhounds may be prone to obesity. Owners should monitor their dogs’ diet and ensure that they get plenty of exercise to prevent this from occurring.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
While they have a thick coat, American Foxhounds may struggle in extremely cold weather conditions. Owners should provide their dogs with adequate warmth and protection in winter months.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
American Foxhounds are highly adaptable to hot weather conditions thanks to their short, thin coat. However, owners should ensure that their dogs have access to plenty of water and shade during hot summer months.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Due to their high energy levels and need for space, American Foxhounds are not well-suited to apartment living. They require plenty of room to run and play, and living in a small apartment can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
American Foxhounds are highly independent dogs that love to explore and roam. They have a strong prey drive and may wander off if they catch a scent that interests them. Owners must ensure that their dogs are always on a leash or in a secure, fenced area.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
American Foxhounds are somewhat sensitive dogs that may become stressed or anxious in high-stress environments. Owners should provide plenty of positive reinforcement and avoid using harsh punishment-based training methods.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
American Foxhounds can become somewhat anxious and destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They do best in homes where their owners are present and can provide them with plenty of attention and exercise.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
As a hunting breed, American Foxhounds are prone to barking and will often bark at anything they perceive as a potential threat or prey. This can make them great watchdogs, but it can also be problematic for owners who live in close proximity to neighbors.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
American Foxhounds are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and engagement to stay happy and healthy. Owners should provide plenty of interactive toys and games to keep their dogs occupied and mentally stimulated.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
While American Foxhounds are friendly and affectionate dogs, they can be challenging for novice owners to train and care for. They require a firm, consistent hand in training, and their high energy levels mean that they need plenty of exercise and playtime.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
While they're intelligent and willing to learn, American Foxhounds can be somewhat stubborn and challenging to train. They require firm, consistent training methods and an owner who is patient and willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
Similar breeds
History of the American Lab Foxhound
The American Foxhound was developed from British hounds that were brought to the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. George Washington is believed to be one of the breed's early enthusiasts and played a significant role in their development. The breed was initially used for foxhunting in England and was adapted to various American hunting styles. The American Foxhound was first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
American Lab Foxhound Puppies
American Foxhound puppies are born with floppy ears that will later rise as they grow. They are an active breed and require plenty of exercise as puppies. Early socialization is important for this breed in order to ensure that they remain friendly with children and other pets. Housebreaking may take extra time and patience, but with consistent positive reinforcement, they can become well-behaved members of the household.