Dog Breeds - American English Coonhound

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth a breed tends to show towards family members or acquaintances varies considerably. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor towards all but their primary caretaker, whereas other breeds are known for their universal friendliness treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest allies.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's capacity for tolerating children's activities and demonstrating patience along with its general suitability for family environments is a significant aspect to consider. It's crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and children regardless of the child's age or their familiarity with dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While supervision during dog interactions and introductions is essential for all breeds some are naturally more predisposed to friendly behavior towards other dogs whether in household settings or public spaces. This innate propensity can significantly influence how smoothly social engagements go with other canines.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed sheds is an important consideration for potential owners. Breeds that are high shedders will necessitate more frequent grooming, including brushing, to manage the shedding. They are also more likely to activate specific allergies and will require more regular vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep homes and clothing hair-free.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, encompassing bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance, vary widely and should be a major consideration based on your time, patience, and budget. Evaluating the level of grooming effort required by a breed is essential. Remember regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is a universal necessity for all dogs to maintain their health and comfort.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The likelihood of a breed to drool significantly can vary, with some dogs being more inclined to leave slobber trails or large damp patches on clothing and furniture. If maintaining a tidy and drool-free environment is important to you, choosing a breed known for minimal drooling might be preferable. This characteristic is crucial to consider for those who are particularly keen on cleanliness and wish to avoid the extra cleanup that can accompany a more drool-prone dog.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
A breed's predisposition towards strangers can range significantly, with some breeds exhibiting reserved or cautious behavior around new people regardless of the setting. In contrast other breeds may show enthusiastic friendliness eagerly greeting every new person they encounter. This variation in temperament towards strangers is an important aspect to consider based on your social lifestyle and preference for how you'd like your dog to interact with people outside of your immediate family.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The eagerness to engage in play activities can differ greatly among breeds with some maintaining a high level of playfulness well into their adult years. These breeds often enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch long after they've outgrown their puppyhood. On the other hand there are breeds that prefer a more laid-back lifestyle content with simply spending time relaxing on the couch alongside their owners. This characteristic is crucial to consider based on your own activity level and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to play and exercise with your dog, ensuring a good match between your lifestyle and your dog's natural tendencies.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The inclination of a breed to alert its owners about the presence of strangers epitomizes an essential trait for consideration particularly for those seeking a vigilant companion. These breeds tend to react to any unfamiliar stimulus be it a delivery person approaching the door or a squirrel darting past a window. Their alertness is a double-edged sword, providing both security and the potential for frequent sometimes unnecessary alerts. However, such breeds often possess the ability to warm up quickly to strangers once they recognize them as non-threats, especially if these newcomers are welcomed by their families. This adaptability makes them suitable for households that appreciate a balance between a protective demeanor and sociability.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The resilience of a breed towards change is key, covering everything from adapting to new living arrangements and noise environments, to adjusting to different weather conditions, daily plans, and various other everyday changes.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The breed of your dog plays a crucial role in how easily it can be trained and its eagerness to learn new skills. Some breeds thrive on owner satisfaction quickly mastering new tasks whereas others cherish their freedom adhering to their own wishes.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental engagement requirements vary from one breed to another. Breeds brimming with energy are always on their toes eagerly anticipating their next escapade. Their days are filled with activities like sprinting, leaping, and engaging in play. On the flip side, breeds with lower energy levels are akin to lounge lovers - content to just relax and drift off into slumber.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and reasons behind vocalizations can significantly vary across dog breeds. Certain breeds are known for their tendency to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound, including the arrival of visitors or a bird landing nearby. These dogs are always ready to alert their owners about their surroundings. Conversely there are breeds that are much more selective with their vocal expressions, choosing to bark only under specific circumstances. Additionally there are breeds that while not barking in the conventional sense are still communicative, using a range of different sounds to make their thoughts and feelings known.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental engagement necessary for keeping a dog breed both content and in prime health varies. Dogs bred with specific purposes in mind often need tasks that challenge their cognitive skills such as making choices, solving puzzles, focusing for extended periods or displaying other intellectual capabilities. Without sufficient mental stimulation they might resort to initiating their own activities to occupy their minds – activities that are unlikely to align with your preferences.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of warmth a breed tends to show towards family members or acquaintances varies considerably. Certain breeds may display a reserved demeanor towards all but their primary caretaker, whereas other breeds are known for their universal friendliness treating all familiar faces as if they were their closest allies.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's capacity for tolerating children's activities and demonstrating patience along with its general suitability for family environments is a significant aspect to consider. It's crucial to always supervise interactions between dogs and children regardless of the child's age or their familiarity with dogs to ensure safety and positive experiences for both.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a breed towards other dogs is an important factor to consider. While supervision during dog interactions and introductions is essential for all breeds some are naturally more predisposed to friendly behavior towards other dogs whether in household settings or public spaces. This innate propensity can significantly influence how smoothly social engagements go with other canines.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair a breed sheds is an important consideration for potential owners. Breeds that are high shedders will necessitate more frequent grooming, including brushing, to manage the shedding. They are also more likely to activate specific allergies and will require more regular vacuuming and use of lint rollers to keep homes and clothing hair-free.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, encompassing bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance, vary widely and should be a major consideration based on your time, patience, and budget. Evaluating the level of grooming effort required by a breed is essential. Remember regardless of the breed, regular nail trimming is a universal necessity for all dogs to maintain their health and comfort.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The likelihood of a breed to drool significantly can vary, with some dogs being more inclined to leave slobber trails or large damp patches on clothing and furniture. If maintaining a tidy and drool-free environment is important to you, choosing a breed known for minimal drooling might be preferable. This characteristic is crucial to consider for those who are particularly keen on cleanliness and wish to avoid the extra cleanup that can accompany a more drool-prone dog.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

