Tornjak vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Tornjak
Foundation Stock Service
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Tornjak Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Tornjak exhibits a robust build with a thick double coat featuring distinctive markings. Standing between 58-71 cm at the shoulder, these dogs possess strong bones and well-developed musculature. Their alert expression, balanced proportions, and confident stance reflect their heritage as guardian dogs. The breed's weatherproof coat and sturdy frame enable exceptional endurance in various terrains.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Tornjaks are less energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Tornjaks require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Tornjaks tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: American Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their American Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Tornjaks adapt better to apartment living, while American Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Tornjak and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Tornjak | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Tornjak | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 62-110 lbs 28-50 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Tornjak | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Courageous, Intelligent | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Tornjak | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Tornjak Temperament
The Tornjak is known for being friendly, courageous, intelligent, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Tornjak and American Foxhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Tornjak
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Tornjak
Rating: 1/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Tornjak
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Tornjak
Rating: 1/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Tornjak
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Tornjak Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tornjaks require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Tornjaks require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Tornjak Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Bloat
- Heart issues
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
Tornjak
Pros
- Excellent guardian
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Intelligent
- Good with children
Cons
- Needs extensive space
- Heavy shedding
- Strong-willed nature
- High exercise needs
- Requires early socialization
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Tornjak and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.