Breed History
With a long history of hunting, American Foxhounds remain true to their original purpose....
Their predecessors first arrived in the America in 1650. Fox hunting was a popular sport then, and the distant relatives of the American Foxhound excelled at the sport, which required a strong nose, speed, and the ability to change direction at a moments notice.
Pleased with the dog's success at hunting foxes, American hunters wanted the dog to be able to pursue deer as well. Foxhounds from Ireland and France made their way into the breeds family tree, and by the 19th century, the American Foxhound as we know them today had taken shape. The breed was formally recognized by the AKC in 1886. Even today, the American Foxhound remains a hunting dog, an important role they have held for nearly 400 years straight. Now thats a winning record!