A breed's predisposition towards strangers can range significantly, with some breeds exhibiting reserved or cautious behavior around new people regardless of the setting. In contrast other breeds may show enthusiastic friendliness eagerly greeting every new person they encounter. This variation in temperament towards strangers is an important aspect to consider based on your social lifestyle and preference for how you'd like your dog to interact with people outside of your immediate family.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The eagerness to engage in play activities can differ greatly among breeds with some maintaining a high level of playfulness well into their adult years. These breeds often enjoy games like tug-of-war or fetch long after they've outgrown their puppyhood. On the other hand there are breeds that prefer a more laid-back lifestyle content with simply spending time relaxing on the couch alongside their owners. This characteristic is crucial to consider based on your own activity level and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to play and exercise with your dog, ensuring a good match between your lifestyle and your dog's natural tendencies.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The inclination of a breed to alert its owners about the presence of strangers epitomizes an essential trait for consideration particularly for those seeking a vigilant companion. These breeds tend to react to any unfamiliar stimulus be it a delivery person approaching the door or a squirrel darting past a window. Their alertness is a double-edged sword, providing both security and the potential for frequent sometimes unnecessary alerts. However, such breeds often possess the ability to warm up quickly to strangers once they recognize them as non-threats, especially if these newcomers are welcomed by their families. This adaptability makes them suitable for households that appreciate a balance between a protective demeanor and sociability.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The resilience of a breed towards change is key, covering everything from adapting to new living arrangements and noise environments, to adjusting to different weather conditions, daily plans, and various other everyday changes.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The breed of your dog plays a crucial role in how easily it can be trained and its eagerness to learn new skills. Some breeds thrive on owner satisfaction quickly mastering new tasks whereas others cherish their freedom adhering to their own wishes.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental engagement requirements vary from one breed to another. Breeds brimming with energy are always on their toes eagerly anticipating their next escapade. Their days are filled with activities like sprinting, leaping, and engaging in play. On the flip side, breeds with lower energy levels are akin to lounge lovers - content to just relax and drift off into slumber.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental engagement necessary for keeping a dog breed both content and in prime health varies. Dogs bred with specific purposes in mind often need tasks that challenge their cognitive skills such as making choices, solving puzzles, focusing for extended periods or displaying other intellectual capabilities. Without sufficient mental stimulation they might resort to initiating their own activities to occupy their minds – activities that are unlikely to align with your preferences.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black & Tan	018
Black	007
Blue	037
Brown	061
Red	140
Tri-Colored	380
White & Tan	217
Red & White	146

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Ticked	013

About The Breed

These streamlined and dynamic, yet robustly built hounds are tirelessly active from dusk until dawn, in their relentless chase after the cunning raccoon. Witnessing an American English Coonhound dash through the forest bathed in moonlight with its powerful muscles flexing and driven by sheer will as it lets out its spirited nocturnal calls is a slice of paradise for coon hunters. Towering up to 26 inches at the shoulder American English Coonhounds possess a deep chest and a charming approachable face, making them the prized athletes of the hunting world for their remarkable swiftness and stamina. Their muscular bodies are cloaked in a coat that is of medium length and showcases a variety of patterns including some with ticking, snugly fitting their athletic build. The head features a wide scope with a rounded skull complemented by velvety, drooping ears and dark-brown eyes that radiate a gentle warmth and friendliness. American English Coonhounds embody calmness during their off-duty hours but display relentless determination and a bit of stubbornness while tracking their elusive prey. Their instinctual drive for work, the patience required to train them for activities beyond raccoon hunting, and their resonant, melodious bark may present challenges in making them suitable household pets for first-time dog owners. Enthusiasts of American English Coonhounds argue that not providing these dogs with an avenue to express their innate hunting prowess essentially means neglecting the full potential of these magnificent hounds.

