Although the American Foxhound is similar to its English cousin, there has been considerable development by experienced breeders to produce a lighter and taller specimen, to endow it with a more sensitive sense of smell, and to be much faster while in pursuit. A large, good-looking hound, its front legs are long and straight-boned. The head is long with a somewhat domed, large skull. The ears lie flat against the head, are broad and pendant, giving a framed outline to the face. The eyes are large and set somehwhat wide, and are either hazel or more typically, brown. Observing this breed one is at once stuck with the sence of a sweet, imploring expression. The tail is carried happily with a somewhat upward curve. There are a variety of colors for this breed, none of which are to be considered a disqualifying feature.
Temperament in the American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is sweet, affectionate, gentle and loving at home, but also a brave and intense warrior in the hunt. They are excellent with children and get along well with other dogs because of their pack-hunting background, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Friendliness to strangers varies widely. Some are very friendly; some are protective. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. Be aware, the American Foxhound will take off after an interesting scent if possible. They like to bay and have a melodious bark, so much so, in fact, that its tones have been used in popular songs. Foxhounds don't always make good house pets, due to their history as outdoor pack kennel hounds. If you are looking for a pet, try show lines rather than field types.
Elaboration of the Breed Standard
Head
Skull--Should be fairly long,
slightly domed at occiput, with cranium broad and full. Ears--Ears
set on moderately low, long, reaching when drawn out nearly, if not
quite, to the tip of the nose; fine in texture, fairly broad, with
almost entire absence of erectile power--setting close to the head with
the forward edge slightly inturning to the cheek--round at tip. Eyes--
Eyes large, set well apart, soft and houndlike--expression gentle and
pleading; of a brown or hazel color. Muzzle--Muzzle
of fair length--straight and square-cut--the stop moderately defined. Defects--A
very flat skull, narrow across the top; excess of dome; eyes small,
sharp and terrier like, or prominent and protruding; muzzle long and
snippy, cut away decidedly below the eyes, or very short. Roman-nosed,
or upturned, giving a dish-face expression. Ears short, set on high, or
with a tendency to rise above the point of origin.
Body
Neck and Throat--Neck rising free and
light from the shoulders, strong in substance yet not loaded, of medium
length. The throat clean and free from folds of skin, a slight wrinkle
below the angle of the jaw, however, is allowable. Defects--A
thick, short, cloddy neck carried on a line with the top of the
shoulders. Throat showing dewlap and folds of skin to a degree termed
"throatiness."
Shoulders, Chest and Ribs
Shoulders sloping--clean, muscular, not heavy or
loaded--conveying the idea of freedom of action with activity and
strength. Chest should be deep for lung space, narrower in proportion
to depth than the English hound--28 inches (girth)
in a 23-inch hound being good. Well-sprung ribs--back ribs should
extend well back--a three-inch flank allowing springiness.
Back and Loins
Back moderately long, muscular and strong. Loins broad and slightly
arched. Defects--Very long or swayed or roached
back. Flat, narrow loins.
Forelegs and Feet
Forelegs--Straight, with fair amount of bone.
Pasterns short and straight. Feet--Fox-like. Pad
full and hard. Well-arched toes. Strong nails. Defects--Straight,
upright shoulders, chest disproportionately wide or with lack of depth.
Flat ribs. Out at elbow. Knees knuckled over forward, or bent backward.
Forelegs crooked. Feet long, open or spreading.
Hips, Thighs, Hind Legs and Feet
Hips and thighs, strong and muscled, giving abundance of propelling
power. Stifles strong and well let down. Hocks firm, symmetrical and
moderately bent. Feet close and firm. Defects--Cowhocks,
or straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power. Open feet.
Tail
Set moderately high; carried gaily, but not turned forward over the
back; with slight curve; with very slight brush. Defects--A
long tail, Teapot curve or inclined forward from the root. Rat tail,
entire absence of brush.
Coat
A close, hard, hound coat of medium length. Defects--A
short thin coat, or of a soft quality.
Height
Dogs should not be under 22 or over 25 inches. Bitches should
not be under 21 or over 24 inches measured across the back at the point
of the withers, the hound standing in a natural position with his feet
well under him.
Color
Any color.
Scale of Points
| Head |
|
|
| Skull |
5
|
|
| Ears |
5
|
|
| Eyes |
5
|
|
| Muzzle |
5
|
20
|
| Body |
|
|
| Neck |
5
|
|
| Chest and shoulders |
15
|
|
| Back, loin and ribs |
15
|
35
|
| Running Gear |
|
|
| Forelegs |
10
|
|
| Hips, thighs & hind legs |
10
|
|
| Feet |
15
|
35
|
| Coat and Tail |
|
|
| Coat |
5
|
|
| Tail |
5
|
10
|
|
Total
|
|
100 |
