Black And Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an all-American old-fashioned breed of dog that is a mix between the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound and the Bloodhound, appearing in the 18th century. This crossbreed is a working dog mainly used for hunting raccoons, but it can also be used to hunt large game. Friendly, mellow, and calm indoors, it becomes strong, stubborn, and independent outdoors, with its strong hunting instinct taking over to engage in tracking after starting to trail. Today, it makes an excellent scent hound that can track old, cold trails as well as an excellent pet and a search and is occasionally used in search and rescue roles, though it is less common in law enforcement compared to breeds like the Bloodhound.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning Black And Tan Coonhounds

History Of The Breed

The black and tan coonhound originated in the United States and dates back to the late 18th century, when frontiersmen needed a breed of dog able to hunt raccoons. They crossed different breeds of European hounds, believed to be the foxhound and the bloodhound, to get the American breed of hound, the black and tan coonhound.

Size And Weight

This breed is a large-sized single-coat shorthair dog with a dense coat. Males are 23-27 inches in height and weigh 50-75 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 21-26 inches in height and weigh 40-65 pounds. Black and Tan Coonhound puppies at 8 weeks of age weigh 10 pounds on average and are fully grown around 17-19 months.

Common Health Issues

As a crossbreed of the Bloodhound and Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, the Black and Tan Coonhound is generally healthy and inherits the best from both parents. If you get your dog from a rescue, you can ask about a health screening. Hip dysplasia is a more common issue among dogs that are outdoors hunting, while ear infections are more common with long-eared dogs. In general, however, the health issues this breed might face are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems
• Ear infections
• Ear cancer

Temperament

This old-fashioned mix of the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound results in a crossbreed that has a friendly, stubborn, loyal, and independent personality. Its temperament is mellow and strong.

How To Take Care Of Black And Tan Coonhounds

Black and Tan Coonhounds have unique health needs. As a working breed and part of the hunting dog category, its health issues often result from outdoor exertion. Potential owners should therefore get certificates of health if purchasing from a breeder and medical records or health screenings if purchasing from a rescue.

The Best Dog Food For Black And Tan Coonhounds

The most important time for taking care of your pet is during puppyhood. During this time, your puppy will be doing most of its growing, and nutrients are necessary for its developing body and needs. As your puppy becomes a juvenile and eventually an adult, it will reach its full height and weight. Its dietary needs will change, but the breed has the specific nutrients it needs, no matter its age.

Puppy food: Puppy food must be high-quality and with meat as its main ingredient. It should also be AAFCO-compliant. Choose puppy food for large breeds or dog food for all life stages to support growth. Puppies between 8-12 weeks need 4 meals a day, while those 3-6 months old need 3 meals a day, and those 6 months to one year need 2 meals a day.

Adult dog food: Adult dog food, like puppy food, needs to be AAFCO-compliant and high-quality. Choose one that is for large adult breeds and has meat as its main ingredient. One meal a day is all a one-year-old adult needs.

Maintenance And Grooming

Your Black and Tan Coonhound, like other dog breeds, changes its coat once or twice a year during shedding season, when it changes coats for winter and spring. Its short, dense coat is low shedding and needs weekly brushing in addition to monthly bathing. Care must be taken to inspect eyes and ears for any dirt, infections, or other problems. Nails need trimming anywhere from every 2 weeks to once a month.

Training

With the word “coonhound” in its name, it is most commonly used for hunting raccoons, but this old-fashioned mix can also be used to hunt large game such as deer, mountain lions, and bears. It’s also known as a “cold nose,” meaning it has the ability to detect an old, cold trail with its sense of smell. With that being said, it is one of the most difficult breeds to train due to its strong, stubborn, and independent nature. Obedience training and socialization should begin as early in puppyhood as possible after weaning, with a firm, consistent, and experienced dog trainer or leader. Although it is intelligent, it can be easily distracted by scents.

Exercise

As a working breed used for trailing and tracking raccoons and large game, the Black and Tan Coonhound can easily handle running for several miles and excels in obedience and agility sports. Its daily exercise needs are best met with 1–2 hours of activity, such as scent walks, hikes, or off-leash play in secure areas. It enjoys visiting new places to sniff, so it greatly enjoys an adventure in a park, the woods, or a hiking trail. It also enjoys chasing balls and children. It is important to keep a leash on it at all times to avoid its tendency to wander, run away, and chase animals.

Puppies

Black and Tan Coonhound puppies quickly start using their noses to become familiar with their surroundings. You’ll want to train and socialize them early on to new people, animals, and places, so keep a loose leash around their necks so it won’t feel constrictive.

Black And Tan Coonhound And Children

Black and Tan Coonhounds are boisterous playmates for children, and with their large size, they are better suited for older children. They are loyal, excellent family pets.

Dogs Similar To Black And Tan Coonhounds

Dogs that are similar to this breed are the Bluetick Coonhound, the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, and the Treeing Walker.

• Bluetick Coonhound: Like the Black and Tan Coonhound, this breed is a leggy dog with black and tan coloring, with the addition of blue ticking on its coat.
• Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound: This is another American hunting breed, and it gave the Black and Tan Coonhound its coloring. Like its descendant, it has a soft temperament.
• Treeing Walker: Another type of coonhound, this dog is another American breed. It is sensible, brave, and smart, and has a coat with black and tan coloring over a white base.

Famous Black And Tan Coonhounds

• Hubert: The movie The Duke had a Black and Tan Coonhound in the leading role as the character Hubert, who inherits a Scottish country mansion from the Duke of Manor.
• Presidential pets: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both had Black and Tan Coonhounds. Washington loved hunting large game with them, and Jefferson thought it was one of the best hunting and family dogs.