All About Charlie

"Charlie" came to me one morning (spring 2008) as I was up early in my flower garden.

My neighbor asked if I'd seen "that dog walking up and down the street?" I replied no, I hadn't seen any dog. At that second he came trotting down the sidewalk. I was concerned for his safety, so I called him and he came to me, and let me lead him into my house then the backyard for safekeeping. He was wearing a collar and looked a little rough. He needed to be fed and his coat was dry and coarse. He also had an ear irritation and cold in one eye.

After calling the "owner" (he never answered the phone) I knocked on the door twice, to no avail. My neighbor thought the dog had been turned out, since the owner was now in a wheelchair. Perhaps he could no longer hunt with the dog.  The dog crates in his backyard were also removed. There were no "lost dog" signs posted, and animal control of PG County had not responded to my query for such a dog.

I took the dog to my vet and told him the story, he stated "He's your dog now."

The vet thought he was a "mixed hound." A customer in the lobby corrected the staff and informed us he was an "American Foxhound." She also urged me not to return the dog. It was her opinion that many hunters treat the dogs shamefully. This appears to be just the case.

My neighbor commented to me later that she “saw him walking up and down the street as if he were looking for someone." I responded, “Yes, he was looking for me!” 

She would also remind me about what a "good friend" he turned out to be! Indeed, he is a great friend. None finer than my Charlie boy! I have always been proud of him for what a gentle, sweet dog he is, and now to see that recognized publicly is priceless.

The American Foxhound is directly descended from English hounds brought to America in 1650 and bred over a century later to a French hound sent as a gift by Lafayette to George Washington. Washington ran a breeding program and often mentioned the hounds in his journals. The two breeds, French and English, in combination have produced the American Foxhound. The American Foxhound has an excellent nose and is very fast when giving chase. He has great stamina for running and a musical bay. Primarily a hunting and field trial dog in both packs and alone, he has also had success as a companion dog for those owners who provide enough exercise and activities. Its talents are hunting, tracking, watchdog and agility. The American Foxhound is somewhat faster and lighter than his English Cousin with a better sense of scent. George Washington is considered the  "father" of this uniquely American breed.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886, the American Foxhound is one of the rarest American dog breeds. His appearance is usually a tricolor of black, white and Amber color, with long ears framing his handsome face, he is also long legged and 21"-25" at the shoulder His eyes are brown or amber with an endearing gaze. There are various strains such as the "Walker" Foxhound, which is one of the most popular strains, but all strains are considered American Foxhounds. The American Foxhound temperament is sweet, friendly and loyal. They are amiable and very fond of children and strangers. Since they are  "pack dogs"  they get along well with other dogs. These are high energy dogs that need to be walked regularly and though they are gentle, they are fearless when on the "hunt" or acting as a watchdog. Strong, smart and stubborn, American Foxhounds are athletic with speed and agility. They are tenacious when tracking a scent. They also make a tremendous jumper with their muscular bodies that resemble thoroughbreds.