Black And Tan Coonhounds

Appearance:

Body: Deep chest, level back and well sprung ribs

Coat: Short and dense

Color: Black and tan

Ears: Gracefully hung and set well back

Eyes: Hazel brown to dark brown, slightly oval, alert and friendly

Feet: Compact with well-arched toes and strong pads

Head: Long and lean with a round nose and large black nostrils

Legs: Forelegs are straight and strong with well-muscled shoulders. Hind legs are well boned and powerfully muscled with well bent stifles and hocks

Neck: Powerful, well-muscled and sloping

Size:
Weight: 65 - 100 pounds (29 - 45kg)
Height: 23 - 27 inches (58 - 68cm)

Tail: Very long and carried upward

Behavior

Recommended for Experienced Handlers
Requires a great deal of exercise
Adaptable to city life
Very accepting of children and other family pets
Able to withstand both hot and cold climates


The Coonhound is a good-natured, friendly and easygoing dog who was bred to work as a scent hound for hunting raccoon and opossum. They're highly intelligent dogs capable of outwitting their prey and will likely try to outwit their handler whenever possible...often successfully.

They were bred to work independently and to think for themselves. If you are not an experienced handler, the Black and Tan Coonhound will likely be more of a challenge then you care to take on. They need strong leadership and upbeat obedience training with food-type rewards. They will respond much better out of respect for their master than out of fear of punishment.

Once they corner their prey, the Coonhound will bay to let their masters know they have done their job. They are known for their loud and baying bark.

This is a family dog that will be happiest when included in family outings and other family get-togethers. They require a great deal of exercise but it's best to keep them on a leash or in an enclosed area since their powerful instinct to scent out and chase prey will quickly lead them off on an adventure that could last quite some time and may end miles away from home.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Hound Group (Scent Hound)

Originally bred to hunt raccoon and opossum but also used to protect crops and livestock.

The Complete Dog Book by the American Kennel Club says the Black and Tan Coonhound was also used to hunt bobcat, cougar, deer, elk, wild boar, and even bear.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Lots of outdoor exercise is necessary to keep this dog fit and happy.

Grooming: Weekly brushing and regular baths are all that is necessary to keep them clean and looking good.

Health

Life Expectancy: 11 - 12 Years

No serious inherited health problems

Possible Problems:
Bleeding disorders
Hip and Elbow problems

PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disease that can cause blindness - the dogs eyes should be checked annually by an veterinary ophthalmologist.

Country of Origin

United States - 1700s