What are American Foxhounds used for?

American Foxhounds were primarily used for hunting, particularly for tracking and chasing foxes, as their name suggests. They have been bred for their exceptional stamina, speed, and keen sense of smell. Traditionally, American Foxhounds were used in organized fox hunts, where packs of hounds would track and chase foxes, with hunters following on horseback.

American Foxhounds can hunt other small game as well; their versatility as hunting dogs allows them to adapt to different types of game and hunting conditions. Their exceptional olfactory abilities also make them suitable for scent work and tracking activities beyond traditional hunting; they can be trained for search and rescue missions or participate in various dog sports that involve scent detection.

While their primary role was traditionally as hunting and tracking dogs, American Foxhounds also make loyal, affectionate, and sociable companion animals.