George Washington's Dogs | History

George Washington's Dogs | History

George Washington, revolutionary general, father of America, and a new dog breed history explains George Washington's dogs throughout his life. Washington kept almost every type of dog imaginable on his estate, from terriers to greyhounds. The story goes he loved dogs so much that during the Revolution, he even returned a stray terrier to its British owner. But nothing was as important as his prized hounds.

Before the Revolution, Washington was introduced to fox hunting by his mentor, who brought foxhounds to Virginia from England. Washington liked the sport so much that he decided to breed a new foxhound — one with speed, scent, and brains. His experiments created a dog taller and faster than its English cousin, the American Foxhound.

Today, people visiting Washington's Mount Vernon estate bring their furry friends along, including American Foxhounds.