American foxhound, breed of sturdy, medium-sized hound developed in America over 300 years ago. It stands about 23 in. (58 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 60 and 70 lb (27–32 kg). The smooth, hard, “hound-marked” coat is usually black, tan, and white. The American foxhound, with its great endurance and keen sense of smell, was once widely used in packs of as many as 15 or 20 dogs to hunt fox and other small game. Today, however, it is more commonly bred for field trial competition. See dog.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
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