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Black and Tan Coonhound - Hound


Black and Tan Coonhound

Family:

Scenthound


Area of origin:

United States


Original function:

hunting raccoons


Average size of male:

Ht: 25-27, Wt: 55-75


Average size of female:

Ht: 23-25, Wt: 55-75


Other names:

American black and tan coonhound


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Black and Tan Coonhound Temperament

Not the prototypical house dog, the Black and Tan Coonhound, nonetheless, makes an exemplary pet. He is mellow, amiable, calm and unobtrusive indoors. Outdoors, his strong hunting instincts take over, and he can be difficult, if not impossible, to turn from a track after he starts trailing. As befitting a dog with his heritage, the black and tan is strong, independent and stubborn. He is gentle and tolerant with children and can be reserved with strangers. He may bay and howl.

Black and Tan Coonhound Care

The Black and Tan is a dog that can run for miles, although he is usually content with a moderate jog or long walk, with an occasional excursion into the field. He can wander if he catches a scent, so a safe area is mandatory. His coat needs only occasional brushing. Most Coonhounds drool to some extent, and the face may need regular wiping. The ears should also be checked regularly.

Black and Tan Coonhound Health

Major concerns: CHD
Minor concerns: ectropion
Occasionally seen: hemophilia B
Suggested tests: hip, (eye)
Life span: 10-12 years

Dogs Related to the Black and Tan Coonhound

Beagle
Basset Hound
Bloodhound
Dachshund (Standard)
American Foxhound
English Foxhound
Harrier
Otterhound
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Rhodesian Ridgeback

Interested in the history of the Black and Tan Coonhound breed?

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A true American breed, the Black and Tan Coonhound probably originated from crosses of the bloodhound and the foxhound, particularly the black and tan Virginia Foxhound. The Black and Tan Coonhound developed mostly in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, Ozark and Smoky Mountains, where these dogs were used to hunt raccoons and bears over fairly rugged terrain. They trailed in the fashion of their Bloodhound ancestors, with nose to ground but at a somewhat swifter pace. Although they will trail any mammal, they specialize in raccoons and opossums, often trailing at night. When the quarry is treed, the dogs bay until the hunter arrives and shoots the animal. The AKC recognized the breed in 1945, but the Black and Tan has always been much more popular as a hunting dog than as a show dog or pet. Organized night hunts are extremely competitive and popular, and the United Kennel Club holds many bench shows for Coonhounds only, in which Black and Tan Coonhounds, Blue Tick Coonhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, English Coonhounds, Plott Hounds and Treeing Walkers compete.


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