INTRODUCTION

Born in the USA, the outgoing and friendly Black and Tan Coonhound is a versatile companion who shines in the ring and in the field. At home, he makes a superb playmate, walking or trotting companion, and warms the bed. However, due to its strong hunting instincts and specialized skills, this breed is rarely considered a family dog. Apartment dwellers will find it difficult to provide enough space for exercise, and novice dog parents will have trouble with the breed’s intensity. However, for people who admire the Hound’s independent nature and sense of humor, it can be an excellent companion, and at home it tends to be relaxed, playful, and friendly. Although these are purebred dogs, some may end up in the care of shelters or rescues. Consider adoption if this is your breed. AniMall24 recommends a good dog bed to give your medium-sized Black and Tan Coonhound a good night’s sleep. You should also pick up a dog toy to help burn off your pup’s high energy.

HIGHLIGHTS

He is easily distracted by various scents. Once he has made up his mind to follow one, he will be very difficult to stop: this dog must be on a leash! Coonhounds are not homebodies and will wander if given the opportunity. They can go for miles before looking up and realizing that home is nowhere to be found. It is a good running or jogging companion, but is also more than satisfied with 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, and walks that allow it to sniff a lot. This breed gets along well with children, but is active and bouncy when young. It gains weight easily if given the opportunity. It can be stubborn and independent, so training is a challenge. A bored Coonhound is a noisy and destructive Coonhound. It needs lots of human companionship and training. Obedience training is highly recommended and will probably lead to a closer relationship with your dog. Never buy a Black and Tan Coonhound from a puppy broker or pet store. Reputable breeders do not sell to brokers or retailers, and there is no guarantee that the puppy has healthy parents. Interview breeders thoroughly and make sure the puppy’s parents have been tested for breed-specific genetic diseases. Ask breeders about health problems they have found in their dogs, and don’t believe anyone who claims their dogs never have health problems. Ask for references so you can contact other puppy buyers to see if they are happy with their Coonhound. Doing your homework can save you a lot of aggravation later on.

HISTORY

Bloodhounds are descended from the Talbot Hound, the hunting dog used by nobles and kings a thousand years ago. The direct ancestor of the Black and Tan Coonhound is the English Foxhound, but the coonhound breeds themselves are a uniquely American creation. The Black and Tan Coonhound, developed in the mountains of the southern United States in the 1700s, takes its size, color, long ears, and olfactory ability from foxhounds and bloodhounds perched on the branches of its family tree. He was raised with raccoons and possums, but he’s more than capable of running a bigger game. That versatility made him an ideal companion for colonial settlers who created him to be a “trail and tree” dog, meaning he could find his quarry and tree it until the hunter arrived. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1945. The first AKC-registered Black and Tan Coonhound was Grand Mere Big Rock Molly. Despite its excellent qualities, the Coonhound has never made the leap to the popular companion dog, something for which its fans are probably thankful. It is ranked 131st out of 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.