American Foxeagle
The American Foxeagle is a cross between the American Foxhound and the Beagle. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a American Foxeagle. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a medium to large-sized scent hound that combines athletic grace with the stamina required for extended hunting pursuits. Males typically stand between 22 and 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 70 pounds, while females measure 21 to 24 inches and weigh 60 to 65 pounds. The breed possesses a lean, muscular body that is only slightly longer than it is tall, with a moderately long back that contributes to their fluid, ground-covering movement. Their overall build reflects centuries of selective breeding for speed, endurance, and the ability to cover vast distances while tracking game with unwavering determination. The head features a fairly long, slightly domed skull with a broad cranium and large, wide-set eyes that convey a gentle, pleading expression characteristic of the breed. Eye color is typically hazel or brown, adding warmth to their kind and intelligent appearance. The ears are long and low-set, reaching almost to the tip of the nose when drawn forward, with a soft, velvety texture and a forward edge that curves slightly toward the cheek. The muzzle is straight and square-shaped, complementing the well-proportioned head, and the nose is broad with open nostrils designed for efficient scent detection. The jaw features a scissors bite that ensures a strong, effective grip when needed. The American Foxhound's coat is close-lying, hard in texture, and of medium length, providing protection against underbrush and rough terrain encountered during hunts. The breed can appear in any color, though traditional colorations include combinations of black, white, and tan, often with hounds from the same pack displaying similar patterns. Their muscular shoulders are well-sloped, and their hips and thighs are strong and well-developed, supporting powerful, efficient movement. The tail is set moderately high and carried gaily with a slight brush, curving gently upward without curling over the back. Their legs are straight and strong, ending in tight, cat-like feet with well-arched toes.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The American Foxhound is renowned for its distinctive vocalizations, including a melodious bay that can carry for miles across open terrain. While beautiful to hunting enthusiasts, this vocal tendency can create challenges in suburban or urban environments where neighbors may be less appreciative. Early training can help moderate excessive vocalization, though the instinct to announce when they catch an interesting scent is deeply ingrained. The breed requires substantial daily exercise, ideally one to two hours of vigorous activity, to remain physically and mentally satisfied. Without adequate outlets for their considerable energy, they may resort to destructive behaviors or become restless and difficult to manage.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Pelger-Huet Anomaly is a relatively rare blood disorder documented in American Foxhounds that causes white blood cells to appear abnormal under microscopic examination. While carriers typically show no symptoms and live normal lives, puppies inheriting the abnormal gene from both parents usually die before or shortly after birth. Heritable deafness has been noted in some bloodlines and should be screened for in breeding animals. Hypothyroidism, causing insufficient thyroid hormone production, can lead to weight gain, lethargy, skin problems, and behavioral changes. Obesity is a significant concern if the breed does not receive adequate exercise or if food intake is not carefully monitored, as they have hearty appetites and may overeat when given the opportunity.
Beagle
The Beagle is a small to medium-sized scent hound that presents a solidly built, compact appearance suggesting both durability and agility. The American Kennel Club recognizes two size varieties: those standing 13 inches or less at the withers and weighing under 20 pounds, and those between 13 and 15 inches weighing 20 to 30 pounds. Despite their relatively small stature, Beagles are sturdy dogs that appear heavy for their height, with well-developed musculature and good bone structure that reflects their heritage as tireless hunting companions capable of working for extended periods. The head is proportionate to the body with a moderately long skull that is slightly domed and broad. The muzzle is squarish and of medium length, with a broad nose featuring well-opened nostrils that serve the breed's exceptional scenting abilities. Their large, expressive eyes are set well apart and typically brown or hazel in color, conveying the soft, pleading expression that has endeared the breed to generations of admirers. The ears are long, low-set, and rounded at the tips, reaching nearly to the end of the nose when drawn forward. Their texture is fine and soft, lying close to the head with the forward edge turning slightly toward the cheek. The Beagle's coat is smooth, dense, and weather-resistant, lying close to the body and requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular brushing. While the breed standard allows for any recognized hound color, the most common coloration is tricolor featuring black, white, and tan in various patterns. The black typically forms a saddle across the back, with white on the legs, chest, belly, and tail tip, and tan markings around the saddle and on the head. Other colors include red and white, lemon, and various shaded patterns. The tail is sturdy, moderately long, and carried gaily but not curved over the back, typically showing a white tip that serves as a visible flag when the dog is working in tall vegetation.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Beagles are intelligent but independent thinkers who may require patient, consistent training approaches to achieve reliable obedience. They respond well to food-motivated training methods, though their hearty appetites require careful management to prevent obesity. The breed has moderate to high energy levels and requires regular exercise to remain content and well-behaved. Without adequate physical activity and mental stimulation, Beagles may become destructive or develop nuisance barking habits. They are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods and thrive in households where companionship is readily available throughout the day.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Obesity presents a significant health risk for Beagles due to their food-driven nature and tendency to overeat whenever the opportunity arises. Excess weight contributes to joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease, making careful portion control essential throughout the dog's life. The breed's long, floppy ears predispose them to ear infections by trapping moisture and reducing airflow within the ear canal. Intervertebral disc disease can occur, causing spinal disc deterioration that leads to pain and mobility issues. Additional concerns include heart disease, allergies, and a bleeding disorder called hemophilia that may not become apparent until surgery or injury causes excessive bleeding. Regular veterinary examinations and preventive care help ensure early detection and management of potential health issues.
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 Foxeagle 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 American Foxhound and Beagle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.