The american foxhound originates from early imports of english foxhounds, which were then bred in different directions depending on the local game, terrain and climate. Today experts mention three distinct lines of foxhound which form the base for most of the modern packs. The first are the Walker hounds, which originate mainly from Madison county in Kentucky, named after the Walker brothers who created the type with the aid of Sam Woodford. The second line is called July or Trigg and originates partly from irish blue mottled hounds. The name 'July' is after a famous breeding dog from Georgia, while Trigg was a well-known hunter who kept these types of hounds. The american foxhound as we know it today was originally bred mainly in Virginia. Thanks to the wider lands and harsher american climate climate, the american foxhound has gradually grown to become an extremely strong packhound.
The ideal american foxhound is a balanced working breed built for speed. The head is fairly long, with ears set quite low, reaching to or close to the tip of nose if held out. The eyes should have a gentle and pleading expression. The muzzle should be straight and square with moderate stop. The neck should be strong and of medium length, the chest deep and narrow. The back is of moderate length with a slightly arched topline. The frontlegs are straight, the hind legs strong and muscles, giving a lot of propelling power. The tail is carried high but not over the back, with a slight curve and brush. The coat is close and hard.
in the traditional, creeping or saddle pattern.
in the irish spotting (relaxed), piebald or extreme spotting pattern.
in black-pigmented dogz, 
in others.
in dogz with black base colour and/or black masking, 
in dogz with blue base/masking and 
in dogz with liver base/masking.
