American Foxhound

Brushing Routine

Brush weekly with a firm bristle brush or rubber hound mitt to remove loose hair from the hard, medium-length, close-lying hound coat. A deshedding tool helps manage the moderate shedding. The coat is naturally dirt-resistant and lies flat without much effort. Daily grooming mitt passes keep shedding under control.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 5-7 weeks with a deodorizing shampoo formulated for hound breeds. American Foxhounds have a moderate hound scent that intensifies in warm weather. Rinse thoroughly and dry the long ears carefully. A second lather may be needed after particularly active outdoor periods.

Common Issues

• Moderate hound odor, especially in humid weather
• Ear infections from long, soft, pendant ears
• Heavier shedding than expected from a medium-length coat
• Thrombocytopathy (platelet disorder) causing bleeding concerns during grooming
• High energy making grooming sessions challenging without exercise first

Extend Your Grooming Results

Exercise the dog before grooming sessions to ensure calmer handling. Clean ears every 3-4 days with a drying solution. Use a deodorizing coat spray between baths. A grooming mitt used daily significantly reduces shedding on furniture. Keep nails trimmed since their active lifestyle keeps them naturally shorter.

Seasonal Care

American Foxhounds shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding in spring and fall. In Houston summers, their athletic build tolerates heat better than many breeds, but provide shade and water during hunts or exercise. The hard coat requires no special winter care.

Maintenance Schedule

Weekly brushing with bristle brush, daily grooming mitt, ear cleaning every 3-4 days, nail trims every 3-4 weeks, deodorizing spray as needed, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.