Fox and the Hound Fox Name: The American Foxhound Breed Profile
Discover the American Foxhound behind the famous 'Fox and the Hound' fox name. Learn breed history, temperament, health, costs, and care requirements.
If you've ever searched for the fox and the hound fox name, you've likely landed on one of two things: Disney's beloved 1981 animated film featuring Tod the fox and Copper the hound, or the real-life breed that inspired the "hound" half of that iconic duo. Copper was modeled after a Bloodhound/Coonhound mix, but the breed that truly embodies the classic American fox-hunting hound — and the one most people picture when they think of a "fox hound" — is the American Foxhound.
This breed profile covers everything you need to know about the American Foxhound: its colonial-era origins, its surprising temperament quirks, breed-specific health risks, real costs, and whether this rare scent hound is a realistic fit for your household in 2026.
Origin Story: From Colonial Virginia to the American Frontier
The American Foxhound's history stretches back to 1650, when English foxhounds were first imported to the American colonies. However, the breed as we recognize it was refined in Virginia and Maryland during the 1700s and 1800s.
Breed Development Timeline
- 1650: Robert Brooke imports the first English Foxhounds to Maryland for fox hunting.
- 1760s: George Washington receives a gift of English Foxhounds and begins a selective breeding program at Mount Vernon. His breeding records are among the earliest documented canine pedigrees in America.
- 1785: Washington crosses his English Foxhounds with French hounds (Grand Bleu de Gascogne-type dogs) gifted by the Marquis de Lafayette, creating a taller, faster dog better suited to American terrain.
- 1800s: Additional crosses with Irish Foxhounds add speed and agility. The breed diverges significantly from its English ancestor.
- 1886: The American Foxhound receives official AKC recognition, making it one of the earliest registered American breeds.
- 1966: Virginia designates the American Foxhound as its official state dog.
The breed's historical purpose was — and in many regions remains — mounted fox hunting. Unlike English Foxhounds, which were bred for slow, methodical pack hunts, the American Foxhound was selected for speed, endurance, and independent thinking across the rough, varied terrain of the American South and Mid-Atlantic.
Today, the American Foxhound is recognized by the AKC (Hound Group, 1886), the UKC (Scenthound Group), and the FCI (Group 6, Scent Hounds, Standard No. 303). Despite this recognition, the breed remains uncommon outside hunting circles.
How Rare Is the American Foxhound Today?
The American Foxhound consistently ranks near the bottom of AKC popularity rankings. In recent years, it has placed between #185 and #195 out of approximately 200 recognized breeds. For context, the Labrador Retriever registers over 100,000 puppies annually with the AKC, while the American Foxhound registers an estimated few hundred per year.
This rarity exists for specific reasons:
- Hunting culture decline: Traditional mounted fox hunts have decreased significantly, reducing demand.
- Specialized temperament: The breed's high prey drive, vocal nature, and pack orientation make it challenging for typical suburban households.
- Field-bred vs. show-bred split: Many working American Foxhounds are registered with hunting organizations (like the American Foxhound Owners Association) rather than the AKC, meaning actual population numbers are higher than AKC registrations suggest.
Physical Traits: What Sets the American Foxhound Apart
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight (Male) | 65–70 lb / 29–32 kg |
| Weight (Female) | 60–65 lb / 27–29 kg |
| Height (Male) | 22–25 in / 56–64 cm at the withers |
| Height (Female) | 21–24 in / 53–61 cm at the withers |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years |
| Coat | Short, hard, close-lying, medium length |
| Colors | Any color — tri-color (black/tan/white), bi-color, red/white most common |
| Energy Level | High — requires 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise |
| Grooming | Low — weekly brushing, occasional baths |
| Family Fit | Moderate — best with active families, large yards, experienced owners |
Distinctive Physical Features
The American Foxhound is often confused with the English Foxhound or various Coonhound breeds, but several features distinguish it:
- Lighter, leaner build: Compared to the stockier English Foxhound, the American is noticeably more athletic — built for speed over stamina.
- Longer legs relative to body: The American Foxhound is taller and leggier than most Coonhound breeds, giving it a distinctive rangy silhouette.
- Slightly domed skull: The skull is moderately broad with a slight dome, distinct from the flatter skull of the Beagle or the heavier head of the Bloodhound.
- Long, high-set ears: Ears reach nearly to the nose tip when pulled forward — a hallmark scent hound trait, but proportionally longer than an English Foxhound's.
- Brush tail: The tail is set moderately high and carried in a slight curve (not curled over the back), with a distinctive white tip in many specimens.
Temperament: What Surprises New Owners
The American Foxhound's temperament catches many first-time owners off guard. Here's what you need to understand before bringing one home:
The Surprises
1. They are not couch dogs. Despite their calm demeanor indoors, American Foxhounds have extraordinary stamina. A 20-minute walk will not satisfy this breed. Expect to provide 60–90 minutes of vigorous activity daily — running, hiking, or structured lure coursing. Insufficient exercise leads to destructive behavior and excessive vocalization.
