About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71.0-81.0 cm

Height range  : 53.0-64.0cm

Weight range : 20.0-34.0kg

Coat : medium|tough|smooth

Life expectancy years : 11-12

Colors: black|tan|white|hazel|brown.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : English Foxhound|Beagle|Harrier|Treeing Walker Coonhound|Bluetick Coonhound

 

History

The breed is closely tied to Colonial America and old Virginia. George Washington helped develop it by crossing dogs from England , France , and the United States to create a foxhunting hound. It has been recognized by the AKC since 1886 and is the official state dog of Virginia.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Sweet , mild , devoted , easygoing , independent

Personality

sweet|mild-mannered|easygoing|devoted|intelligent|high-energy|amiable

Needs

daily vigorous exercise|secure fencing|leash management|companionship|positive training|ear care

Social Needs

does well with kids , dogs and often cats with caution around smaller pets|needs ongoing socialization|generally friendly with humans and other dogs

Grooming 

low-maintenance coat|weekly brushing|bath only when dirty|check skin for ticks and scrapes|clean ears as advised especially after water exposure

Nutrition

high-quality age-appropriate diet|two measured meals daily for adults|avoid free-feeding|watch treats and calorie intake|clean fresh water always available

 

Breed Standard

A muscular medium-to-large scent hound with medium tough coat , long broad ears , gently curved tail , long straight-boned legs and an athletic build designed for endurance and pursuit rather than guarding.

Did you know?

George Washington is credited as an important breeder in the development of the American Foxhound and the breed later became Virginia’s official state dog.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Ear Infections, Hip Dysplasia, Thrombocytopathy, Hypothyroidism, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

 

Symptoms

1. head shaking
2. scratching at ears
3. foul odor
4. brown waxy or purulent discharge
5. redness , swelling , pain

1. limping
2. reluctance to rise or jump
3. shifting weight to forelimbs
4. loss of rear muscle mass
5. bunny-hopping gait

1. nosebleeds
2. bleeding gums
3. bruising under skin
4. blood in urine or feces
5. excessive bleeding from cuts or wounds

1. weight gain without increased appetite
2. lethargy
3. cold intolerance
4. dry dull hair and shedding
5. skin and ear infections

1. nonproductive retching
2. drooling
3. distended abdomen
4. restlessness
5. weakness or collapse

Onset of symptoms

 

Ear Infections

1. may occur at any age and may recur throughout life

Probability Of Onset:

1. very high likelihood because pendulous ears predispose to recurrent otitis

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may appear in growing dogs
2. mature dogs may show arthritis later

Probability Of Onset:

1. recognized predisposition with variable severity

Thrombocytopathy

1. may be first noticed in young dogs during surgery or after minor injury
2. the inherited disorder can be evident whenever bleeding challenge occurs

Probability Of Onset:

1. low to moderate inherited risk but important surgical relevance

Hypothyroidism

1. generally affects middle-aged dogs around 6-7 years
2. about 4-8 years is common

Probability Of Onset:

1. one of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs and may affect many breeds

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. onset is sudden and acute
2. risk appears greater with advancing age

Probability Of Onset:

1. elevated risk in deep-chested dogs and higher risk with age , once-daily feeding , stress and rapid eating

Reasons

Ear Infections       

 1. no specific chemical lack is indicated and poor ventilation or moisture trapping is more relevant

 

Thrombocytopathy:

1. no specific chemical lack is indicated because this is a platelet function defect

 

Ear Infections       

 1. no specific chemical lack is indicated and poor ventilation or moisture trapping is more relevant

Thrombocytopathy:

1. no specific chemical lack is indicated because this is a platelet function defect

 

Hip Dysplasia

 1. no specific chemical lack is indicated because this is largely genetic and structural joint laxity

Hypothyroidism

1. thyroxine , T4 may be lacking because thyroid hormone production is inadequate

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  1. 1. no specific chemical lack is indicated because this is an acute structural and circulatory emergency

Normally Treament Methods

Ear Infections:

  1. 1. veterinary examination , otoscopy , cytology and cleaning may be needed
    2. medicated topical therapy may be used and chronic management may be lifelong
    3. inappropriate cleaning is not recommended

 

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. weight control , limited exercise , physical therapy , NSAIDs and surgery in severe cases may be considered
    2. omega-3 support may be added

 

Thrombocytopathy:

  1. 1. there is no cure indicated
    2. bleeding risk may need careful monitoring and transfusion support may be used in severe hemorrhage
    3. elective surgery may need special planning or may be avoided when possible

 

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve TT4 and confirmatory thyroid testing
    2. lifelong oral levothyroxine may be used with periodic monitoring

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. this is a rapidly progressive emergency and immediate stabilization , decompression and surgery may be required
    2. prophylactic gastropexy may be considered in at-risk dogs
    3. multiple small meals may be helpful and one large daily meal is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Ear Infections :

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation when allergies contribute.
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory joint support.
    2. fish oil can,might be helpful for joint inflammation management.
recommend product

Thrombocytopathy

  • 1. no supplement is indicated in the provided texts for correcting the inherited platelet defect.
recommend product

Hypothyroidism

  • 1. no nutritional supplement is indicated as corrective therapy in the provided texts because replacement hormone is the main treatment.
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. no supplement is indicated in the provided texts for prevention or treatment.
recommend product
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