AMERICAN FOXHOUND (REVISED JANUARY 1, 2009)
Scenthound Group
View Registration Requirements

©Copyright 1992, United Kennel Club, Inc..

HISTORY

As its name suggests, the American Foxhound was developed in colonial America, using the English Foxhound as a base. Irish, French and other hounds are thought to have been used in the breed's refinement.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1905.

The head is fairly long.

SKULL - The skull is slightly domed at the occiput. The cranium is broad and full. The stop is moderately defined.

MUZZLE - The straight, square cut muzzle is of fair length.

Faults: Very flat skull. Skull narrow across the top. Excess of dome. Long, snipey muzzle. Cut away decidedly below the eyes. Very short muzzle. Roman-nosed. Upturned nose.

EYES - The large eyes are brown or hazel in color. They are set well apart, and have a soft, hound-like expression that is gentle and pleading.

Faults: Small, sharp, terrier-like eyes. Prominent, protruding eyes.

EARS - The ears are set on moderately low, are almost absent of any erectile power, and set close to the head, with the forward edge slightly in-turning to the cheek. They are long enough that if drawn out they nearly, if not quite, reach the tip of the nose. The fairly broad ears are round at the tip.

Faults: Short ears. Set on high. Tendency to rise above he point of origin.

The clean, medium length neck rises free and light from the shoulders. It is strong in substance, but not loaded. A slight wrinkle below the angle of the jaw is allowed.

Faults: Thick, short, cloddy neck carried on a line with the top of the shoulders. Dewlap and skin folds to a degree that may be termed “throatiness”.

FORELEGS - The straight forelegs have a fair amount of bone. The elbows point straight back, being neither in nor out. The short pasterns are straight.

Faults: Crooked forelegs. Knees knuckled forward, or bent backward. Straight, upright shoulders.

The clean, muscular, sloping shoulders convey the idea of freedom and action combined with activity and strength. The moderately long back is muscular and strong. The broad loins are slightly arched. The chest is deep to allow for lung space, but is narrower in proportion to depth than that of the English Foxhound. A 23-inch Hound having a 28-inch girth is ideal. The back ribs extending well back. A three-inch flank allows for springiness.

Faults: Very long back. Swayed back. Roach back. Flat, narrow loins. Chest disproportionately wide. Lack of depth in chest.

The strong, muscular hips and thighs provide abundant propelling power.

HIND LEGS - The strong stifles are well let down. The firm, strong stifles are well let down. The firm, symmetrical hocks are moderately bent.

Faults: Cow hocks. Straight hocks. Lack of muscle and propelling power.

The close, firm, fox-like feet have full, hard pads, well-arched toes and strong nails.

Faults: Long, open or spreading feet.

The tail is set moderately high. It is carried gaily with a slight curve, but is not turned forward over the back.

Faults: Long tail. Teapot curve. Inclined forward from the root. Rat tail.

The close, hard Hound coat is of medium length. The tail has a very slight brush.

Faults: Short, thin coat. Soft coat. Entire absence of brush from tail.

Any color is acceptable.

Height is measured at the point of the withers, with the hound standing in a natural position with its feet well under. Height ranges are: Males should not be under 22 inches or over 25 inches. Females should not be under 21 inches or over 24 inches.

All faults are to be evaluated in relation to their degree of deviation from the ideal.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.

Head Skull Ears Eyes Muzzle	5 5 5 5	20
Body Neck Chest and Shoulders Back, Loin and Ribs	5 15 15	35
Running Gear Forelegs Hips, Thigh and Hind Legs Feet	10 10 15	35
Coat		5
Tail		5
Total		100