Dog Breeds - Black and Tan Coonhound

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a particular breed is inclined to demonstrate towards its family members or other familiar individuals. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved nature towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat all the people they are acquainted with as their closest companions.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of acceptance and composure a breed possesses when it comes to children's conduct, as well as their overall compatibility with families. It is important to note that dogs should be supervised when in the presence of young children or those who have limited experience with dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The level of accommodation and composure exhibited by a breed towards children's behavior, along with their overall suitability for families. It is crucial to emphasize the need for supervision when dogs are around young children or individuals with limited exposure to dogs.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur or hair a breed typically sheds, which influences the frequency of grooming such as brushing. Breeds that shed heavily may require more frequent brushing are more prone to triggering certain allergies and may necessitate regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance. It's essential to take into account the time, patience and budget you have available for such grooming tasks. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool, which can be a significant factor for individuals who value cleanliness. Dogs that leave excessive slobber on one's arm or create large wet spots on clothes might not be the ideal choice for those who prefer a neater environment.
COAT TYPE +
Smooth
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The degree of friendliness exhibited by a breed towards unfamiliar individuals. Certain breeds may be more reserved or cautious around strangers, regardless of the setting, while others will readily embrace new humans whenever they are encountered.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The inclination of a breed to notify you of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more likely to respond to any possible threat, ranging from the delivery person to a squirrel outside the window. They are also prone to becoming friendlier with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The tendency of a breed to alert you to the presence of strangers is another significant characteristic to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds typically display a vigilant nature and are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule and other variations. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, adjusting easily to new situations, while others may find it more challenging to adapt to change.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and a dog's willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Some breeds are inherently eager to please their owners and quickly grasp new commands, making training relatively easy. On the other hand, certain breeds may have a more independent and stubborn nature, which can make training a more challenging endeavor as they tend to prefer doing things on their own terms.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for new adventures. They enjoy activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more content with a calmer lifestyle and tend to be happy lounging around and snoozing. Matching a dog's exercise needs with your own lifestyle and preferences is essential for their overall well-being and behavior.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency with which a breed vocalizes, whether through barks, howls, or other sounds. Some breeds may have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or react to various stimuli like birds outside the window while others are more selective and only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that certain barkless breeds may still communicate vocally using other sounds to express themselves.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The frequency with which a breed vocalizes, whether through barks, howls, or other sounds, can vary. Some breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or react to various stimuli such as birds outside the window. They may be more prone to vocalize in different situations. On the other hand, some breeds may be more selective in their vocalizations and only bark in specific circumstances. It's important to note that even barkless breeds may find alternative ways to communicate and express themselves through other sounds.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a particular breed is inclined to demonstrate towards its family members or other familiar individuals. Certain breeds may exhibit a reserved nature towards everyone except their owner, whereas other breeds treat all the people they are acquainted with as their closest companions.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of acceptance and composure a breed possesses when it comes to children's conduct, as well as their overall compatibility with families. It is important to note that dogs should be supervised when in the presence of young children or those who have limited experience with dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The level of accommodation and composure exhibited by a breed towards children's behavior, along with their overall suitability for families. It is crucial to emphasize the need for supervision when dogs are around young children or individuals with limited exposure to dogs.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur or hair a breed typically sheds, which influences the frequency of grooming such as brushing. Breeds that shed heavily may require more frequent brushing are more prone to triggering certain allergies and may necessitate regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat maintenance. It's essential to take into account the time, patience and budget you have available for such grooming tasks. Additionally, it's worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool, which can be a significant factor for individuals who value cleanliness. Dogs that leave excessive slobber on one's arm or create large wet spots on clothes might not be the ideal choice for those who prefer a neater environment.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Smooth