Anticipating the Needs of Your American English Coonhound: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Predominantly bred for their role as diligent working dogs, American English Coonhounds are characterized by their robust physical shape, which is integral to their performance. This breed typically enjoys good health. However, conscientious breeders will conduct examinations on their breeding dogs for common health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, to ensure the wellbeing of future generations. It's crucial for their ears to be meticulously inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of excess wax and debris, which can lead to infections. As with other breeds that have large, deep chests, American English Coonhounds are at risk for bloat, a rapid and potentially fatal stomach condition. For this reason, owners should be well-informed about the symptoms of bloat and the necessary steps to take in the event it arises, to safeguard their pets' health. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: No recommended health tests

Grooming

	Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in enhancing the luster and feel of your American English Coonhound's fur from within. Yet to ensure he looks his absolute best routine grooming is essential. His dense sturdy protective fur demands minimal upkeep. By employing a deshedding tool or a grooming glove equipped with rubber tips at least once a week you can significantly diminish his shedding. This practice also spreads natural oils along the hair, imparting a healthy sheen to his coat. Regular nail trims recommended monthly alongside baths every four to six weeks will maintain both his coat and skin in pristine condition while also minimizing any pet odors. It's also advised to check and delicately clean his ears of any buildup or debris weekly ensuring they remain clean and clear.

Exercise

	Given his vibrant energy and a natural inclination towards social interaction, be it with humans or other dogs, the American English Coonhound emerges as a perfect partner for individuals who lead an active lifestyle including running, biking, or hiking enthusiasts. This breed needs ample physical activity to maintain both physical health and emotional well-being. Equipped with a powerful instinct to hunt, this dog must always be on a leash in open areas to prevent him from pursuing captivating scents with his keen sense of smell. To cater to his exercise requirements and allow him some freedom a securely fenced space where he can roam and play is indispensable. Activities like fetching a ball in his own backyard serve as an excellent form of physical workout.

Training

	Ensuring your American English Coonhound undergoes comprehensive early socialization is critical to prevent potential issues such as food or toy possessiveness within your home. A key factor in nurturing a mentally well-balanced dog involves exposing him to a wide array of people and environments fostering positive encounters across diverse scenarios and locations. Characteristically like many hounds these dogs exhibit a dual nature while they display tenacity, boundless energy and a certain degree of stubbornness during the hunt they transform into affectionate and gentle companions in a domestic setting. However given their inexhaustible prey drive the commitment required in their training for activities beyond hunting and their propensity for vocalizing in a resonant sonorous manner they are best suited for individuals with prior experience in dog ownership.

Nutrition

	The American English Foxhound thrives on high-quality dog food that can be either commercially produced or home-prepared under the guidance and approval of your vet. It's important to choose a diet that matches the dog's life stage, be it puppy, adult or senior. A crucial consideration is that a working dog's nutritional needs will vastly differ from those of a more inactive dog. As Coonhounds tend to gain excess weight as they grow older, monitoring their calorie intake and maintaining an optimal weight is essential. While treats can be beneficial for training purposes, excessive use can lead to obesity. It’s also important to know which human foods are safe for dogs and which to avoid. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consulting with your veterinarian is advised. Always ensure that clean and fresh water is readily available for your dog.

Historiography

The American English Coonhound's roots are deeply entrenched in American soil yet its heritage traces back to English lineage. This breed stands as one of the six American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized coonhound varieties meticulously developed by early American settlers to adeptly track and tree the raccoon, a prime source of meat fat and fur in the new world. Historical accounts suggest that the breed evolved from English Foxhounds which were introduced to America in the early 19th century. Fox hunting was a favored activity in the southern regions of Great Britain's American colonies, dating back to the late 17th century. Even as George Washington led the revolutionary forces against British rule he maintained a keen interest in the traditional English horse-and-hound fox hunts. The introduction of English Foxhounds during the developmental years of the United States played a significant role in refreshing the gene pool, which colonial breeders leveraged to cultivate the distinct coonhound breeds that are recognized as uniquely American today.