Black And Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American dog breed that traces its history back to the 1700s. George Washington, who was a dog lover and breeder, even received some of the first Coonhounds that were brought to America. These dogs were bred from the Talbot Hound, which was popular in England, and the Bloodhound, known for its exceptional sense of smell. The result was a dog adept at tracking game, particularly raccoons (hence the name), in diverse terrain and weather conditions.
- Origin
- USA
- Alternate Names
- Black and Tans
- Life Expectancy
- 10-12 years
- Average Male Height
- 25-27 inches
- Average Female Height
- 23-25 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 65-100 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 65-100 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Smooth
- Coat Colors
- Black and Tan
- Coat Pattern
- Solid
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Black and Tan Coonhounds can suffer from eye conditions such as persistent pupillary membranes, cataracts, distichiasis, ectropion, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. They may also be affected by amyloidosis, blastomycosis, cryptorchidism, Factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B), hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, Pelger–Huet anomaly, and polyradiculoneuritis. As with all deep chested dogs they may develop bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that can come on suddenly, so it’s important to know the warning signs and get an affected dog immediate veterinary care.
Personality and Behavior
The Black and Tan Coonhound is known for being friendly, outgoing, and adaptable. These dogs tend to get along well with people, including children, and they can also usually coexist peacefully with other dogs. However, they have strong hunting instincts, so they may not be a good match for homes with small pets.
As scent hounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds can be independent and focused. They have a strong drive to follow their noses, which can sometimes lead them into mischief. These dogs benefit from regular physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and potential destructive behavior.
They are known for their deep, melodic baying, which can be loud and frequent if they're not properly trained or if they're bored. As a breed developed for long hours of hunting, they can be persistent and determined, which can sometimes come off as stubbornness.
Training a Black and Tan Coonhound may require some patience, but they are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly with positive reinforcement techniques. They're not usually recommended for first-time dog owners because they can be a handful without consistent training and socialization.
Fun Facts
The AKC accepted the Black and Tan Coonhound breed for registration in 1945.
These dogs are also known for their skill hunting mountain lions, deer, bears, and other large game animals.
References
DOI: 10.1002/9781119540687
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_black_tan_coonhound
Coile, D. Caroline. "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." Barron's Educational Series, 2015.
American Kennel Club. "Black and Tan Coonhound Dog Breed Information." https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/black-and-tan-coonhound/
American Kennel Club. "Dog Breeds: This is the official list of all American Kennel Club dog breeds." https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/
Shojai, Amy. "The First-Aid Companion for Dogs & Cats." Rodale, 2001.