Black and Tan Coonhound

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

Life expectancy :

5

17

10

12

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

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

    Black
    Red

    Type of coat

    Short

    Eye colour

    Brown

    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

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      Cheerful and confident, the Black and Tan is loving and loyal to its pack.   

    • 66%

      Playful

      Black and Tans are playful and like to be the centre of attention. They have a tendency to be mischievous and cheeky, and are boisterous, especially as puppies and juveniles.

    • 66%

      Calm

      A stable, confident and even-tempered dog, the Black and Tan is not easily upset or made nervous. 

    • 66%

      Intelligent

      The Coonhound is reasonably intelligent. It is also headstrong and wilful. 

    • 100%

      Hunter

      This dog was originally bred to hunt game of various sizes. Its prey instinct is still piqued by the scents of rabbits, squirrels and foxes; it may not take kindly to cats.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Black and Tan tends to be welcoming of new people.

    • 66%

      Independent

      This is an independent dog that has its own agenda and won’t be swayed by owners who lack confidence and firmness. Here is an exceptionally stubborn dog. 

      Behaviour of the Black and Tan Coonhound

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        The Black and Tan desires company; it will not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.

      • 66%

        Easy to train / obedience

        To train the Coonhound requires the owner to deliver consistent and confident training. This is a dog that is easily distracted and quick to boredom. 

      • 100%

        Barking

        This dog has a tendency to bark and howl to excess.

      • 100%

        Tendency to run away

        The Coonhound is hard to recall. It may not hear your command if it is focused on a particularly interesting scent. 

      • 66%