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
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.