Fox Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison

Fox Terrier vs American Foxhound - Breed ComparisonAmerican Foxhound is originated from United States but Fox Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. American Foxhound may grow 25 cm / 10 inches higher than Fox Terrier. American Foxhound may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Fox Terrier. American Foxhound may live 3 years less than Fox Terrier. American Foxhound may have more litter size than Fox Terrier. Both American Foxhound and Fox Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
35 - 39 cm
13 - 16 inches
Height Female:
49 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
32 - 36 cm
12 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
8 - 9 kg
17 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 30 kg
46 - 67 pounds
7 - 8 kg
15 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Foxhound
Wire hair fox terrier Wirehaired terrier Fox terrier Wire
Colors Available:
red, tricolor, black and tan, blue
predominant white base with brown markings of the face and ears, and usually a black saddle or large splotch of color; there may be other black or brown markings on the body.
Coat:
short, hard
rough, Broken
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Sweet
Alert, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

american foxhoundAs a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.

For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.

At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.

They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.

fox terrierThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier and the Smooth Fox Terrier were for over 100 years the same breed of dog. Now it is believed that they are two separate breeds with two separate ancestry. It is an English creation with Dachshunds, Fox Hound, English Hounds, and Beagle in their background. It is also believed that the Wales, Durham and Derbyshire extinct rough-coated black and tan working terrier. The white terrier breeds that exist today are related to the Fox Terrier. In addition, it is recognized that terrier breeds of today such as the Jack Russel, the Rat Terrier, and the Miniature Fox Terrier are descendants of the Fox Terrier.

They are one of the oldest of the terrier breeds dating back to the 17tth century in the British Isles. They were primarily farm dogs guarding against the fox and vermin. Like any terrier they go to ground – digging, growling, barking and lunging at the den until the animal comes out and the farmer killed it. The breed was made popular in England through their living with royalty. The Nots Kennel had a lot to do with this as well. King Edward VII’ Wire Fox Terrier came from the Notts Kennel. The Best Champion of Crufts in 1911 was a Wire Fox Terrier, and Queen Victoria had one as well. The Wire Fox Terrier finally became a family dog in the 1930’s. During this time there were feature movies and comic strips that feature a Wire Fox Terrier, such as The Thin Man and The Adventures of Tintin.

The late 1900’s saw the population moving off the farms, out of the country and into the cities. This caused a decline in the popularity of the breed. Keeping terriers born to hunt in the city proved a challenge in the beginning. Their popularity is influenced as well by the breeds success in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York – second only to the Crufts Dog Show in England. Adding to their early success at Crufts, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier breed has won more Westminster Best in Show than any other with 14. Only five dogs have won at Westminster more than once and one of those is a Wirehaired Fox Terrier. A Smooth Fox Terrier won it three times.

Description

american foxhound puppy - descriptionGiven the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.

In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.

They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.

fox terrier puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Fox terrier is a sturdy dog with features quite similar to the Smooth Fox Terrier. It is symmetrical with a short back, round, dark eyes, a body that is shorter and ears that are v-shaped. He is medium sized with a flat skull that narrows as it approaches the nose. The nose is black, and the muzzle also tapers to it. The breed has a high, docked tail outside the United Kingdom. The tail is natural in the United Kingdom. They don’t have a broad or narrow chest, but it is deep. Laid back shoulders and a short back are signs of good breeding. Their legs are strong, and their feet have tough, cushioned pads.

Characteristics

american foxhound dog - characteristicsWith a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.

The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.

Children friendliness

fox terrier dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Fox Terrier is good with children but if teased and frustrated he could bite. Children should know how to play with them and not to tease them.

Special talents

He is great at performing tricks, tracking, agility, watch dog, competitive hunting or field trials.

Adaptability

The Wirehaired Fox Terrier is quite adaptable and can live anywhere. He is not a big dog but remember he is very high energy.

Learning ability

The breed is very smart but being independent thinkers, they can be difficult to train at times. Consistency and patience are needed when training the Wirehaired Fox Terrier. They get bored easily and if training sessions are not fun you will lose them. This is a breed that loves people but need constant supervision and companionship.

Health Problems

american foxhound puppies - health problemsThe American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.

The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.

fox terrier puppies - health problemsThis is basically a healthy breed, but there are some potential issues that could arise:

  1. Cataracts
  2. Causes a cloudiness and can cause blindness
  3. Luxating Patellas
  4. “Floating Kneecaps” – dislocated kneecaps. Causes lameness and arthritis
  5. Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome
  6. Causes a very serious muscle loss in the dog’s legs
  7. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
  8. Causes lameness and arthritis
  9. Epilepsy
  10. Causes seizures
  11. Shoulder Dislocation
  12. Causes pain and arthritis
  13. Mast Cell Tumors
  14. Cancer – could be fatal
  15. Post Nasal Drip
  16. Just annoying
  17. Deafness

This is possible in white terriers

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american foxhound dogs - caringWhether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.

For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.

Thrombocytopathy

This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.

Feeding the puppy

fox terrier dogs - caringGive them two meals maybe three per day. Total food per day divided into the number of meals is 1/8-1/4 cup day.

Feeding the adult

Once again feed one-two meals per day and don’t overfeed. Total of ½ cup day

Games and Exercises

Being a terrier, the Wirehaired Fox Terrier needs a lot of exercise. He is energetic and playful. He loves to play ball, take interesting walks, and play in fenced areas. He needs to be in either a fenced area or on a leash as he will chase any small animal that he sees moving. But if you leave him unsupervised in a fenced area, don’t forget he is a terrier. He is likely to dig under or climb over a fence that isn’t entirely secure.

He loves earth dog trials, agility, tracking, hunting, flyball, and running. He hardly ever walks. He can play ball chasing for hours if you let him. Exercise is bonding for you and your Wirehaired Fox Terrier.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Foxhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Foxhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Foxhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Foxhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Foxhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Foxhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Foxhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Foxhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Foxhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Foxhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Foxhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Foxhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Foxhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Foxhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Foxhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Foxhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Foxhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Foxhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Foxhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Foxhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Foxhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Foxhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Foxhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Foxhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Foxhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Fox Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Fox Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Fox Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Fox Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Fox Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fox Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Fox Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Fox Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Fox Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Fox Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Fox Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Fox Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Fox Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Fox Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Fox Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Fox Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Fox Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Fox Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Fox Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Fox Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Fox Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Fox Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Fox Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Fox Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Fox Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison