Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound dog

Large American scent hound known for its powerful nose and deep, musical voice.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Giant 65 - 110 lbs 23 - 27 inches 10 - 12 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a Black and Tan Coonhound? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Black and Tan Coonhound? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • Regular shedding means you may need to be comfortable with loose hair around the home.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American scent hound developed to track raccoons and other game through difficult country, often at night. Its ancestry includes old European hunting hounds brought to North America, with the Bloodhound and foxhound traditions particularly important to its development. American hunters needed dogs capable of following older scent trails over long distances rather than relying only on speed. The developing Black and Tan became known for a deliberate tracking style, strong endurance, and the deep voice used to keep hunters informed while the dog worked out of sight. When pursuing raccoons, the hound followed the trail until the animal climbed a tree, then remained below and barked to mark its location. The breed could also be used to track larger animals in regions where such hunting was practiced. Black and Tans became sufficiently consistent to be recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1900. In 1945, the American Kennel Club recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound, making it the first coonhound breed admitted to the AKC. Its long ears, powerful nose, loose skin, and unhurried persistence all reflect the influence of traditional scent hounds adapted to a distinctly American form of hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Black and Tan Coonhound tends to shed regularly, so loose hair and routine coat care should be expected.

The Black and Tan Coonhound generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Black and Tan Coonhound tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Black and Tan Coonhound generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Black and Tan Coonhound generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Black and Tan Coonhound may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.