What makes the Black and Tan Coonhound Unique?
The black and tan coonhound’s moderate build gives it a blend of strength, speed and agility. It is square or slightly longer than tall, with moderate bone. Its long ears may help stir up ground scents. Its deep muzzle allows room for olfactory apparatus. Its deep voice enables the hunter to locate the dog when it has treed its quarry. Its hair is short but dense, providing an all-weather-protective coat. Its expression is alert, friendly and eager. Its stride is easy and graceful, with head and tail held high. Not the prototypical house dog, the black and tan coonhound, nonetheless, makes an exemplary pet. It is mellow, amiable, calm and unobtrusive indoors. Outdoors, its strong hunting instincts take over, and it can be difficult, if not impossible, to turn from a track after it starts trailing. As befitting a dog with its heritage, the black and tan is strong, independent and stubborn. It is gentle and tolerant with children, but it may be too independent to satisfy a playful child. It is reserved with strangers. It may bay and howl.
Breed Groups
Page Contents
Is the Black and Tan Coonhound Right For You?
The black and tan coonhound’s moderate build gives it a blend of strength, speed and agility. It is square or slightly longer than tall, with moderate bone. Its long ears may help stir up ground scents. Its deep muzzle allows room for olfactory apparatus. Its deep voice enables the hunter to locate the dog when it has treed its quarry. Its hair is short but dense, providing an all-weather-protective coat. Even temperament, outgoing and friendly. As a working scent hound, must be able to work in close contact with other hounds. Some may be reserved but never shy or vicious. Aggression toward people or other dogs is most undesirable.
In 5 Words
- Even Tempered
- Easygoing
- Adaptable
- Gentle
- Lovable
Characteristics
Learn About the Black and Tan Coonhound
Description
- Eyes are hazel to brown
- Ears are extremely long, wide, and thin, set low and far back on the dog’s head, hanging well down the neck.
- Their black and tan markings are similar to the Doberman and the Rottweiler but have key distinguishing differences from these breeds. The most prominent are the long tails and ears, and their loud, baying bark.
- Legs are long in proportion to the body length, muscular and finely modelled.
- The tail is set slightly below the natural line of the back, strongly tapered, and carried at a right angle, when the dog is alert or excited.
- 23 to 27 inches (58 to 69 cm) at the shoulder
- 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) head (back of skull to tip of nose)
- 65 to 130 pounds (29 to 59 kg)
- Males are typically larger and heavier boned than females.
Short History of the Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhounds have evolved from the Bloodhound, Irish Kerry Beagle and the foxhound (in particular the Virginia Foxhound of the 1700s). It is also thought that Black and Tan Coonhounds are related to the 12th century Talbot Hound. This breed is best known for it’s raccoon hunting skills, but has also been successful hunting other types of game such as stag, bear, opossum, mountain lion and deer. The Black and Tan Coonhound was officially recognized in 1945.
Temperament
Even temperament, outgoing and friendly. As a working scent hound, must be able to work in close contact with other hounds. Some may be reserved but never shy or vicious. Aggression toward people or other dogs is most undesirable.
Caring for Your Black and Tan Coonhound
General Health
Hip Dysplasia (HD): This is a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. X-ray screening for hip dysplasia is done by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors.
Cataracts. A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye(s) of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Cataracts usually occur in old age and sometimes can be surgically removed to improve the dog’s vision.
Grooming & Bathing
Weekly brushing is necessary to keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. Black and Tan Coonhounds need to have their long ears checked regularly and kept clean.
Exercise & Training
Black and Tan coonhounds have high amounts of energy and thus need a lot of exercise and activity. Daily exercise including walks and runs are highly recommended. The Black and Tan coonhound, bred as a working dog, cannot lie still for a long time. They can learn new commands very quickly which makes them quite easy to train. Usually they enjoy any type of activity so training will not be a problem for them. In fact it can be something that they will really enjoy.
Black and Tan Coonhound Picture Gallery
