Did you know that George Washington, one of America’s Founding Fathers, not only played a significant role in American constitution but also in developing a breed of dogs known as American Foxhounds? Yes, indeed. These lovable, hound-faced fidos came into existence partially due to Washington’s affection toward dogs. Yet despite their history dating back to the very founders of the United States, there’s a fair bit of misunderstanding that surrounds these loyal canines.
In particular, many people often find themselves asking the question: ‘Is an American Foxhound a dangerous dog?’ Dive into this interesting journey as we debunk myths about American Foxhounds, unveiling what truly makes this breed tick, and whether or not they pose any danger.
Given their deep historical connections with the U.S., it’s no surprise that American Foxhounds are filled with energy, vigor, and endurance. They are incredibly athletic, enabling them to take on heavy-duty tasks including tracking scents for long hours, and hunting. The image of an agile hunting hound might make you think they’re dangerous, but quite contrary to this perception, American Foxhounds are quite gentle.
A stunning aspect about American Foxhounds is their dual adaptability. While possessing the stamina to labor throughout the day outdoor, they can also sprawl out and lounge indoors with family. Despite their lively demeanor, they have an incredibly calm disposition and are extremely friendly. These charmers are known for their kindness, loyalty, and adoration toward their human companions.
Let us break down this notion further by looking at them from three different angles: temperament, behavior with family, and their interaction with strangers.
Firstly, in terms of temperament, American Foxhounds are serene dogs. They thrive on companionship and love being around people or even other dogs. While they were initially bred to hunt in packs, hence, they are innately socially wired. Isolation or lack of contact could indeed make them anxious or lead to destructive behavior, but that’s common in any breed when subjected to isolation.
Secondly, when it comes to family relations, American Foxhounds are second to none. They build a strong bond with the family members, thereby making them brilliant family dogs. They are particularly gentle with children and can withstand their playful nature well. The friendly bond between kids and these dogs is certainly an admirable sight, dispelling any myths of them being dangerous dogs.
Lastly, in the context of their interaction with strangers, American Foxhounds are usually reserved, but not aggressive. They may be cautious around strangers initially, but once they understand there’s no threat, they quickly warm up. Hence, presenting them as ‘dangerous’ based solely on their reserved nature around strangers is a gross misunderstanding.
Being an owner of an American Foxhound, or any breed for that matter, comes with certain obligations. While the dog’s temperament plays a significant role, the environment, training, and treatment they receive also contribute to their behavior. A well-raised and loved Foxhound is as dangerous as a teddy bear.
Training an American Foxhound, like other breeds, requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization is also essential to expose them to different environments, sounds, people, and animals. This helps them grow into a well-rounded and confident dog.
One point worthy of noting in the case of American Foxhounds, is their tendency to follow their nose. Being scent hounds, they may become obsessed with a particular scent and follow it, sometimes leading them to wander off. This inclination should not be misunderstood as aggression or disobedience. It’s a characteristic embedded in their very DNA. Thus, they are advised to be kept in a fenced area when outdoors and supervised during walks and hikes.
Without a doubt, American Foxhounds are energetic breeds which require sufficient activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Lack of it could lead to boredom, subsequently resulting in behavior issues like excessive barking or chewing.
To recap, labeling an American Foxhound as ‘dangerous’ largely stems from misconceptions. Most of the so-called aggressive behaviors can be easily attributed to circumstances such as a lack of exercise, inadequate training, or isolation. By understanding their unique characteristics and providing them with a loving and active lifestyle, American Foxhounds can surely make an incredibly affectionate and devoted companion.
So, the next time you see an American Foxhound, instead of seeing a potential threat, try to see a love-filled companion with a rich historical lineage dating back to America’s founding years. After all, there was a reason why George Washington had a soft spot for these incredible dogs.