2. The vocalization is intense. American Foxhounds produce a distinctive melodious bay — not a bark, but a deep, carrying howl that can be heard up to a mile away in open terrain. This is a bred-in hunting trait used to signal the pack and the hunter. In suburban settings, this vocalization will generate noise complaints. Apartment living is not compatible with this breed.
3. Recall is extremely difficult. As a scent hound, the American Foxhound's nose overrides its ears. Once this dog picks up an interesting scent, obedience training essentially evaporates. Off-leash exercise in unfenced areas is not safe for this breed, regardless of training level. A securely fenced yard (minimum 6 feet high, with underground barriers to prevent digging) is essential.
4. Pack orientation is strong. Bred to hunt in groups, American Foxhounds often experience severe separation anxiety when kept as single dogs. Many owners report success with a second dog companion, though this doubles the exercise and management requirements.
5. They are gentle with children but not naturally "nanny dogs." American Foxhounds are typically good-natured around kids they're raised with, but they are not instinctively protective or attentive to children the way some retriever breeds are. Supervision is always required.
Health Profile: Breed-Specific Concerns
The American Foxhound is generally a healthy, hardy breed — a benefit of its working-dog heritage where only sound dogs were bred. However, several conditions have documented prevalence in the breed:
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | ~12–15% (OFA data) | 6–24 months | Weight management, joint supplements, surgical options for severe cases |
| Thrombocytopathy (Factor VIII deficiency) | Documented in breed lineages | Birth (congenital) | Avoid trauma, blood transfusion in crisis; genetic screening available |
| Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) | High — long, pendulous ears trap moisture | Any age | Weekly ear cleaning, drying after swimming |
| Obesity | Moderate — common in under-exercised pet dogs | Adult years | Measured feeding (2.5–3.5 cups/day split into two meals), daily exercise |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | Low-moderate risk (deep-chested breed) | Adult to senior | Multiple small meals, no exercise 1 hour before/after eating, prophylactic gastropexy discussed with vet |
Veterinary care recommendation: Always consult your veterinarian about an appropriate screening schedule for your American Foxhound. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends hip evaluation and a thrombocytopathy DNA test as part of responsible breeding health clearances.
- Distended abdomen with unproductive retching (bloat/GDV — life-threatening within hours)
- Sudden lameness or reluctance to rise (possible hip subluxation or spinal issue)
- Unexplained bruising or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts (thrombocytopathy crisis)
- Head shaking with foul ear odor and dark discharge (advanced ear infection)
Special Care Requirements
Daily
- 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise (running, not just walking)
- Mental stimulation: scent work games, puzzle feeders, or structured tracking activities
- Secure yard check — inspect fencing for gaps or dig spots
- Two measured meals using an AAFCO-compliant large-breed adult formula
Weekly
- Brush coat with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt to remove loose hair
- Clean ears with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser (e.g., Epi-Otic Advanced or Virbac)
- Check nails — trim if you hear clicking on hard floors
- Inspect teeth; brush 2–3 times per week with enzymatic dog toothpaste
Monthly/Seasonal
- Heartworm preventive year-round (Heartgard Plus, Interceptor Plus, or equivalent — your vet will prescribe based on weight)
- Flea and tick preventive (NexGard, Bravecto, or Simparica Trio)
- Bathe only as needed — over-bathing strips natural coat oils
American Foxhound vs. Similar Breeds
If you're drawn to the American Foxhound but aren't sure it's the right fit, here's how it compares to related breeds:
| Trait | American Foxhound | English Foxhound | Treeing Walker Coonhound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 60–70 lb / 27–32 kg | 60–75 lb / 27–34 kg | 50–70 lb / 23–32 kg |
| Height | 21–25 in / 53–64 cm | 24 in / 61 cm | 20–27 in / 51–69 cm |
| Build | Lean, leggy, athletic | Stockier, heavier-boned | Athletic, slightly more compact |
| Energy | High (60–90 min/day) | Very High (90+ min/day) | High (60–90 min/day) |
| Vocalization | Melodious bay, moderate frequency | Loud bay, frequent | Distinctive "chop" bark, very frequent |
| Prey Drive | Very high | Very high | Extremely high (treeing instinct) |
| Trainability | Moderate — scent overrides obedience | Low — bred for independent pack work | Moderate — slightly more handler-focused |
| Apartment Suitability | Not suitable | Not suitable | Not suitable |
| AKC Popularity Rank | ~#188 | ~#193 | ~#135 |
| Average Puppy Cost | $500–$1,500 | $800–$2,000 | $600–$1,200 |
Key takeaway: The American Foxhound sits between the heavier English Foxhound and the more handler-oriented Treeing Walker Coonhound. If you want a slightly more trainable hound with a similar appearance, the Treeing Walker Coonhound may be worth considering. If raw stamina and traditional pack-hunting heritage matter to you, the English Foxhound is the more historic choice — though it's even harder to find.
