Trigg Hound: A Historical and Athletic American Foxhound Variety

The Trigg Hound, also known as the Trigg Foxhound or Hayden Trigg Hound, is a variety of the American Foxhound, a breed with a rich history rooted in the United States. Developed in Kentucky, this hound strain was established in the 1860s by fox hunting enthusiast Colonel Haiden C. Trigg, a prominent figure in the early 19th century known for his passion for hunting.

Colonel Trigg aimed to create a faster hound than those available in his area. To achieve this, he selectively bred dogs from the Birdsong, Maupin, and Walker lines, which were known for their speed and stamina. This focus on performance resulted in a hound that could keep pace with the fastest foxes, a trait that has been passed down through generations.

One notable figure who recognized the Trigg Hound's excellence was Paul J. Rainey, a well-known big-game hunter. In 1910, Rainey purchased twenty-five hounds from Trigg for a hunting trip in Africa. Impressed by their performance, he continued to acquire more from Trigg and his descendants, thereby boosting the popularity of the strain among hunters. Rainey's influence played a significant role in the spread of the Trigg Hound beyond Kentucky.

Appearance and Physical Characteristics

The Trigg Hound is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. Males typically stand 23 to 24 inches at the withers and weigh between 45 to 55 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing 20 to 22 inches and weighing 35 to 45 pounds. This variety has a long snout, hanging ears, and a short, smooth coat, which can come in any color, though the Continental Kennel Club allows only tricolor and bicolor dogs.

Physical characteristics that set the Trigg Hound apart include a slightly domed skull, large eyes, straight muzzle, well-laid-back shoulders, a moderately long back, fox-like feet, and a slightly curved tail. These features contribute to the breed's agility and hunting prowess, essential for a successful fox hunt.

While the Trigg Hound may look different from other American Foxhound strains, it shares the same tri-colored coat as its ancestors, with combinations of black, white, and tan being prevalent.

Temperament and Behavior

The Trigg Hound is known for its docile and sweet temperament, making it a gentle and easygoing companion. They are generally friendly towards children and other animals, though their energy level is high and they require a lot of exercise to maintain their health and happiness. This temperament makes them ideal for active families and individuals.

These hounds are highly intelligent and work-focused, which makes them highly trainable. However, their natural independence and strong hunting instincts can sometimes lead to stubbornness, requiring patience and consistency in training. Effective training should be firm but kind, recognizing the hound's intelligence and desire to please.

Despite their strong hunting drive, Trigg Hounds are not typically suited as watchdogs due to their lack of barking. Their musical bark, known as a bay, is used to communicate during hunts but is not a reliable form of vocalization for alerting owners to potential threats. This aspect of their behavior should be considered when choosing a Trigg Hound as a family pet.

Health Considerations

The Trigg Hound, like all hound breeds, is generally free from genetic disorders. A minor health risk in this breed is thrombocytopathy, or platelet disease, which can cause excessive bleeding from minor cuts or bumps. Regular blood tests can help identify and manage this condition early, ensuring the hound's overall well-being.

While dysplasia and some eye issues are beginning to appear in the breed, they are not common.

The average lifespan of a Trigg Hound is between 10 to 13 years, which is consistent with other American Foxhound varieties. This lifespan can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and overall care, highlighting the importance of a proactive and responsible approach to pet ownership.

History and Development

The Trigg Hound's origin can be traced back to the 1650s when Robert Brooke brought his pack of hunting dogs to Maryland, establishing the "Brooke Hounds," which are considered the root of several American hound strains. The American Foxhound breed, including the Trigg variety, is closely related to the English Foxhound and shares a rich history in the United States, dating back to the colonial period.

George Washington is credited with significantly influencing the breed's development, using his love of hunting foxes to breed for faster speed and tracking ability. Washington received French Foxhounds and Grand Bleu de Gascogne dogs as gifts, which contributed to the breed's current characteristics.

The American Foxhound was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886, and today, there are many different strains within the breed, each with its unique traits and purposes. The Trigg Hound, with its speed and endurance, is well-suited for hunting and other activities requiring agility and stamina. This recognition by the AKC ensures that the breed is maintained and bred to the highest standards.

Breeding and Registry

Since the establishment of the Trigg Hound in the 1860s, the breed has been maintained through careful selective breeding. The Trigg Hound was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2000, further solidifying its status as a distinct and valuable variety within the American Foxhound family. The registry process is rigorous, requiring breeders to meet specific standards for health, conformation, and temperament.

Breeding guidelines are in place to ensure that the breed remains true to its original purpose as a hunting hound.

Buying a Trigg Hound: A Practical Checklist

• Ensure you have a safe and spacious area for your dog to exercise, ideally with a secure yard to allow for off-leash play and hunting simulation.
• Commit to obedience training to ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands, crucial for managing the hound's energy and independence.
• Be prepared for the hound's strong hunting instincts, which may include a strong desire to chase other animals. Responsible dog ownership involves ensuring that these instincts are channeled appropriately.
• Be ready to invest time in socializing your Trigg Hound, especially if you have children or other pets, to foster a well-rounded and friendly dog.

By considering these factors, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your Trigg Hound and provide the best possible environment for this remarkable breed. Owning a Trigg Hound is not just a commitment to pet ownership; it's a commitment to a breed with a deep-rooted history and a distinct role in American hunting traditions.