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History of the American Foxhound (Virginia's state dog)
by Erin
The American Foxhound descended from English Foxhounds brought to America in 1650 by Robert Brooke from England. English Foxhounds were imported to America because they were good hunters. Fox hunting was popular in England, and that pastime was brought to America. French Foxhounds and English Foxhounds bred together produced the American Foxhound. George Washington is considered the Father of our Nation and the American Foxhound. He imported English Foxhounds and then was given French Foxhounds as a gift from Marquis de Lafayette. In 1886, the American Foxhound was one of the first to be recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). An American Foxhound looks a lot like a beagle, but bigger and taller. The average size is 21-25 inches; the average weight is 40-65 pounds. Their coats are a combination of black, tan, and white. They can have any eye color. The average life span is 11-13 years. American Foxhounds are great hunting companions and have the ability to hunt, chase, and even kill a fox by itself. Due to the fact that the breed originated in Virginia, the American Foxhound was selected as the state dog of Virginia in 1966. Some other state symbols of Virginia are milk (state beverage), square dance (state dance), cardinal (state bird), Virginia Big-Eared Bat (state bat), Brook Trout (state fish), and Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (state insect). Today, American Foxhounds are still used in fox hunts. But they are also kept as pets. They are good with kids and can be protective around strangers. They are best suited to live in country areas or in areas that have a lot of space because they need to run – they are active dogs.
http://www.americanfoxhoundclub.com/ |
