The first mention that we have of hound importating to America appears in a diary of one of DeSoto's retainers. It is further mentioned that hounds were utilized to hunt Indians instead of foxes and hare.

In 1650, Robert Brooke sailed for the Crown Colony in America. He brought with him his pack of hounds, which were the taproot of several strains of American Hounds and remained in the family for nearly 300 years. In 1742, more hounds were imported. In 1770, George Washington subscribed to the importation of hounds from England, and in 1785 he received some French Hounds from Lafayette. Their voices were "like the bells of Moscow." These importation's formed the foundation from which have developed some of the strains of the present-day Virginia hounds.

In 1808, the Gloucester Foxhunting Club imported some of the "best English Hounds," and the Baltimore Hunt Club made many importation's from England. The Foxhound in this country isused for four purposes:

1. The field trial hound which is run competitively at field trials where speed and a rather jalousie nature is important.

2. A hound for hunting a fox with a gun. This is where the slow-trailing hound with a good voice is needed.

3. "Trail" hounds, or drag hounds, which are raced or hunted on a drag, speed alone counting.

4. Hounds to hunt in large numbers (15-20).

The types of American hounds have varied widely in different localities, but in the last few years, there has been considerable strides in developing a more standard type.

While similar to its English cousin, the American Foxhound has been developed by its breeders to be lighter and taller, to have a keener sense of smell, and to be even faster in the chase. A large, handsome hound, its front legs are long and very straight-boned. The head is long with a slightly domed, large skull. The ears are broad and pendant, framing the face. The eyes are large and wide-set - either brown or hazel, with a sweet, imploring expression. The ears are wide, flat to the head and its tail is carried cheerfully with a slight upward curve, like a sickle. The short, hard coat may be any color.

The American Foxhound is sweet, affectionate, gentle and loving at home, but also a brave and intense warrior in the hunt. They are excellent with children and get along well with other dogs because of their pack-hunting background, but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Friendliness to strangers varies widely. Some are very friendly; some are protective. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. Be aware, the American Foxhound will take off after an interesting scent if possible. They like to bay and have a melodious bark, so much so, in fact, that its tones have been used in popular songs. Foxhounds don't always make good house pets, due to their history as outdoor pack kennel hounds. If you are looking for a pet, try show lines rather than field types.

Males should be 22-25 inches, females 21-24 inches. They should weigh between 65 - 75 pounds.

The average lifespan of the American Foxhound is 11-13 years. There have been a few hip problems, and few chronic ear problems. But no problems are prevalent enough to call a breed problem.