AKC Hound Group
History
An American creation, the Black and Tan Coonhound was developed in the mountains of the Southeast by crossing the Bloodhound and Foxhound. He is best known as a raccoon and opossum hunter, but is also a keen hunter of bear, deer, and mountain lions. The Black and Tan Coonhound mostly hunts at night, with the hunter following his progress as he bays on the trail. The baying changes when the quarry is treed, alerting the hunter.
Description
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large, powerful working hound. He can cover a lot of ground with his long rhythmic strides. The length of the body from withers to rump is the same as or a bit longer than the height at the withers. The topline is fairly level. The chest should reach at least down to the elbows. The head of this dog shows his Bloodhound roots, with his large black nose, long drooping lips, and very long hanging ears. The moderate stop is located midway between the occiput and the nose. The upper plane of the skull is approximately parallel to the upper plane of the muzzle. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The rounded eyes are hazel to dark brown. The long tail is carried high, nearly straight up. The short, sleek coat is black and tan.
Key Facts
- Height: 25 to 27 in. (male); 23 to 25 in. (female)
- Size: Large
- Weight: 80 to 90 lbs. (male); 65 to 75 lbs. (female)
- Availability: Very difficult to find
- Talents: Hunting, tracking, and watchdog
Notes
Does best in a rural home. Don’t overfeed. Might howl if left alone too much. May take off after an interesting scent, so it is dangerous to let this breed off lead in an unfenced area. Tends to be aggressive with strange dogs. There are two types of Black and Tan Coonhound: show and field. The show types are a bit larger. They also might be somewhat less energetic and work oriented, and therefore tend to make better pets. Beware of hip dysplasia. Buy only from stock with OFA, PennHIP, or another national hip-dysplasia clearance.
Personality
An intelligent dog, very dedicated to his work. Alert and eager. Some sources say this dog is aggressive, but will listen to his master. Other sources say he is gentle and friendly with people. Some individuals are protective. This dog can be willful, requiring firm, patient, and ongoing training.
Behavior
- Children: Best with older, considerate children
- Friendliness: Reserved with strangers
- Trainability: Difficult to train
- Independence: Moderately dependent on people
- Dominance: Moderate
- Other Pets: Do not trust with non-canine pets
- Combativeness: Some can be a bit dog-aggressive
- Noise: Likes to howl
- Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors
- Owner: Not recommended for novice owners
Care
- Grooming: A little grooming needed
- Trimming and Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed
- Coat: Short coat
- Shedding: Average shedder
- Exercise: Moderate daily exercise needed
- Jogging: A good jogging companion
- Apartments: Not recommended for apartments
- Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard
- Climate: Does well in most climates
- Longevity: Average (10 to 12 years)
Useful Links
AKC® Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Standard
http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/BlackandTanCoonhound.pdf
Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Club
Search for a Breeder
Rescue Organizations
akc.org/dog-breeds/rescue-network/contacts/
