Black And Tan Coonhound

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 27, 2024
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
SillyDogPhotos/Shutterstock.com

This dog has its own unique howl.


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Black And Tan Coonhound Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Black And Tan Coonhound Conservation Status

Black And Tan Coonhound Locations

Black And Tan Coonhound Locations

Black And Tan Coonhound Facts

Fun Fact
This dog has its own unique howl.
Most Distinctive Feature
Large, droopy ears.
Temperament
Stubborn, strong, loyal, independent, and loving.
Diet
Omnivore
Average Litter Size
6-8 puppies.

Black And Tan Coonhound Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Black
  • Tan
Skin Type
Hair
Top Speed
32 mph
Lifespan
10-12 years.

Black And Tan Coonhound as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$300-$800
Dog group
Sporting
Male weight
- lbs
Female weight
- lbs

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Each dog develops its own unique baying, which its owner can recognize from a far distance.

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 scenthound that can track old, cold trails as well as an excellent pet and a search and rescue dog for law enforcement.

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The Different Types Of Black And Tan Coonhounds And Mixes

Black and Tan Coonhounds have a black coat with tan trim, and this is the only recognized coat type for the breed. They can be crossbred with other breeds such as treeing walkers, beagles, German shepherds, and whippets.

Black and Tan Coonhound Facts

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning Black And Tan Coonhounds

Pros!Cons!
Low Grooming Needs:This breed has a short, dense coat that only needs brushing once a week and monthly bathing. It is low shedding and changes its coat once or twice a year.Not good with smaller pets or younger children:It’s not suitable to have around small pets such as birds and rodents, and it can be a little too boisterous with younger children due to its large size. Never leave your dog unsupervised with younger children.
Easygoing:A mellow temperament makes this breed generally calm and gentle.Drooling:This breed has jowls and naturally drools.
Friendly: This breed enjoys being around other dogs and especially having a canine companion. It can also get along with a dog-experienced cat.Must be on leash: This breed is known for running and being persistent when trailing and tracking a scent, thanks to its Bloodhound parent. When going for walks, it should be on a leash at all times.
Black and Tan Coonhound - strolling on the beach
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a very loyal, yet independent, breed.

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, it is 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.

Height (Male):23-27 inches
Height (Female):21-26 inches
Weight (Male):50-75 pounds
Weight (Female):40-65 pounds

Common Health Issues

Black and Tan Coonhound - header

Black and Tan Coonhounds may face hip dysplasia.

Health and Entertainment for your Black And Tan Coonhound

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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

Black and Tan Coonhound - walking on the path

Black and Tan Coonhounds have a mellow 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.

A-Z Animals feels the best dog food for Virginia Foxhounds is Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, Real Meat & Brown Rice.

By including healthy grains, this probiotic-coated kibble with digestive enzymes and fiber works from within the digestive system to boost the immune system. A special blend of fish ingredients supplies natural glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s diet for hip dysplasia prevention. The taurine is important for both heart and eye health.

Pick up Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains dog food on Chewy or Amazon.

Best for Sensitive Stomachs
Wellness CORE Digestive Health White Fish and Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
  • Highly digestible, probiotic-coated dry dog food with digestive enzymes, prebiotic fibers and probiotics to support gut health.
  • Made with omega-3 fatty acids, superfoods like pumpkin and papaya and essential vitamins to support overall immunity and vitality.
  • Tasty whitefish is the first ingredient.
  • Supports strong immune systems, optimal energy, and a glowing coat and healthy skin.
  • Great for adult dogs of any age.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

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 Blawinter 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 and nails need trimming anywhere from every 2 weeks to once a month.

Training

Black and Tan Coonhound - strolling on the beach

Black and Tan Coonhounds should have obedience training and socialization at an early age.

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 games, the Black and Tan Coonhound can easily handle running for several miles and excels in obedience and agility sports. Its daily exercise needs, however, are only a long walk, a field trip, or even just a moderately-long jog. 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 - puppy
The Black and Tan Coonhound puppy makes an excellent family pet.

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 on around its neck 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 Bloodhound, 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 coonhoud, 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.
  • Law enforcement dogs: This breed is commonly used in training videos for K9 units. Its friendly nature also makes it popular to use in drug awareness programs for children.
  • Hubert
  • Abe
  • Sammy
  • Washington
  • Thomas
  • Sadie
  • Zoe
  • Pepper
  • Liberty
  • Eleanor

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About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Black And Tan Coonhound FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do Black and Tan Coonhounds make good pets?

Yes, they are excellent family pets and companions.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds aggressive?

No, they are not aggressive, but their large size may accidentally injure small children and smaller animals.

Do Black and Tan Coonhounds bark a lot?

Yes. They are vocal in their expression and their baying sound is loud, so while they may not bark much the deep howl is powerful. They may also howl when strangers are around.

How much do Black and Tan Coonhounds cost?

$400-800 with an average price of $550 and a median price of $650. Black and Tan Coonhounds are often found at a rescue, with their wandering noses often resulting in their getting lost. The price for adoption from a rescue is their standard adoption fee.

What is the Black and Tan Coonhound's lifespan?

The average lifespan is 10-12 years. Such a lifespan is considered average.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia / Accessed August 19, 2021
  2. Dog Care Knowledge / Accessed August 19, 2021
  3. The Pawsitive Co / Accessed August 19, 2021
  4. Wag! / Accessed August 19, 2021
  5. Terrific Pets / Accessed August 19, 2021
  6. Sooner Black and Tans / Accessed August 19, 2021
  7. Paw Diet / Accessed August 19, 2021
  8. Kylon Powell / Accessed August 19, 2021
  9. dog Breeds List / Accessed August 19, 2021
  10. Next Day Pets / Accessed August 19, 2021
  11. Dog Breeds Central / Accessed August 19, 2021
  12. Pet Care Tips Animal Care Tips / Accessed August 19, 2021
  13. Orvis / Accessed August 19, 2021

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