The Australian Foxhound is a dynamic and energetic breed, a mix between the elegant American Foxhound and the highly athletic Australian Shepherd. These spunky pups are known for their charming personalities, combining the sharp, eager temperament of both parent breeds, making them a joy for experienced dog owners. Their long legs and graceful build make them showstoppers wherever they go, and they definitely turn heads with their regal appearance. However, as a designer mixed breed, they can sometimes be difficult to find. These dogs are more than just good looks; their huge personalities are the result of their strong parentage, and they thrive when given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
While the Australian Shepherd’s influence brings a high level of intelligence and trainability, the Foxhound’s hunting instincts add a unique drive to the breed, making them both active and fun-loving. They’re social and love to be on the move, eager to roam wherever their family goes. If you’re considering an Australian Foxhound puppy, adopting from rescue organizations or shelters is a fantastic way to give a dog in need a loving home. If purchasing from a breeder, it’s crucial to choose one who follows ethical practices, prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs, and offers a nurturing environment for the puppies. Such responsible breeding ensures that your new happy pup will grow up to be healthy, strong, and ready to keep up with your adventurous lifestyle.
Breed Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed | Australian Foxhound |
| Size | Medium to large, 18-25 inches tall, 40-70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Coat | Short to medium-length, colors include black, white, brown, tan, merle |
| Temperament | Energetic, playful, strong prey drive, loyal, protective |
| Exercise Needs | High – Daily walks, runs, and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors |
| Training | Highly trainable, thanks to intelligence passed from parent breeds |
| Grooming | Medium to high – Brush 2-3 times a week with a medium-bristled brush or hound glove |
| Health | Generally healthy, but can have issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, drug sensitivities |
| Instagram Dogs | Sisu and Eddie are popular Australian Foxhounds on Instagram, sharing their adventures with followers |
Appearance
The Australian Foxhound is an intriguing crossbreed that combines the agility of the Foxhound with the striking qualities of the Australian Shepherd. These dogs are known for their athletic and powerful build, giving them a well-muscled appearance that’s perfect for both agility and endurance. Depending on the specific mix of their parent breeds, the Australian Foxhound can have a variety of coat colors and patterns, ranging from the typical brown, black, and white patches seen in the Foxhound to the unique merle patterning often associated with the Australian Shepherd.
One thing you’ll notice about the Australian Foxhound is its thick coat, though some may have a shorter, sleeker version. While they don’t follow strict breed standards due to being a crossbreed, the medium to large size of this dog is consistent across the breed. Their thick coat can vary greatly, and you might even find shorthaired varieties, making them adaptable to different climates. Whether covered in patterns or solid colors, these dogs are as visually striking as they are energetic.
Temperament and Personality
The Australian Foxhound is a breed with a unique mix of sociability from the American Foxhound and the intelligence and work ethic of the Australian Shepherd. This breed thrives on regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent positive reinforcement training. They are intelligent and highly trainable, always eager to please, which makes them respond well to positive methods of training. However, their emotional and needy nature means they really crave interaction and tend to bond closely with their family.
This breed would be happiest in a home where the dog parents are often present and where they can have the companionship of another canine companion. Without sufficient exercise, the Australian Foxhound can become anxious and possibly even destructive. So, don’t skip those walks—they are essential to keeping this breed happy and balanced.
History
The Australian Foxhound doesn’t have its own independent history as it is a crossbreed. However, both of its parent breeds have fascinating and long histories that shaped its development. The American Foxhound, which was first refined in the 1700s, originated from the highly regarded English Foxhound. As European settlers began to arrive in America, they brought with them these hounds, which eventually caught the attention of figures like George Washington. Washington, a major admirer, even kept a pack of American Foxhounds for hunting and worked hard to further refine the breed by crossing them with other British hounds. This led to a breed that still has a passionate fanclub today, though it’s not as widely popular as it once was. People still admire the drive, intelligence, and loyalty that the American Foxhound brings.
On the other hand, the Australian Shepherd, which is sometimes confusingly named, actually came from the western United States. Despite the misleading name, it’s believed that the Australian Shepherd’s ancestors were collie and shepherd-type dogs that were brought to the U.S. in the 1840s from Australia. These dogs quickly became prized for their excellent working and shepherding skills, as well as their remarkable agility. However, the American Kennel Club didn’t officially recognize the breed until 1993, giving the Australian Shepherd a somewhat newer history compared to its Foxhound relatives.
Health Concerns
The Australian Foxhound is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but like all dogs, it can face some health issues. One common problem is Hip Dysplasia, an orthopedic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to joint instability and potential arthritis. This can cause symptoms like lameness, difficulty rising, or a bunny-hopping gait. It’s particularly common in larger breeds and can be managed with proper weight control, exercise moderation, and sometimes surgical intervention. Another issue to be aware of is Elbow Dysplasia, which affects the elbow joint and causes discomfort, arthritis, and lameness. Larger and giant dog breeds are more prone to this, and treatments include medications, weight management, and in severe cases, surgery.
