Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a breed of scent hound primarily used to hunt racoons. The dog is courageous and agile and due to these traits it has been used in the past to hunt larger game such as bear and deer. Hunting with hounds is a restricted (but not banned) practice in the United States; increasingly the Coonhound is being sought after as a pet.
Key facts about the Black and Tan Coonhound
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Origins and history
The Coonhound is descended from English hunting hounds. Its ancestors came to North America in the 1600s with the early settlers. A century later these early Coonhounds were selectively bred for their appearance and ability to hunt. Despite its loving nature it is still rare to find a Coonhound that is kept as a household pet.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Black and Tan Coonhound
Adult size
Female : Between 23 and 25 in
Male : Between 25 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 64 and 77 lb
Male : Between 64 and 77 lb
Coat colour
The coat of this dog is invariably coloured coal-black and tan.
Type of coat
Short, dense and glossy.
Eye colour
Hazel.
Description
This dog sports an alert and friendly expression. The shape of the dog’s head is elegant and sleek; skin folds are rarely seen of any part of this dog. The long ears are set low and quite far towards the back of the head. The general appearance is one of a strong, athletic and majestic animal.
Good to know
The Coonhound specialises in picking up cold scents. Even if the animal it is tracking is long gone, the dog is still able to pick up its scent and follow it.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Black and Tan Coonhound
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Is the Black and Tan Coonhound right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
You would need to pay upwards of £600 for a purebred Black and Tan Coonhound puppy. It will cost £130 to £180 per month to care for this dog.
Grooming
Brush the Black and Tan weekly with a hound mitt or firm bristle brush.
Nutrition of the Black and Tan Coonhound
It is worthwhile to feed a Coonhound a high-quality and specially formulated dog food.
Health of the Black and Tan Coonhound
Life expectancy
A healthy breed of dog with no known genetic abnormalities or proneness to disease. Its life expectancy is 10-12 years.
Strong / robust
This is an active and courageous dog that enjoys rough play and exciting walks.
Withstand heat
The Black and Tan is tolerant of hot temperatures but care must be taken of the dog during the hottest months of the year.
Withstand cold
The Black and Tan is tolerant of cold temperatures and wet weather.
Tendency to put on weight
The Coonhound is exceedingly prone to weight gain. If your dog is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will quickly become obese.
Common illnesses
- Corneal ulcers and cataracts
- Ear infections
- Hip Dysplasia