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The degree of friendliness exhibited by a breed towards unfamiliar individuals. Certain breeds may be more reserved or cautious around strangers, regardless of the setting, while others will readily embrace new humans whenever they are encountered.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The inclination of a breed to notify you of the presence of strangers. These breeds are more likely to respond to any possible threat, ranging from the delivery person to a squirrel outside the window. They are also prone to becoming friendlier with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The tendency of a breed to alert you to the presence of strangers is another significant characteristic to consider. Certain breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds typically display a vigilant nature and are likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle changes in various aspects of life, including living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedule and other variations. Some breeds are more resilient and flexible, adjusting easily to new situations, while others may find it more challenging to adapt to change.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and a dog's willingness to learn new things vary among breeds. Some breeds are inherently eager to please their owners and quickly grasp new commands, making training relatively easy. On the other hand, certain breeds may have a more independent and stubborn nature, which can make training a more challenging endeavor as they tend to prefer doing things on their own terms.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of exercise and mental stimulation required by a breed. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and always ready for new adventures. They enjoy activities such as running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. On the other hand, low-energy breeds are more content with a calmer lifestyle and tend to be happy lounging around and snoozing. Matching a dog's exercise needs with your own lifestyle and preferences is essential for their overall well-being and behavior.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The frequency with which a breed vocalizes, whether through barks, howls, or other sounds, can vary. Some breeds have a tendency to bark at every passer-by or react to various stimuli such as birds outside the window. They may be more prone to vocalize in different situations. On the other hand, some breeds may be more selective in their vocalizations and only bark in specific circumstances. It's important to note that even barkless breeds may find alternative ways to communicate and express themselves through other sounds.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black & Tan	018

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large, athletic breed known for its hunting abilities during the night. They have a friendly and easygoing nature, enjoying the company of others. While they can be snoozy by the fireside, they exhibit great tenacity when tracking raccoons. These hounds have a highly sensitive nose long velvety ears, and a sweet disposition. Their coal-black coat is highlighted with rich tan accents, including "pumpkin seeds" above their expressive eyes. They are physically strong dogs, with males reaching a significant height of up to 27 inches at the shoulder and displaying effortless and eager strides.

Black and Tan Coonhounds are sociable by nature, and when left alone, they may become vocal and express their loneliness through loud and mournful "music." They can easily fit into an active family lifestyle, but they also have the tendency to hog the sofa for long periods. Due to their hound instincts, it's important to have a strong leash and a sturdy fence to prevent them from pursuing prey, as even a passing squirrel can quickly awaken their prey drive. While they make excellent companions for the right owner, it's important to consider whether the Black and Tan Coonhound's hound traits align with your lifestyle.

What to Expect When Caring for a Black and Tan Coonhound

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs, as sentient beings, require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health, emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Black and Tan 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

	The Black and Tan Coonhound is generally considered a sturdy breed with relatively few health problems. However, responsible breeders take precautions to ensure the health of their breeding stock and typically screen for conditions such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and thyroid issues. It is important to obtain a puppy from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their dogs. Routine care is also essential for the Black and Tan Coonhound. Checking their ears on a weekly basis for any signs of infection is recommended. Like all breeds, regular teeth brushing is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. It's important to note that individual dogs within a breed can vary in terms of health issues and care requirements. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and a safe environment are crucial for keeping any dog including the Black and Tan Coonhound, healthy and happy throughout their lifespan. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Black and Tan Coonhound has a short, dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. To manage the shedding and keep the coat healthy, weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove is recommended. This helps remove dead hair before it ends up on furniture or carpets. Additionally, regular grooming sessions promote new hair growth and distribute the natural oils throughout the coat, maintaining its health and shine. Occasional baths are necessary to keep the Black and Tan Coonhound clean and prevent the development of a doggy odor. It's important to use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing as excessive bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Regular nail trimming is essential for all breeds including the Black and Tan Coonhound. Long nails can cause discomfort and difficulty in walking and running. Trimming should be done carefully to avoid cutting into the quick, or alternatively a professional groomer or veterinarian can assist with nail trimming if you're unsure. Proper grooming practices, including brushing, occasional bathing and nail trimming are necessary to keep the Black and Tan Coonhound's coat and overall hygiene in good condition.