Availability, Cost & Breeder Guidance
Where to Find an American Foxhound
Because this breed is rare, you won't find American Foxhound puppies at your local pet store — and you shouldn't want to. Here are legitimate sources:
- AKC Marketplace: The AKC Marketplace lists registered litters from health-tested parents. Expect to be placed on a waitlist of 3–12 months.
- American Foxhound Owners Association (AFOA): This breed-specific organization maintains breeder referrals and can connect you with reputable field and show breeders.
- Hound rescue organizations: Groups like the American Foxhound Rescue and various coonhound/foxhound rescue networks occasionally have adult American Foxhounds available. Adoption fees typically range from $200–$500.
- Hunting community referrals: Many of the best American Foxhound breeders operate within the fox hunting and field trial community. Attending a hunt meet or field trial is one of the best ways to meet breeders and see the dogs in action.
Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
| Expense | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (from reputable breeder) | $500–$1,500 |
| Adoption (rescue) | $200–$500 |
| First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip) | $800–$1,500 |
| Annual veterinary care (wellness, preventives) | $500–$900/year |
| Quality food (large-breed formula, 50-lb bag) | $50–$80/bag (lasts ~6 weeks) |
| Fencing (6-ft privacy fence, 200 linear ft) | $3,000–$8,000 installed |
| Pet insurance (accident + illness) | $40–$75/month |
Breeder Red Flags
Avoid any breeder who:
- Cannot provide OFA hip clearances for both parents
- Has multiple litters available simultaneously
- Sells puppies before 8 weeks of age
- Cannot explain the breed's exercise and vocalization requirements
- Offers puppies at significantly below-market prices ($200 or less from a "breeder" — this typically indicates a backyard breeder or puppy mill)
- Does not have a take-back clause in their contract
Is the American Foxhound Right for You?
The American Foxhound is an extraordinary breed for the right owner, but a poor fit for most households. Here's a practical decision framework:
This breed is a good match if you:
- Live in a rural or semi-rural area with acreage or access to large fenced spaces
- Can commit to 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise, rain or shine
- Have experience with scent hounds or independent-thinking breeds
- Don't have close neighbors who would be disturbed by baying
- Are looking for a running or hiking companion, not a lap dog
- Understand that recall will always be unreliable off-leash
Consider a different breed if you:
- Live in an apartment or townhouse with shared walls
- Work long hours away from home (separation anxiety risk is high)
- Have cats, rabbits, or other small animals (prey drive is intense)
- Want a highly obedient, biddable dog for competitive obedience
- Are a first-time dog owner without support from an experienced trainer
For first-time owners drawn to hound-type dogs, the Beagle (smaller, more manageable energy) or the Basset Hound (lower energy, though stubborn) may be more realistic starting points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the fox's name in The Fox and the Hound?
The fox's name in Disney's 1981 animated film The Fox and the Hound is Tod. The hound's name is Copper. While Copper was visually inspired by a Bloodhound/Coonhound-type dog, the American Foxhound is the breed most closely associated with traditional American fox hunting — the real-world activity the film references.
Is the American Foxhound the same as an English Foxhound?
No. The American Foxhound is lighter, taller, and faster than the English Foxhound. The American was developed from English stock but was selectively bred for speed and agility across rougher American terrain. The English Foxhound is stockier, slower, and even rarer in the United States.
Can American Foxhounds be good house dogs?
They can, but with significant caveats. American Foxhounds are calm indoors if they receive adequate daily exercise (60–90 minutes minimum). However, their baying vocalization, separation anxiety tendencies, and high prey drive make them challenging house pets in suburban or urban settings. They are best suited to rural homes with large, securely fenced yards.
Do American Foxhounds get along with other dogs?
Generally, yes. As a pack-hunting breed, American Foxhounds typically get along well with other dogs and often do better with a canine companion. However, their prey drive toward cats, rabbits, and small animals is strong and may not be trainable out of them.
How much exercise does an American Foxhound need?
Expect to provide 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This should include running — not just walking. Hiking, biking with a dog attachment, lure coursing, and structured scent work are excellent outlets. An under-exercised Foxhound will find its own entertainment, which typically means destructive chewing, digging, and excessive baying.
What should I feed an American Foxhound?
Feed a high-quality, AAFCO-compliant large-breed adult dog food. Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, lamb, or fish) and a guaranteed analysis showing minimum 22% protein and minimum 8% fat for adult maintenance. Active working Foxhounds may benefit from a performance formula with 26–30% protein. Split daily food into two meals to reduce bloat risk. Consult your veterinarian for specific portion recommendations based on your dog's weight and activity level.
Are American Foxhounds hard to train?
They are moderately challenging. American Foxhounds are intelligent but independent — they were bred to make decisions at a distance from their handler. Positive reinforcement training (treats, praise, play) works best. Force-free, reward-based methods produce better results than aversive techniques, which tend to shut this sensitive breed down. Early socialization (8–16 weeks) is critical. However, even well-trained Foxhounds should never be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas due to their powerful scent drive.
For breed-specific health guidance, always consult your veterinarian. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
