Black and Tan Coonhound
Discover the Black and Tan Coonhound's size, hunting instincts, and health needs, from raccoon tracking to managing their distinctive baying voice.
10 to 12 years is the expected longevity for a Black and Tan Coonhound, with a litter size averaging eight puppies. This lifespan is generally solid, though the breed carries specific risks for hip dysplasia, ear infections, and a unique paralysis condition linked to raccoon encounters.
Size and physical build
The breed is a substantial scent hound, with males standing 25 to 27 inches (64–69 cm) and females slightly smaller at 23 to 25 inches (58–64 cm) according to the FCI standard. The United Kennel Club offers a slightly broader range, allowing males from 23 to 27 inches and females from 21 to 26 inches. Weight guidelines from the UKC place males between 50 and 75 pounds (23–34 kg) and females between 40 and 65 pounds (18–29 kg). The coat is short, dense, and glossy, featuring black and tan markings similar to a Doberman or Rottweiler. The ears are long, wide, and thin, set low and far back, hanging well down the neck, while the tail is carried at a right angle when the dog is alert or excited.
Hunting instinct and vocalization
This breed runs its game entirely by scent, developed from crosses between the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. While they are primarily used for raccoon hunting, their courage and tracking ability make them proficient for deer, bear, wolf, and cougar, though many US states restrict hunting antlered animals with dogs. The dog's most distinctive feature is its bark, a loud, baying deep howl that is often recognizable to owners from a great distance. Each hound has its own voice, and once the dog starts trailing, its strong hunting instinct can make it difficult to turn it away from the scent.
Temperament and daily behavior
Indoors, the Black and Tan Coonhound is mellow, amiable, calm, and unobtrusive, making it a suitable pet. However, its independent and stubborn nature means it may be too aloof for a playful child, even though it is gentle and tolerant. Outdoors, the hunting instinct takes over, and the dog can wander if it catches a scent, so a safe area is mandatory. They are reserved with strangers and may bay or howl in their presence. While they can run for miles, they are usually content with a moderate jog or long walk, with occasional field excursions.
Health risks and care requirements
Coonhounds are generally healthy, but they face specific medical challenges. They are susceptible to "coonhound paralysis," or acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP), which is often caused by contact with a raccoon's saliva through a scratch or bite. This condition causes progressive muscle atrophy, starting in the rear legs and potentially affecting respiratory muscles, similar to Guillain-Barre syndrome in humans. They are also predisposed to atopy and allergic dermatitis, with studies showing an 8.33% prevalence compared to 1.08% in mixed breeds. Regular care involves occasional brushing, wiping the face to manage drooling, and checking ears frequently to prevent infections.
Historical recognition
The breed descends from the Talbot Hound of medieval England, tracing through the Bloodhound and Foxhound to the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. In 1945, it became the first of the six coonhound breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, joining the Hound Group. The other breeds, including the Redbone, Plott, Bluetick, American English, and Treeing Walker Coonhounds, were not recognized until the 2010s. The Black and Tan Coonhound was the first coonhound registered with the United Kennel Club in 1900, establishing it as a foundational American hunting breed.