9/19/11

Black and Tan Coonhound dogs











The Black and Tan Coonhound is also known as: American Black and Tan Coonhound

Fast Facts

Group classification: Hound Country of origin: United States Date of origin: 18th century
Weight (M): 60 - 75 lb Height (M): 25 - 27" Life expectancy: 11 - 12 years
Weight (F): 55 - 70 lb Height (F): 23 - 25"


General Description of the Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a medium sized, powerful hunting dog. It has a large oval head with low set ears, smooth skin over its face and round hazel to dark brown eyes. Its expression is eager, friendly and alert, and it has a scissors bite. A long, muscular neck slopes into a strong, level back, rounded out by a deep chest and well sprung ribs. Its tail is based slightly below the topline and carried at an approximate right angle to the back when in action. Powerful shoulders give way to straight forelegs, and its muscular hindquarters are supported by sinewy hind legs that extend back from under the body. Its dense, short coat is inky black with tan markings over the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, chest and legs.

Black and Tan Coonhound Temperament

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an intelligent and loyal hunter and companion. It is friendly and outgoing, and generally gets along well with other dogs. It may be reserved near strangers, but is rarely aggressive. The Black and Tan is big and can play rough, so it would be better suited for a family with older children. Sometimes willful, it requires ongoing, firm training. Socialize your Black and Tan when it is young and be sure to teach it not to wander, as the hunting instinct is strong in this breed. The dog should not be allowed to run without a leash or the benefit of a good fence, as it may chase after scents. If left alone for too long it may bay and howl. Beware of drool.

Caring for a Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound was bred for big spaces and should not live in apartments or small houses. It needs at least a large yard, and daily, vigorous exercise, preferably in the form of very long runs. Bred to withstand a wide range of climates, the Black and Tan will do fine outdoors. Do not overfeed this breed, and keep an eye out for ear mites or cankers. Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep the dog looking good. The Black and Tan Coonhound is vulnerable to canine hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and ectropion. 
 
more Infor

Originally bred in the United States, the Black and Tan Coonhound is also known as the American Black and Tan Coonhound. It is a cross between and among breeds such as the Black and Tan Foxhound, the Bloodhound, and the now-extinct, 11th century English Talbot Hound.

An excellent tracker, hunter, and watchdog, consider the Coonhound a separate breed apart from the Foxhound. There are two types mainly the field lines and the bench lines. Field Coonhounds are bred for hunting and outdoor work, while Bench Coonhounds are bred purely for show.

Being longer than its height, the body is very well-proportioned. Its coat is short but dense with tan markings to distinguish it on the muzzle, chest, and limbs. Despite its long muzzle, its ears still reach and hang beyond the nose tip. Ears aside, it has a keen eye and nose for hunting raccoon, deer, bear, and other trail and tree game.

You’d be pleased to note that the Black and Tan Coonhound is such a smart and intelligent dog. Quick to follow, it makes a great hunting guide and home companion.

Coonhounds are basically good-natured, loyal, and eager to please. Like most dogs, however, they are protective and reserved with strangers. All in all, they are usually gentle, outgoing, and friendly towards people who show no signs of aggression or hostility.

A large hunting hound, the Coonhound can best be described as strong, persistent, and determined. As a worker, you’ll love how this creature shows so much passion and dedication to stay on track despite terrain and weather conditions. Once it’s been trained and disciplined, expect it to respect your leadership and authority.

The Coonhound’s temperament does vary depending on whether it’s a field dog or a show dog. Therefore, your success in training would rely on how you treat your dog and what type of exercise you give it.
Health and Exercise

Here’s a breed which naturally drools and slobbers when it’s relaxed. Behavioral problems only start to show when this dog’s high-strung and restless. A lack of training and exercise can make this dog behave willfully and play roughly.

To curb this destructive streak, give your Coonhound enough physical and mental exercise on a daily basis. Remember to keep your dog on a leash, though, because it‘s still very much an alert hunting hound which takes off after an interesting scent.

Because small spaces and indoor living do not go well with its temperament, you should allow your Coonhound to roam in a larger yard. Let it take long, vigorous walks everyday and give it tasks to do.

Wctive as the Coonhound is, it tends to quickly gain weight when it’s overfed. It’s also prone to hip dysplasia in old age. With its ears all long and droopy, it’s best to clean those regularly to keep them infection-free.

Fairly healthy and well-groomed, a Black and Tan Coonhound would live to as long as 10 to 12 years. It will yield a litter size of about 7 to 8 puppies per litter.
Visitor Comments

This is your chance to add your feedback. Do you have a Black and Tan Coonhound in your family, or know one in someone elses? Do you have a story to tell related to that Black and Tan Coonhound? Or maybe you have more questions that either DogNation.net or another of our visitors might be able to help you with? Feel free to add your comment or question below.