A little about Coonhounds

The Coonhound is one of the few truly American breeds. Early settlers of the America's had at their disposal many European breeds of hunting dog. These European dogs faced particular challenges in hunting in the thick forest and wild lands of America. The new terrain and differing game species brought rise to a need for a new breed of hunting dog. A dog with honed tracking and scenting skill. A tireless, powerful, agile dog able to work in thick forest as well as open field. Enter the American Coonhound. A blending of breeds, sampling the unique talents of these varied breeds led to the development of this wonderfully charming and talented dog. A courageous hunter and loyal friend, the Coonhound one of the best the hound world has to offer.
       When one hears "Coonhound" mentioned most people think of the American Black and Tan Coonhound. The Black and Tan is without a doubt the most recognizable of the Coonhound breeds, but is only one of the six different breeds of Coonhound.

The Six Breeds

There are six different breeds of Coonhound. Each breed has its own unique talents and purpose in the hunting arena. The most recognized of the six breeds is the American Black and Tan.

    Those passionate about the Black and Tan will claim it to be the "original" Coonhound. Believed to be descended from the Talbot Hound, the Black and Tan is classic coonhound. Typically heavier than the other Coonhound breeds ( 75-100 lbs), the Black and Tan is the "largest" of the Coonhound breeds. This is a sturdy dog with heavy structure. Powerful and surprising agile, the Black and Tan can out maneuver and out work most other breeds its size. The Black and Tan also posses's a classic hound voice.
      The Black and Tan is a great family dog and is known for being both tolerant and patient pets.

The Redbone Coonhound

...somewhat sleeker than the Black and Tan, the Redbone has powerful appearance. Its slim, muscular build makes it appear as though this dog is moving even when it is standing still. "Lighter" in structure than the Black and Tan, the Redbone weighs in at around 60lbs.(though there are many breeding for a larger Redbone and it is not uncommon to see this dog as big as 80 lbs.)Having less loose skin than the Black and Tan and being the only solid colored dog of the Coonhound breeds (a black saddle or blanket still appears on some dogs from time to time), the Redbone is not immediately recognized as a Coonhound by people unfamiliar with the breed. The Redbone is all Coonhound though and has the skills to prove it. The name Redbone is a kind of slang for "any dog, red in color, of unknown origin". The origin of this dog is known however. Descended from Irish hounds, the Redbone is a hard working hunting dog with a nearly endless well of energy for its task.
      The Redbone is a confident, outgoing dog that is good with family but may prove sensitive to strangers.

The Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is perhaps the least known of the six breeds. The Plott is said to be the only of the six Coon breeds not to have been bred with Foxhound in its development. The ancestors of this brindled colored hound were used for hunting wild boar in Germany. Once in America, the hound was used to hunt bear. With some careful and selective breeding by dedicated people, the Plott hound was born. This is a courageous dog who takes his skills seriously.
      The Plott is a courageous, even tempered dog but will need plenty of exercise to be healthy and to stay away from trouble.

The Bluetick Coonhound

The second "largest" of the Coonhound family, the Bluetick weighs in about 60-80lbs. The name "Bluetick" is derived from the black spotted coat. This spotting, called dappling, freckling, and by many other names in other breeds, is called "ticking" in hounds. The Bluetick is a highly energetic and intense hunter that will have a hard time adjusting to life in suburbia. This dog is bold in the field and goes about its hunting tasks with fervor. An intelligent dog with a quick mind this Coonhound loves to work and will need large amounts of daily exercise.
     This is a headstrong, confident dog who does not mind being in charge of things. Good with family and loyal, you will still need to keep this dog on a leash or contained to keep it from roaming.

The English (redtick) Coonhound.

Originally called and registered as the English Fox and Coonhound before the specialization of the six breeds; and the registering of Walker and Blueticks as separate breeds in the 40's, the English Coonhound may hail back to English hounds...but present day English Coonhounds were perfected right here in the USA. Sometimes called the Redtick Coonhound, the red pattern (as in photo) is the most common and "favored" coloration, though the shared ancestry of the English, Bluetick, and others allow this hound to come in with black ticking, tri-coloration, and a mix of the three. Persons dedicated to the breed claim this to be the source of other hound breeds and the standard for the Coonhound family. The English is a strong and agile dog.
       Friendly and outgoing, the English, though not mild tempered, is well tempered and good with families willing to exercise them regularly.

Walker (Treeing Walker) Coonhound

The most Foxhound like of the six Coonhound breeds, this tri colored hound is NOT just a big Beagle. Solid and powerful, this tightly packed Coonhound is descended from English Foxhounds. This talented and agile dog is as adaptable as it is good at treeing game. Normally somewhat "smaller" than other breeds of Coonhound, this Coonhound is a mainstay in the Coonhound world.
       The Walker is a good tempered dog though may not tolerate constant pestering by either people or dogs it does not know well. Energetic and playful, the Walker does well with older kids who can handle rough housing with a medium sized dog.

The "Nature" of the Hound.

