Quick Stats for the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): 23 – 27 inches (58 – 68 cm)
- Weight: 50 – 75 pounds (45 – 64 kg)
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1945
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with a large fenced yard
Personality of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog
The Black and Tan Coonhound can be a calm and quiet dog if properly trained. They are usually friendly and affectionate with their family and are gentle around children. However, they tend to be a little rough with small kids so just keep that in mind.
Although they have a strong internal instinct to hunt, they are still great house pets. If they pick up on a scent while outdoors, they usually get pretty excited.
History of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog
The Black and Tan Coonhound is considered an all-American dog breed. They have been around since the 1700s. It is believed that they descended from crosses between the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound and the Bloodhound.
Black and Tans were mainly used to hunt large animals such as bear. However, they were also good at trapping smaller vermin like raccoons. They were pretty popular among mountain hunters in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian.
Much like the Bloodhound dog, the Coonhound keeps its nose to the ground when trailing a scent. They move along quite swiftly and will bay when they have trapped their prey, usually until their owner arrives on the scene.
Although they compete in the show ring from time to time, they are much more popular among hunters. In fact, there are competitive hunting events held annually that are only for Coonhounds. At these events you will find:
- English Coonhounds
- Treeing Walker Coonhounds
- Plott Hounds
- Bluetick Coonhounds
- and, the Black and Tan Coonhound
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1945.
The Black and Tan Coonhound Dog Care and Grooming
Ideally, they will do best if they have a large open space available to run and roam. They are able to live in both cold and hot temperatures, just not extremes.
These dogs require plenty of daily exercise. They are capable of running for miles. However, a few long walks and an occasional run will usually be enough.
They also have a strong scenting ability and, if not properly trained to stay, will run if they catch a scent.
Grooming requirements are minimal. A light brushing every few weeks to remove any dead hair from the coat will be sufficient. Use the proper dog grooming tools to make the job easier.
Health Problems of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog
The average life expectancy of the Black and Tan Coonhound dog is about ten to twelve years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
Minor health issues include:
- hypothyroidism
- ectropion
- weight gain
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- hemophilia B
Veterinarians recommend having the Black and Tan Coonhound dog tested specifically for hip, eye, and thyroid problems.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:
[...] of the hound breeds today can trace their history back to the Bloodhound including the Coonhound and Basset [...]