Exercise

	Black and Tan Coonhounds require a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. This can be achieved through activities such as play sessions in a secure yard or long walks. It's important to note that the strong hunting instincts of Black and Tans make it necessary to have a tall and sturdy fence in the yard to prevent them from chasing after small animals. During walks, they should always be kept on a leash to ensure their safety. Engaging in hunting activities can be an excellent option for exercise and mental stimulation for Black and Tan Coonhounds. They have a natural talent for hunting and can be trained to track and assist in hunting various game, such as squirrels or deer, depending on local regulations and laws. Participating in coonhound field events, where they can showcase their skills and instincts, is also enjoyable for them. It’s important to note that every dog is an individual, and their exercise needs may vary. Consulting with a veterinarian or a professional trainer can help determine the appropriate exercise routine and activities for your Black and Tan Coonhound based on their age, health, and individual preferences.

Training

	Indeed, early socialization and puppy training classes are strongly recommended for Black and Tan Coonhounds, just as with any other breed. These hounds are intelligent, affectionate and devoted to their families. However, they also possess an independent streak which can make training a bit different compared to breeds that are more focused on obeying commands. While Black and Tans can be trained, it's important to understand that they may not always exhibit blind obedience. They are more likely to comply with commands when they understand the reasoning behind them or feel motivated to do so. Once they learn a specific behavior or command, they tend to stick with it for a lifetime, so it's crucial to train them correctly from the outset. Black and Tan Coonhounds have a strong desire to be with their families. Leaving them alone in a yard for extended periods without proper mental and physical stimulation, can lead to boredom and frustration, causing them to vocalize their dissatisfaction loudly. To prevent this, it's important to provide regular companionship, engagement and enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent excessive vocalization.

Nutrition

	The Black and Tan Coonhound should be fed a high-quality dog food, whether it's a commercially manufactured option or a homemade diet prepared under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. It is essential to choose a diet that is suitable for the dog's specific life stage, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior. Monitoring calorie consumption and weight levels is important for Black and Tan Coonhounds, as some individuals are prone to weight gain. It's crucial to be mindful of their calorie intake and ensure they maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity-related health issues. While treats can be valuable for training purposes, it is crucial not to overdo it, as excessive treats can lead to obesity. Understanding which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided is also important to prevent any potential harm. If there are any concerns or questions about the dog's weight or diet, consulting with a veterinarian is recommended for professional advice.

Historiography

The raccoon holds a unique place in American history, providing settlers with a valuable source of meat, fur, and fat as they forged a new life on the untamed frontier.

The frontiersmen who ventured into the western and southern territories after the American Revolution faced a challenge when it came to hunting raccoons. The existing dog breeds, such as foxhounds used for traditional English-style foxhunts, were ill-suited for the task. The resourceful frontiersmen decided to create a new breed better equipped for hunting raccoons.

Through a combination of European hounds, including foxhounds and possibly Bloodhounds, the frontiersmen developed the uniquely American coonhound. These hounds were adept at trailing raccoon scent through moonlit woods and swamps, ultimately "treeing" the raccoon by cornering it up a tree. Along the way, the hounds would express their excitement in a clear, musical voice, marking their location for the hunters armed with rifles.

The activity of treeing raccoons with hounds came to be known as a "nite" hunt, intentionally misspelled as a nod to the unrefined backwoodsmen who played a significant role in developing the Black and Tan Coonhound and other coonhound breeds. The legendary explorer, huntsman, and "cooner" Daniel Boone was among the early enthusiasts of coonhounds, and his home state of Kentucky became a prominent hub for coonhound breeding.

In 1945, the Black and Tan Coonhound earned the distinction of being the first coonhound breed to be registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Today, these coonhounds and their coonhound kinfolk continue to be treasured as America's own dogs, with a rich history deeply intertwined with the American frontier spirit.