American Hound History

George Washington was a passionate dog lover and breeder, particularly of hounds, and played a key role in developing the American Foxhound.

Hounds at Mount Vernon

George Washington kept a large pack of hounds at his Mount Vernon estate, primarily for fox hunting, which he practiced several times a week during the winter George Washington's Mount Vernon+1. His hounds included French hounds such as Tipsy, Mopsey, Truelove, and Ragman, as well as English hounds imported from Philadelphia and England George Washington's Mount Vernon+1. Washington personally inspected the kennels twice daily, ensuring the dogs were well cared for with shelter and fresh water George Washington's Mount Vernon. Among his favorites was a small staghound named Sweet Lips, who often accompanied him to important events Animals Around The Globe.

Washington sought to improve the speed, stamina, and hunting ability of his hounds. He received French hounds from the Marquis de Lafayette and combined them with his existing dogs, including those descended from English foxhounds brought to Maryland in 1650 HISTORY+2. Through selective breeding, he helped create a faster, more agile hunting dog suited to the rugged American terrain. This effort contributed directly to the development of the American Foxhound, a breed recognized today as the state dog of Virginia Wikipedia.

Washington gave his dogs playful and memorable names, reflecting his humor and personality, including Sweet Lips, Venus, Truelove, Taster, Tippler, Drunkard, and Madame Moose HISTORY+1. One famous story involves a hound named Vulcan, who stole a ham from the kitchen, amusing the Washington family rather than causing anger George Washington's Mount Vernon+1. These anecdotes illustrate both Washington’s affection for his dogs and the lively environment at Mount Vernon.

Beyond companionship, Washington’s hounds were integral to his fox hunting and breeding programs. His dedication to improving hound breeds and his hands-on care at Mount Vernon left a lasting impact on American dog breeding, particularly in establishing the American Foxhound as a distinct and enduring breed George Washington's Mount Vernon+1.

History of American Mounted Hunting with Hounds

Mounted hunting with hounds has existed in America since colonial days. The development of the sport kept pace with the progress of the United States as it extended its influence across the Appalachians to the West Coast. Hounds of various types were brought from Europe by the early settlers. By 1900, the American Foxhound was the product of breeding their descendants with hounds that continued to be imported, mainly from England, Ireland and France.

The earliest record of the importation of hounds to this country was June 30, 1650, when Robert Brooke arrived in Maryland with his family, 28 servants and his hounds. By the early 1700s, mounted hunting with hounds mushroomed in Maryland and Virginia. In addition, hounds were used for other forms of hunting.

George Washington was an avid foxhunter. His diaries make it evident that in adulthood, mounted hunting with hounds was his favorite sport and he often hunted with his good friend Lord Fairfax. Both Washington and Thomas Jefferson had packs of foxhounds. There were several packs of hounds in the Washington D.C. area and on one occasion, while Congress was in session, hounds ran near the capital. It is said that many Congress members ran outside to watch hounds, and some jumped on their horses and joined the chase.

The earliest established foxhound club was the Montreal Hunt in Canada in 1826. In the United States, the Piedmont Foxhounds were established in Virginia in 1840. Both packs continue successfully to this day.

In North American mounted hunting with hounds, the emphasis is on the chase. From conservation efforts and natural selection, fox populations in hunt country are exceptionally healthy. Since the 1980s, the coyote has increased in numbers throughout the United States and Canada. Many hunts now hunt coyotes, producing some wonderful hunts. Some hunts prefer to drag hunt (use an artificial scent) to provide sport where open land is unavailable. The course of the day’s hunt is choreographed through hunting country.

In October 1906, a letter was sent to Masters of the existing hunts, polling them to gauge their willingness to come together as a group. In February 1907, six masters met at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. They formed the Masters of Foxhounds Association, with their primary purpose to settle disputes over hunting country. Over the course of more than 100 years, the MFHA evolved into the governing body for mounted hunting with hounds for Canada and the United States. While it is still involved in settling hunt country disputes, it also maintains the “Foxhound Stud Book,” the official registrar of foxhounds in North America. The MFHA lists approximately 70,000 hounds in the database and publishes an annual printed and online stud book. The MFHA sets the policies, rules and guidelines that govern the sport of mounted hunting with hounds. The MFHA holds seminars and other events to educate Masters and hunt staff.

Competitions and Clubs for Hounds

Hounds — including Beagles, Bassets, Dachshunds, and Coonhounds — compete in AKC-recognized Field Events for Hounds, which test their scent-tracking ability, endurance, and working drive American Kennel Club.

Types of Hound Competitions

Field Events for Hounds: Held under AKC rules, these trials judge hounds based on their success in scent trailing game. Dogs are evaluated in packs (casts) or pairs (braces), with specific rules and judging criteria for each breed American Kennel Club.
Specialty Shows: Some hound clubs host breed-specific shows, often with futurity divisions for young dogs American Kennel Club Library & Archives.
Club Events: Many AKC member clubs (e.g., Greyhound Club of America, Otterhound Club of America) run their own competitions, including tracking trials and specialty shows American Kennel Club Library & Archives.

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