American Foxhound: Virginia’s State Dog and Its Unique Attributes

Here at the Veggie-Bed, Lucy Lou and I are all about hounds, especially American Foxhounds. The American Foxhound’s roots can be traced back to the 17th century when Robert Brooke brought a pack of hunting dogs from England to Maryland in 1650. These dogs, known as “Brooke Hounds,” laid the foundation for several strains of American hounds, marking the beginning of a rich and storied history.

George Washington, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, played a significant role in the development of the American Foxhound. Washington was an avid fox hunter and received French Foxhounds as a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette. He bred these French hounds with his dogs, descended from Brooke’s hounds, to create a breed with enhanced speed and tracking abilities. The breed was developed explicitly for hunting foxes, and over time, Irish Foxhounds were also introduced to improve speed and stamina. The American Foxhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.

American Foxhounds, with their medium-sized, lean, athletic build and a short, smooth coat in various colors, including white, black, and tan combinations, are not just excellent hunters. They are also known for their melodious bay and their friendly and patient nature, especially with children, making them ideal companions for the whole family.

Here in Virginia, in 1966, the American Foxhound was designated the state dog. This decision honored the breed’s deep historical roots and significance in our state. The breed has a long history in Virginia, dating back to the colonial era. As mentioned earlier, George Washington, who lived in Virginia, played a crucial role in developing the breed. Fox hunting, a popular activity among Virginia’s early settlers, has become an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage. The American Foxhound, with its exceptional hunting abilities, symbolizes and preserves this tradition, instilling a sense of pride and appreciation for its role in Virginia’s history.

There are several varieties of American Foxhounds, each developed for specific hunting purposes or regional preferences. Here are some of the notable strains:

• Walker is known for their speed and endurance; Walker Foxhounds are often used in competitive field trials.
• Calhoun is a strain that is recognized for its excellent tracking abilities and is often used in hunting.
• The Goodman is known for their strong scenting ability and are popular among hunters.
• Trigg Foxhounds are valued for their stamina and ability to hunt in rough terrain.
• The July strain is known for its speed and agility, making it a favorite in field trials.
• Developed in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware regions, the Penn-Marydel hounds are known for their versatility and hunting skills.

And if that is not enough, when it comes to American Foxhounds, they can also be categorized based on their hunting style:

• Field Trial Hounds are bred for speed and agility in competitive field trials.
• Slow-trailing hounds are known for their systematic and persistent tracking.
• Drag Hounds are used in drag hunting, where a scent trail is laid for the hounds to follow.
• Pack Hounds are typically used in large packs for traditional fox hunting.
• Each type has unique traits that make them perfect for different hunting and environments.

So, in Lucy Lou’s and my opinion, the American Foxhound with its rich history, deep roots in American culture, and diverse strains and hunting styles make it a fascinating and versatile breed. From its origins in the 17th century to its recognition as the state dog of Virginia, the American Foxhound continues to hold a special place in the hearts of dog lovers and hunting enthusiasts alike. Whether as a beloved family companion or a skilled hunting partner, the American Foxhound’s enduring qualities and contributions to American heritage are truly remarkable.

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Prompt/edited: Tom Myrick
Written by: Tom Myrick

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