Black and Tan Coonhound Hunter and Family Dog
An American Dog Breed that Enjoys the Hunt
Nov 8, 2009
The Black and Tan Coonhound is thought to be a descendant of the Talbot Hound and the Bloodhound. According to the AKC, the Talbot Hound goes back as far as the 11th century. In the United States, the Black and Tan Coonhound evolved from the Foxhound, from whence it received its black and tan markings.
Black and Tan Coonhound Characteristics
The AKC recognizes this breed as a working dog and trail and tree hound. It is used primarily for treeing raccoon and the Black and Tan Coonhound seldom, if ever, kills its prey. Its bay changes tone when it trees an animal, which forewarns the hunter. In addition, the AKC says, “The characteristics and courage of the Coonhound also make him proficient on the hunt for deer, bear, mountain lion and other big game.”
Breed Standard for the Black and Tan Coonhound
Males, measured at the shoulder, should be 25 to 27 inches; females 23 to 25. Height is to be in general proportion so the animal does not appear leggy or clumsy. Expression is “alert, friendly and eager.” Teeth form evenly into scissors bite. The neck should be muscular and medium in length.
The shoulders are to be strong, the hindquarters well muscled, the coat short and dense, and the gait should be “easy and graceful.” The black and tan coloring is well distributed and there should be tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the face, the chest, and black pencil-like markings above the toes.
For show purposes, the dog is disqualified if it has a patch of white that covers more than one inch in any direction.
A special note in the AKC breed standard points to the breed’s courage and tenacity in the field: “Inasmuch as this is a hunting breed, scars from honorable wounds shall not be considered faults.”
Caring for the Black and Tan Coonhound
This breed needs regular brushing and ear inspection. The ears on the Black and Tan Coonhound are long and they hang low. This can predispose the dog to ear infections based on the shape of the eardrum. These coonhounds are also prone to drooling, especially as puppies, which can be an aggravation for the immaculate homeowner.
A Breed That is Good with Children and Other Dogs
For the family that is looking for a large breed that gets on well with small children, the Black and Tan Coonhound is an excellent choice. The breed also interacts well with other breeds, so a Black and Tan Coonhound does not create problems in a home with multiple dogs.
The Black and Tan Coonhound excels as a hunter and tracker of large and small game. It also tends to be an asset as opposed to a liability as a family dog.
Sources:
American Kennel Club Official Website
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