The Australian Foxhound may also face conditions like Cherry Eye, where a gland in the third eyelid prolapses and appears as a red or pink mass. While not usually painful, it can lead to irritation and dry eye, and surgery is often required to correct it. Obesity is another concern, which can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. Proper diet, portion control, and regular exercise can help manage weight. Additionally, like other breeds, drug sensitivities can occur, leading to allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset. It’s essential for owners to communicate with their vet about any changes. Lastly, the breed may face rare but serious conditions like Bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency, and Thrombocytopathy, a platelet disorder that can cause abnormal bleeding. Regular veterinary visits can help in managing these issues and ensure a long, healthy life.
Feeding and Diet Tips for Australian Foxhounds
When it comes to feeding your Australian Foxhound, you need to keep in mind that this is a medium to large breed with high energy. Their metabolism requires a diet that fuels their active lifestyle. Given their intelligent nature, this breed enjoys mental stimulation, so offering food through stimulating puzzles can be more effective than just placing their food in a bowl. You’ll find that incorporating this method keeps them engaged and happy, rather than simply gobbling their meals.
Like many other hounds, the Australian Foxhound can be prone to obesity, so it’s important not to overfeed, especially when using treats or rewards during training. As each dog has its own unique diet requirements, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure you’re feeding them the right balance of nutrients. A proper diet tailored to their needs will help avoid any weight management issues and keep your pup at a healthy weight. Always take into account their food preferences, calorie needs, and nutritional needs to prevent any long-term health issues.
Grooming Your Australian Foxhound
Grooming your Australian Foxhound depends on their coat type. This breed requires moderate maintenance for their coat, especially when they inherit the thick fur of the Australian Shepherd. If your Foxhound has longhaired traits, you’ll need to brush them frequently to prevent their coat from becoming matted. Regular bathing and trimming are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy appearance. For those with shorthaired coats, brushing can be reduced to once or twice a week, which makes their grooming needs less demanding.
Even with the shorthaired variety, professional grooming may be needed from time to time, particularly during the summer months when their coat requires extra attention. Don’t forget to trim nails regularly, as this is important for all dog breeds. Consistent upkeep, whether through coat care, grooming tools, or nail trimming, ensures your Foxhound always looks their best.
Rescue Groups for Australian Foxhounds
Since the Australian Foxhound is a mixed breed, there are no specific breed rescues dedicated to this breed. However, you can often find similar mixes available for adoption through various rescue groups. American Foxhound and Australian Shepherd rescues frequently rehome mixed breeds, so these could be great resources for finding an Australian Foxhound or similar crossbreed. When browsing, try looking for pups listed as ‘Foxhound mix’ or ‘Australian Shepherd mix’, as these are common listings for dogs that share similar traits. Sometimes, crossbreeds like the Australian Foxhound may not be immediately recognized by shelter employees, and might be overlooked as simply a mix or unknown breed.
No matter the circumstances, there are always options available for adopting a rescue pup. Consider checking organizations like Foxhound Rescue, Aussie Rescue, or Australian Shepherds Furever, which often take in mixed breeds and help with rehoming them. These groups are excellent places to find a Foxhound or a similar dog looking for a loving home. Opening your home to a rescue dog not only changes their life but also provides a loyal companion. Whether a rescue pup or not, it’s always worth exploring all the potential adoption options.
Care for Your Australian Foxhound
The Australian Foxhound is an active breed that needs a dedicated daily walk, along with plenty of indoor playtime and other activities to keep their minds active. Ideally, a walk should be at least an hour a day. Since they are a large and athletic breed, they need more than just a simple walk. Having a fenced yard where they can run around is a great start, but they also crave intense exercise. You can fulfill these needs by going hiking, biking with your dog, or getting involved in dog-centric sports like agility or flyball.
While the Australian Foxhound is usually very well behaved with dedicated training and a firm owner, they are still energetic dogs. They thrive in spaces where they have plenty of outdoor exercise and room to roam. This breed is happiest when they have lots of space to run and play, making them a poor match for apartment dwellers or those without a fenced in yard. Their drive to play means they can get bored quickly without near-constant playtime and physical activity.
Interactions with Children and Other Pets
The Australian Foxhound is a pup known for being eager to fit into family life, making it a good choice for homes with children. Generally, this breed is quite good with kids and other dogs, but they may try to herd small children, which can sometimes lead to nipping at their heels. It’s important to discourage this behavior early on to ensure everyone in the house feels comfortable and safe. This is where proper training plays a key role, especially in shaping how the Australian Foxhound interacts with others in the home.
However, the breed’s natural hunting instincts often come through, which may not make them the best fit for families with small pets like hamsters or mice. Before introducing your Australian Foxhound to other animals, including small pets, it’s crucial to properly introduce them to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Dogs of this breed need to be closely monitored around other animals to avoid any unwanted behaviors. When they are properly introduced and treated with patience, the Australian Foxhound can adapt well and thrive in a diverse home environment.
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