American Black & Tan Coonhound
American Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a loyal and friendly hunting partner, always eager to please its owner. This breed is marked by its intelligence and vigilance, showcasing a strong inclination to fulfill its duties. Renowned for their gentle and sociable demeanor, Black and Tan Coonhounds are quick to respond to their owners' commands. When raised with respect for children and taught their role within the family structure, they can be remarkably gentle and protective around youngsters. However, they thrive under the guidance of a strong, assertive leader, as consistent and patient training is crucial to manage any stubbornness. Without adequate training or enough physical activity, these dogs may develop anxiety when left alone, which can lead to destructive behaviors and excessive howling. If given the freedom to roam off-leash, they are likely to follow their instincts. Furthermore, they may show aggression towards other dogs if their human companions do not establish clear dominance. Prompt corrections for undesirable behavior are essential. With proper guidance, Black and Tan Coonhounds can become relaxed, devoted, and protective companions, making them an excellent choice for an active family. This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1945.
Breed Origin
The Black and Tan Coonhound has its roots firmly planted in American soil. It is thought to have originated in regions such as the Ozarks, Smoky Mountains, Appalachians, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with connections to the Southern States as well. This breed's ancestry can be traced back to the American Foxhound and the Virginia Foxhound, with some contributions from Bloodhounds. In the 1700s, the forebears of this remarkable breed accompanied Indian Scouts, showcasing their exceptional tracking abilities thanks to their keen sense of smell. Over the years, particularly in the South, the Black and Tan Coonhound gained fame for its prowess in raccoon hunting—often colloquially referred to as "coon" by locals, which likely influenced its name. These dogs are exceptional trackers, especially during nighttime, capable of following their quarry for miles until they corner it, usually up a tree when it comes to raccoons. They communicate their location to their owners through distinctive howling. True to their name, they feature a striking black coat adorned with tan markings. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1945.
Breed Appearance
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large and loyal hunting dog celebrated for its exceptional olfactory abilities. This breed is characterized by its long, soft ears and a warm, gentle demeanor. Its coat is a rich coal black, slightly oily to the touch, and is beautifully complemented by striking tan markings, including notable streaks above the eyes. The Coonhound's eyes are lively and expressive, varying in color from hazel to deep brown. With a short, dense coat that fits loosely, this breed is well-suited for different weather conditions. The Coonhound has a strong, athletic build, slightly longer than its height at the withers, and its head is well-proportioned to its body. It features an oval-shaped head with an elongated muzzle, and its teeth should meet in a scissor bite. Its long, straight legs support a sturdy tail that is held high. The Black and Tan Coonhound moves with a smooth, eager stride, demonstrating unwavering dedication to tracking a scent until it reaches its destination.
Care Routine
The Coonhound features a short, dense coat that only needs occasional brushing to stay in good shape. However, their long, silky ears necessitate regular checks and cleaning to ensure proper hygiene. Your veterinarian can show you the best methods for ear care. Given that Coonhounds are known to drool, it's a good idea to wipe their faces often, especially indoors, unless you're okay with a little drool on your furniture! Although they love to relax, Coonhounds can easily become overweight, making regular exercise vital for their health and to help them burn off excess energy for easier management. When taking a Coonhound for a walk, it's best to keep them on a leash; their strong instincts can take over if they catch an enticing scent, causing them to run off without heeding your calls.
Behavior & Temperament
This breed is celebrated for its friendly and sociable disposition, often characterized as carefree and cheerful. They make wonderful companions for families and generally interact well with children, although their high energy levels might be a bit much for very young ones. When raised with other pets, such as cats, they usually develop positive relationships with them. As a traditional hound, Black and Tan Coonhounds possess a natural instinct for tracking scents, which makes having a securely fenced yard essential to keep them from wandering off. It's also advisable to use a leash during walks, as a single intriguing scent could lead them on an unexpected adventure. They relish long walks, taking their time to explore their surroundings with their noses. These dogs have a robust appetite and will eagerly eat their own food—and if given the opportunity, they might help themselves to yours as well. Training them requires patience, and employing positive reinforcement, especially with treats, tends to yield the best results. While they may occasionally interpret commands in their own distinctive manner, they remain loyal and obedient companions at heart.
Play & Exercise
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
2.5 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
11 Years
Origin
1700s
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Large
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
Register
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Scenthound
AKC
Hound Group
UKC
Scenthound
Height & Weight
Weight
65 lbs (29 kg)Male: 65 lbs (29 kg) , Female: 65 lbs (29 kg)
Height
25 inches (64 sm)Male: 26 inches (66 sm) , Female: 24 inches (61 sm)
6 Months
40 lbs ( m 40 lbs, f 40 lbs )
19 inches ( m 19 inches, f 19 inches )
12 Months
52 lbs ( m 52 lbs, f 52 lbs )
22 inches ( m 22 inches, f 22 inches )
18 Months
65 lbs ( m 65 lbs, f 65 lbs )
24 inches ( m 24 inches, f 24 inches )
Eye Colors
Hazel
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Black
Brown
Fawn
Brindle
Characteristics
Mixes
Black and Tan Coonoodle
The Black and Tan Coonhound is inherently a passionate hunter. With ancestry linked to Bloodhounds and various other hunting breeds, he possesses an instinctive ability to track and tree his prey, often barking to alert his hunting partner to the quarry's location. Characterized by a predominantly black coat adorned with tan markings on his face, this energetic dog is ill-suited for city life. He should always be leashed outdoors, as he has a propensity to stray. This breed demands significant exercise and can easily gain weight if not sufficiently active. Known for his strong-willed disposition, he may also display a degree of stubbornness. On the other hand, the Poodle is somewhat smaller than the Black and Tan Coonhound. Although he has a level of independence, he can quickly take on a dominant role if overly indulged. This breed is remarkably intelligent and playful, but if left without stimulation, he may engage in destructive behaviors.
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