Introduction
The Black and Tan Coonhound, also known as the American Black and Tan or just the Coonhound, is a breed of dog in the Hound Group. These dogs are famous for their exceptional sense of smell, excellent tracking capabilities, and their unique baying sound. This breed was accepted for AKC registration in 1945 and approved in 1990.
The Black and Tan Coonhound stands on average a 23 to 27 inches at the withers and weighs between 50 – 75 pounds (the females are usually lighter and smaller than the males). Their short coat requires little grooming or maintenance, but their floppy ears need to be regularly cleaned and checked for any signs of infection.
Temperament
Coonhounds are very friendly and personable dogs. They are gentle, happy when working but also when taking an afternoon snooze, and they can form very close bonds with their human families.
The Coonhound has such a strong desire to follow a scent that they can be difficult to handle once they are tracking a scent they wish to follow. They can also wander into trouble when they are following a scent because they are not paying attention to their surroundings.
The Black and Tan Coonhound should be kept on a leash when outside of the home, and they require patient and consistent training. These dogs love to be active and busy, and they should be exercised regularly if they are not worked.
Health
They have an average life span of between 10 – 12 years, but they usually remain very active until their tenth year. This is a very healthy breed, however they can develop hip dysplasia if they become overweight.
History
Black and Tan Coonhounds were bred primarily as working/hunting dogs. They can hunt almost any type of game, and their baying howl will alert their human companions in the field when they have found the scent (for people who want a quiet dog this is not the dog to get). They are believed to be descendants of the Bloodhound, the Talbot hound, and the Foxhound, and in the U.S. they have been used for tracking since the late 1700’s.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Quick Facts
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Weight: 50-75 lbs
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Height: 23-27 in
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Coat: Short, requires little grooming
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Temperament: Friendly, personable, gentle
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Lifespan: 10-12 years