Personality
The American Foxhound is sweet, kind, loyal and loving at a home. As with all hounds they need careful training, constant socialization and owners who are willing to give them ample exercise. A bored foxhound will find ways to keep themselves entertained and can be very destructive, scratching at doors to tearing apart objects. If routine walks are not an option, access to a secure yard is a good alternative.
Intelligent creatures as they are, many foxhounds quickly learn to open gates or scale small fences. While on the hunt, the foxhound is very instinctual. Once a scent is picked up, he or she will follow it obsessively, often neglecting any commands. Because their hunting instinct is strong, owners should be very careful when they are off lead.
Foxhounds in the Home
Foxhounds are easy to live with and thrive as members of a family. However, they are not ideal apartment dogs and should not be left alone indoors for extended periods of time. Foxhounds do not make good watchdogs. More often than not they will greet newcomers affectionately.
Foxhounds are independent by nature, and while few have been trained in obedience, most will not follow commands unless it suits them.
Barking
Foxhounds are not nuisance barkers but they do have loud, deep voices that carry a great distance. Although most people love the sound, many urban or suburban neighbors do not appreciate the deep barks or melodious howling of a foxhound.