      The nature of the hound ...interesting wording. The implication in the wording is intentional. There are many myths and misconceptions about hound breeds. While each breed differs in purpose as much as they differ in form, there are consistencies through the hound family. The reason I chose to put this information here is quite simple. If you want to learn about the nature of the hound, one needs to look no further than the Coonhound. These dogs are the quintessential hound. Everything that makes a hound a hound, both good and bad, is right here in the Coonhound.
       So what is the nature of a hound? The first issue that must be covered when discussing hounds is that hounds, much like Terriers, are not for everyone. People seem to think that a dog is a dog is dog and take little concern in the dogs breeding or instinctual tendencies for certain behaviors. The laid back, even temperament of the hounds make them perfect candidates for this mistake. Caution should be taken when considering any pure bred animal and the easy tempered hound is no exception. With that said.


Cautions of hound ownership.    
Hounds, as a general rule, are even tempered and intelligent dogs. The majority of hound breeds having been bred to work in groups with other hounds, must have a temperament suited to this kind of working environment. Do not mistake this easy demeanor for complacency. The Hound is never complacent. This dog can be as serious as the IRS when it is necessary. If you think your couch hound is not a serious hound dog...take him/her out to a field or forest and see how serious your dog can be. Your hound may settle in on your couch watching TV perfectly fine, but do not ever think that he/she would not take the opportunity to hunt at the drop of a hat. The most important thing to remember about all hounds is that their hunting instinct will always be more important to them than you. Hounds have a wanderlust...or a huntlust...and they will take off to go and hunt down things they deem interesting.
Hounds are confident outgoing dogs and should not be fearful. Mistreated individuals may show signs of skittishness. This skittishness can be difficult to correct though the cooperative spirit and easy going temperament of the hound makes it nearly always correctable. The Hound will not tolerate unnecessary bullying by other animals and/or people. While aggression is rarely a side effect of mistreatment, the hound is smart enough to return disrespect in other ways.
      Hounds are determined, single minded hunters which, for a pet owner, translates to a stubborn dog that does not always listen. If you want a dog that obeys every command, even against its own will, the hound is not a good choice. It is difficult to make a hound do something it does not want to do with any consistency. It may occasionally give in to our request, but when it does consider it a lucky day because tomorrow may not go as well.
       Hounds are powerful athletic dogs who will require exercise to stay healthy. While certain breeds will do better than others in a Condo type environment, all Hounds will be unhappy locked up inside for extended periods. This is a dog for active people who can be creative in finding ways to entertain the Hound and allow it use its hunting skill.
        Last but not least, those of timid nature or the "faint of heart" should not consider owning a hound of any breed. Hounds are strong willed dogs and will require handling by people with an equally strong will and a adequate sense of humor.
                              The joy of being a hound dog family
With few exceptions, hounds make great family pets for those willing to care for them properly. The hound is adaptable and intelligent and will likely be the source of hours of good hearty play time. Hounds have a sense of humor like few other breeds of dog. They enjoy play and fun as much as they enjoy the hunt and will likely be more like having another child than having a dog. Interactive and involved in family life the hound requires a dedicated owner, but has no problem returning the dedication shown it on an every day basis. The hound is an affectionate breed that will openly and honestly enjoy you as much as you do it. An honest, straight forward dog this breed inspires dedication and near fanatical loyalty from those lucky enough to appreciate them.

Coonhounds as pets

Coonhounds are active dogs who will require active families. Their intelligence makes them bore easily and they may find creative ways to entertain themselves if left alone for extended periods or forced to live in households that do not provide enough stimulation (ie. digging, chewing). People who are willing to exercise their dog regularly and are creative in ways to allow the Coonhound to play and occasionally use its hunting instinct will have no problems with this breed. They are easy dogs to live with and easy dogs to maintain, so long as these few requirements are tended to. I would not however suggest a Coonhound as a first dog. These dogs are better suited to persons whom have some experience with dogs or that are at least willing to educate themselves. They have a cooperative nature and are somewhat easier to train than other hound breeds, like the Beagle. Typically good with other DOGS (they may see your cat as prey if not raised with it) and children, Coonhounds are a mostly overlooked pet breed just now gaining recognition.

Coonhound Health

The lack of popularity as a pet breed has kept the Coonhound a healthy breed. The majority of Coonhounds are bred by and for hunters or by others dedicated to the breed and its health. The Commercial and back yard breeders have not had much opportunity to foul up the Coonhound yet, so many of the health issues plaguing other medium/large popular pet breeds are not as prevalent in the Coonhound. (this does not mean that there are not health issues with the Coonhound) While they can have any problem that any other dog can have, including hip and joint problems, bloat, and turned stomachs, these problems are not common enough to have become a breed characteristic. (IE: Retrievers get cancer, Rotts and hip problems, Dobermans and brain swelling etc)As always, research, careful selection of breeder and pup will go a long way to having a healthy adult. As with any hound, it may be difficult to control the weight of an inactive individual.