American Boxer Foxhound
Hybrid Breed Description
The American Boxer Foxhound is a cross between the Boxer and the American Foxhound. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing an American Boxer Foxhound. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Boxer
The Boxer presents a medium to large, square-proportioned build combining substantial musculature with elegant lines and remarkable athletic ability. Males typically stand 23 to 25 inches tall at the withers and weigh 65 to 80 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. This breed features a distinctive head characterized by a broad, blunt muzzle approximately one-third the length of the skull, with a pronounced stop and slight upturn that creates the breed's characteristic pushed-in face. The lower jaw projects slightly beyond the upper jaw and curves gently upward, while dark brown eyes convey intelligence and curiosity. The ears are set high on the skull and traditionally cropped to stand erect, though natural drop ears are increasingly common. The Boxer's body exemplifies power and agility, with a short, straight back, deep chest reaching to the elbows, and well-sprung ribs that provide ample room for heart and lungs. The muscular shoulders are long and sloping, while the hindquarters are strongly muscled with good angulation. The breed's short, smooth coat lies tight to the body and comes in two primary colors: fawn ranging from light tan to deep mahogany, and brindle with black stripes on a fawn background. White markings are common and desirable, often appearing on the face, chest, neck, and feet, though excessive white covering more than one-third of the coat is considered undesirable. The tail is traditionally docked short and carried high, though natural tails are becoming more accepted. Additional distinguishing features include a slightly arched, muscular neck of ample length flowing smoothly into the withers, straight forelegs with substantial bone, and compact feet with well-arched toes. The Boxer's gait is firm yet elastic, with good reach and drive demonstrating balanced, efficient movement. The breed's overall appearance conveys strength, agility, and elegance in perfect harmony, with every aspect of its structure serving the historical purpose of holding large game at bay and working as a versatile farm and guard dog. The Boxer's expressive face, combined with its powerful yet refined body, creates an unmistakable profile that communicates both capability and approachability.
Key Characteristics
The Boxer embodies a unique combination of playful exuberance, unwavering loyalty, and protective vigilance that makes them beloved family companions and excellent working dogs. These dogs maintain a remarkably puppy-like enthusiasm and energy level well into maturity, often bouncing and wiggling with excitement when greeting family members or anticipating activities. Boxers form incredibly strong bonds with their families and display particular patience and gentleness with children, earning them a reputation as outstanding family dogs when properly trained and socialized. Their playful nature means they enjoy interactive games, clowning around to entertain their families, and participating in all household activities. This breed thrives on human companionship and suffers when isolated or excluded from family life. Intelligence and trainability rank among the Boxer's strongest attributes, though their independent thinking and occasional stubbornness require patient, consistent training approaches. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement methods and enjoy learning new commands and tricks, particularly when training involves play and treats. However, Boxers can be strong-willed and may test boundaries, requiring owners who establish clear leadership without harsh corrections. The breed possesses strong protective instincts and makes excellent watchdogs who are naturally suspicious of strangers while remaining friendly once properly introduced. Their alertness and courage make them effective guardians, though they are not typically aggressive without cause. Boxers require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-related behavioral issues such as excessive barking, destructive chewing, or hyperactivity. They excel in various dog sports including agility, obedience, rally, and tracking, where their athleticism and intelligence shine. The breed tends to be good with other family pets when raised together but may show dominance toward strange dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Boxers are characteristically vocal, using an array of sounds including distinctive "woo woo" noises, grumbles, and excited barking to communicate with their families. Their combination of loyalty, playfulness, protectiveness, and affectionate nature creates a devoted companion who wants nothing more than to be an integral part of family life while maintaining their role as guardian and protector.
Boxers typically live 9 to 12 years with a median age of approximately 10.5 years, which is slightly shorter than average for dogs their size, and they face several significant breed-specific health challenges. Cancer represents the leading cause of death in Boxers, with the breed experiencing particularly high rates of mast cell tumors, lymphoma, and brain tumors. These cancers often appear in middle age, making regular veterinary examinations and attention to any unusual lumps, swelling, or behavioral changes critically important for early detection and treatment. The breed also faces elevated risks of heart conditions, particularly arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (also called Boxer cardiomyopathy), which causes irregular heart rhythms and can lead to sudden death even in apparently healthy dogs. Hip dysplasia, though not as prevalent as in some large breeds, does occur in Boxers and causes joint instability, pain, and arthritis. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock through OFA evaluations. The breed is also prone to hypothyroidism, where inadequate thyroid hormone production causes weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems requiring lifelong medication. Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease causing hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis, affects Boxers more than many breeds. The condition has no cure, though genetic testing can identify carriers. Boxers face increased risks of various allergies, particularly food sensitivities and atopic dermatitis, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, and hot spots requiring ongoing management through diet modifications and medications. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) represents a life-threatening emergency in this deep-chested breed, occurring when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and requiring immediate surgical intervention. The Boxer's brachycephalic (short-muzzled) head structure, while less extreme than some breeds, can still cause breathing difficulties, particularly in hot weather or during intense exercise. Boxers are notoriously sensitive to extreme temperatures, overheating easily in summer and chilling quickly in winter due to their short coats. The breed also experiences higher rates of epilepsy than average, with seizures often beginning between one and three years of age. Maintaining healthy weight, providing appropriate exercise without overexertion in heat, regular veterinary monitoring, and selecting puppies from health-tested parents significantly improve Boxer health outcomes and longevity.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound exhibits a lean, athletic build designed specifically for speed, endurance, and tireless pursuit across varied terrain. Males typically stand 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 75 pounds, while females measure 21 to 24 inches and weigh 60 to 65 pounds, though show strains often exceed these standards. This breed features a slightly domed skull that is moderately broad, with a long, square-cut muzzle and large, soft, hound-typical eyes set well apart that convey a gentle, pleading expression. The eyes are brown or hazel in color, and the breed's long, wide ears are set moderately low and when drawn forward nearly reach the tip of the nose, hanging close to the cheeks with the front edge turned slightly inward. The American Foxhound's body reflects its breeding for long-distance running, with a moderately long back, deep chest that extends well down between the forelegs, and well-sprung ribs providing ample lung capacity. The breed possesses longer, more refined legs than its English cousin, with straight, well-boned forelegs and powerful hindquarters featuring muscular thighs and good angulation. The feet are fox-like, round and well-arched with thick, hard pads capable of covering rough ground. The tail is set moderately high, carried gaily with a slight curve but never turned forward over the back. The coat is close-lying, hard, and medium in length, providing protection against underbrush while remaining easy to maintain. Coat colors follow the typical hound patterns, most commonly appearing in tricolor combinations of black, white, and tan, though any color is acceptable according to breed standards. Many American Foxhounds display distinctive saddle patterns with darker coloring over the back and lighter coloring on the legs, chest, and face. Additional physical characteristics include a slightly arched neck of medium length rising gracefully from the shoulders, moderate stop between the skull and muzzle, and a black nose with well-opened nostrils. The American Foxhound moves with a smooth, effortless gait demonstrating excellent reach and drive, covering ground efficiently with minimal apparent effort. The breed's overall appearance conveys fitness, determination, and capability, perfectly suited for pursuing game across challenging countryside for extended periods.
