How to Groom an American Foxhound

American Foxhounds are incredibly sleek and handsome dogs. They have taut, limber bodies which give them lots of stamina and energy. American Foxhounds have a straight, fine, medium-length coat which lies hard, flat and close to the body. They require a full grooming every 12 weeks and a general grooming once a month.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Hound brush
• Mild shampoo

1. Brush out the coat regularly with a natural bristle brush. This should help get rid of shed hair which hasn't fallen out of the coat yet. Brush with the grain of the coat in long, gentle strokes. These dogs shed an average amount of hair.

2. Use a Hound brush for additional coat care, as well as to give the dog a good body massage. These dogs tend to do a lot of running and chasing, and may need a good muscle massage.

3. Bathe only when necessary. Bathing them too often dries out the skin and strips the coat of the natural oils which help to protect your dog against the elements. When you do bathe your dog, use a mild shampoo.

Tips & Warnings

• This breed has a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years.
• The ancestors of the American Foxhound were English Foxhounds that were brought to the United States in 1650. They were cross-bred with a French hound that was a gift to George Washington from General Lafayette. Settlers often used American foxhounds to track Native Americans.
• American Foxhounds can gain weight very easily, so don't overfeed them.
• Don't confine an American Foxhound to an apartment.