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Pet Insurance for American Foxhounds

Find out all about American Foxhounds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$500–$800

Height

53-64cm

Weight

29 -34kg

Personality

Gentle, friendly, independent

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 12 years

American Foxhound

Overview

The American Foxhound is a true American breed, closely related to its English cousin, the English Foxhound. It was famously bred by President George Washington from French and English Foxhounds, gifted to him by the Marquis de Lafayette. For this reason, its nickname is ‘The American Gentleman.’ It is known for its excellent nose, running endurance and hunting prowess. They are a friendly and sociable breed, and get along well with other dogs and pets. 

American Foxhounds have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming and sheds very little. Their scent-hound nature means they may be easily distracted by scents, making off-leash exercise a challenge even for a well-trained dog. They are intelligent but can be independent, so consistent training is necessary throughout life. They are ideal for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, but may not be suitable for small backyards. 

Common American Foxhound diseases and conditions

  • Hip dysplasia: a degenerative joint disease of the ball and socket joint in the hind legs of dogs, which can require surgery in later life. 
  • Ear infections: Foxhounds' floppy ears make them prone to ear infections due to the warm, moist environment. Regular cleaning and inspections are crucial to prevent discomfort and complications.
  • Thrombocytopathy: Thrombocytopathy is a platelet disorder in Foxhounds that can lead to abnormal bleeding tendencies. It requires veterinary diagnosis and may involve medication to improve platelet function.
  • Pelger-Huët Anomaly: The Pelger-Huët anomaly is a white blood cell disorder in Foxhounds, often inherited from parents. 

Breed-specific issues:

The foxhound's strong hunting instinct can lead them to follow scents, potentially causing them to wander. Secure fencing and supervision during off-leash activities are very important, as are regular long walks and intellectual stimulation to stop unwanted digging and barking issues.

How much does pet insurance cost for an American Foxhound?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your American Foxhound, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about American Foxhounds

  What is the Pelger-Huët Anomaly in Foxhounds?

The Pelger-Huët anomaly is a genetic abnormality that affects the shape of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell essential for the immune system's functioning. In dogs with this anomaly, their neutrophils appear less segmented and more rounded under a microscope. This anomaly is generally considered benign and does not impact the dog's health or overall well-being. Vets can diagnose it through blood tests, but it typically does not require treatment. 

Are American Foxhounds good family pets?

Yes, American Foxhounds can make excellent family dogs. They are known for their patience and adaptability, which makes them suitable for households with young children. However, early socialisation and obedience training are essential to ensure they interact well with kids and other pets. 

How much exercise does an American Foxhound need?

American Foxhounds are highly active and require a substantial amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily, vigorous exercise such as long walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced yard is essential to meet their physical and mental needs. 

Are the coats of American Foxhounds hypoallergenic?

No, American Foxhounds are not considered hypoallergenic, although they do have a short coat that sheds minimally. While they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, they do still shed dander and hair, which can trigger allergies in some individuals who are sensitive to pet allergens. 

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American Foxhound

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