Key Characteristics
The American Foxhound embodies a gentle, easygoing, and sweet-tempered personality combined with independent thinking and strong hunting instincts that reflect centuries of selective breeding. These dogs are remarkably friendly and tolerant, particularly with children, making them excellent family companions when their substantial exercise needs are met. The breed displays a naturally social nature and generally gets along well with other dogs, having been bred to work in packs for generations. This pack mentality means Foxhounds do best when they have canine or human companionship and should never be left isolated for extended periods. They typically show mild reserve with strangers initially but are not aggressive or overly shy, generally accepting new people once introductions are made. Intelligence characterizes the American Foxhound, though their independent nature and strong scent-driven instincts can make training challenging for inexperienced owners. These dogs were bred to follow scent trails relentlessly, often working independently at great distances from their handlers, and this independence persists in modern dogs who may choose to follow interesting scents rather than obey commands. Recall training requires patience, consistency, and should begin immediately with puppies, continuing throughout the dog's life. Once a Foxhound picks up an interesting scent, they may ignore all commands and pursue the trail with single-minded determination. This trait makes them unsuitable for off-leash exercise in unsecured areas, and owners must remain vigilant to prevent escapes, as these dogs can cover remarkable distances when following their noses. The breed is characteristically vocal, using a distinctive baying howl to communicate rather than traditional barking. This melodious but loud vocalization served hunters by allowing them to track their dogs' locations, but it can be problematic in residential settings where neighbors may object to regular serenading. American Foxhounds require substantial daily exercise - at least an hour of vigorous activity - to prevent boredom, depression, and destructive behaviors. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, they may become anxious, destructive, or vocally demanding. The breed maintains a calm, mild-tempered demeanor in the home after sufficient exercise, often enjoying cuddling on the couch with family members. Their combination of gentleness, sociability, and easygoing nature makes them wonderful companions for active families who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship these hunting hounds require to thrive in domestic settings.
American Foxhounds are generally robust, healthy dogs with lifespans averaging 11 to 13 years and fewer genetic health issues than many purebred dogs. This hardiness likely stems from their long history as working dogs where natural selection favored healthy, sound animals capable of performing demanding physical work. However, like all breeds, Foxhounds can develop certain health conditions that prospective owners should monitor. Hip dysplasia, though historically rare in the breed, has begun appearing more frequently as the condition affects many dog breeds. This genetic disorder causes abnormal hip joint development leading to instability, pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Maintaining appropriate weight and avoiding excessive high-impact exercise during puppyhood helps minimize risks, while responsible breeders screen breeding stock through OFA evaluations. Thrombocytopathy, also called platelet disease or thrombocytopenia, represents a more breed-specific concern where blood platelets function improperly, resulting in excessive bleeding from minor injuries or cuts. This inherited bleeding disorder affects approximately five percent of dogs admitted to veterinary hospitals. Severity varies among affected dogs, with some experiencing only minor issues while others face significant bleeding risks. Blood tests can detect the condition, allowing owners and veterinarians to take appropriate precautions during surgeries or injuries. Treatment depends on severity and may include medications to improve blood clotting or, in severe cases, blood transfusions to stabilize the dog's condition. Ear infections occur more frequently in American Foxhounds than some breeds due to their long, pendulous ears that hang close to the cheeks, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive. Regular ear cleaning and thorough drying after swimming or bathing help prevent infections. Obesity represents another concern, as these active dogs can easily become overweight when overfed or under-exercised, leading to joint stress and other health problems. American Foxhounds require carefully measured portions and should maintain lean, athletic body condition. The breed is susceptible to the same bacterial and viral infections affecting all dogs, including parvovirus, distemper, and rabies, making appropriate vaccination schedules essential. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, routine veterinary care including dental cleaning, and monitoring for signs of the breed's few genetic conditions, American Foxhounds typically enjoy long, healthy lives as active, vigorous companions.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your American Boxer Foxhound may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Boxer and American Foxhound to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.