Dog Days of Summer: Washington and Hounds
It’s well-known that George Washington is the father of our country, but lesser known that he’s also the father of a breed of dogs – the American Foxhound.
The Washingtons owned a variety of dogs over the years from herding dogs to lap dogs, but hounds, especially those for hunting, were particularly prevalent among Washington’s writing. The General, an avid fox hunter, hoped to create a superb breed of four-legged companions for the chase and began breeding his English, French and local hounds for desirable traits. The dog that he created eventually became known as the American Foxhound.
Names bestowed on Washington’s personal four-legged friends are of a telling nature as to his love for them. These included Countess, Doxey, Droner, Dublin, Dutchess, Forrester, Hearkwell, Jupiter, Lady, Mopsey, Music, Pluto, Ragman, Ringwood, Rober, Rockwood, Rover, Searcher, Shingas, Singer, Sweetlips, Truelove, Venus and Vulcan.
A particularly popular story with the Washington family, recounted below by George Washington Park Custis (Martha Washington’s grandson), concerned Vulcan, one of the French hounds.
“It happened that upon a large company sitting down to dinner at Mount Vernon one day, the lady of the mansion (my grandmother) discovered that the ham, the pride of every Virginia housewife’s table, was missing from its accustomed post of honor. Upon questioning Frank, the butler, this portly, and at the same time the most polite and accomplished of all butlers, observed that a ham, yes, a very fine ham, had been prepared, agreeably to the Madam’s orders, but lo and behold! who should come into the kitchen, while the savory ham was smoking in its dish, but old Vulcan, the hound, and without more ado fastened his fangs into it; and although they of the kitchen had stood to such arms as they could get, and had fought the old spoiler desperately, yet Vulcan had finally triumphed, and bore off the prize, ay, ‘cleanly, under the keeper’s nose.’ The lady by no means relished the loss of a dish which formed the pride of her table, and uttered some remarks by no means favorable to old Vulcan, or indeed to dogs in general, while the chief [Washington], having heard the story, communicated it to his guests, and, with them, laughed heartily at the exploit of the stag-hound.”
Washington’s hounds, even presumably Vulcan, were housed in a kennel located approximately 100 yards from the family tomb, in a penned-in area with a creek running through it. Washington purportedly inspected the kennel each morning and evening, visiting with his beloved animals.
*The above image was made in part courtesy of the American Kennel Club, which provided a photo of the American Foxhound.
August 1st, 2011 at 11:14 am
I didn’t know that! I knew Washington breeded the American mule, though. Washington was so productive in every way, not just as a statesman and general, but as a farmer, and generally, as a person. He’s a total inspiration to me.
August 3rd, 2011 at 1:54 pm
You must know that I love this “story”. Thanks as always for Washington Wired. I look forward and then enjoy every one! Great food for talking to guest on the front lawn or waiting in line. How nice to tell facts with your credibility backing them up!!