PET ARTICLES BLOG

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a large impressive looking breed that closely resembles a Beagle in looks. The dog generally stands between 21 to 25 inches and weighs from 65 to 75 pounds. The streamlined athletic body is thickly covered with a short fur that ranges in color from tan and white, red and white and the impressive combination of black, tan and white. Well boned, straight and long legs give this breed its legendary speed.

The American Foxhound is a very old breed - older than America, the country it was named after. The breed originated from the pack of English hunting dogs that was brought to the Crown Colony by Robert Brooke in 1650.

In Great Britain, these dogs were highly acclaimed for their excellent hunting abilities. The British landed gentry utilizes these dogs to hunt foxes. On a fox hunt, packs of American Foxhounds will chase the prey while hunters follow on horseback. The deep and booming melodious voice will distinctly change to alert the hunters when a prey is found. The dogs are used by the settlers of the Crown colony to hunt foxes as well. However, because of the ferocious tenacious nature, it was rumored that the dogs were utilized by the English military commanders to track and hunt Indians.

The English Foxhounds were crossed and re-crossed with the dogs of settlers from Ireland and France until a new breed that has adapted to the conditions of the new country has evolved. This has resulted to the development of the American Foxhound.

An American Foxhound is basically a hunting dog. These dogs would be happiest if they are hunting. An ultra sensitive scenting ability, a remarkable staying power and a passionate desire to overpower a prey make this breed a notable hunter. Once this dog has found an interesting scent nothing can stop the dog from trailing the prey. Foxes are the usual quarry of American Foxhounds but these dogs hunts other animals too.It is not surprising if this breed is on the top list most valued hunting dogs.

American Foxhounds are first and foremost highly valued for their remarkable hunting abilities. However, apart from the hunting prowess, these dogs are valued as well for their loving and gentle nature. These energetic dogs turn into placid pets with gentle disposition at home. This breed of dogs is not a one man dog. An American Foxhound loves all the members of the family but the dogs are noted to be especially friendly and affectionate with the children.

Burying bones, like barking and chewing is a common behavior of dogs. Dogs burying bones are often seen in children's books, in the movies and in animated cartoons. Dog owners are also exposed to the inclination of the pets to bury bones.

A dog carrying a bone on its mouth would furtively look around and try to look for the best hiding spot. Once found, the dog would frantically dig - carefully lay the bone on the hole and then cover it with dirt and soil. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years but are dog owners aware of the reasons why the pets bury bones Does your pet know why it is hiding the bones? The pet may not be aware why it is burying bones as scientists believe that this is an instinctive habit to survive.

Dog scientists have this theory that the inclination to bury bones is an ingrained habit of canines. From the time dogs have existed, they have been burying bones. Although dogs became man's best friend only for thousands of years; these animals have existed for over a million years. Burying bones have been a very useful habit for primitive dogs that need to survive the harsh life in the wild. Dogs' existence in the wild is no picnic. The ancestors of modern day dogs not only have to avoid predators but also other animals that would want to have a shot at the dog's hunted prey.

Humans hoard food. Squirrels make sure that the tree hollows are filled to the hilt with nuts and acorns. In preparation for the rainy days, ants would fill their anthills with food. Dogs too hoard and this is done by burying bones and other foods. Food in the wild is scarce. A dog that has hunted a prey would need to secure the "bounty" not only from other animal but also from members of the pack. What was hidden will be uncovered when hunting is nil. The dog will unerringly find the buried prey although it is possible that what will remain are the marrow-rich bones.

Dogs nowadays don't go hungry. Pampered pets don't have to bury bones to survive but they do because it is an instinctive behavior. The ingrained habit makes dogs dig holes to hide their bounty. Dog owners would just be surprised to find treats and bits of food hidden on the dog's bed. Because digging and burying bones and other food is instinctive in dogs, pet owners just have to take in stride the inclination of the pet to rearrange the garden to bury its "treasures".