GROUP: Hound • ORIGIN: United States • ORGINAL FUNCTION: Hunting • COAT: Short • COLOR: Black & Tan • HEIGHT: 24 to 27 in • WEIGHT: 50 to 77 lb • LIFESPAN: 10-12 Years
Description:
The Black and Tan Coonhound are moderately affectionate, quiet, and calm when inside with its family. But once outside these dogs can soon pick-up a scent, as it's retained its strong desire for hunting. These dogs can be gentle with children, although with a dominant personality, a Black and Tan Coonhound isn't as suited with a small child.
History Of The Black and Tan Coonhound:
The Coon hounds are reported as being an all American dog breed. The origins of the breed dates back to the 1700's, and believed to be a result of cross-breeding a Bloodhound and a Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound.
The function of the Black and Tan Coonhound was in the main to hunt large animals, bear for instance, as well as being able to trap small animals, such as a raccoon. A Breed that gained popularity in mountainous regions of the Appalachian, Smokey Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. In a similar way to a Bloodhound, all Black and Tan Coonhound's would track prey by following a trail swiftly with their nose near to the ground, once trapped the prey was contained until its master arrived.
The Coonhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1945. Today's dogs are still popular with hunters in America. Competitive hunt meets are arranged on an annual basis for all coonhounds, which sees the abilities of the Treeing Walkers, English Coonhound, Blue Tick Coonhounds, Plott Hounds, as well as the skills of the Black and Tan Coonhound.
Black and Tan Coonhound Care:
Exercise for these dogs can consist of a couple of long walks each day as well having an opportunity to run outside in a secure area. With its knack of tracking prey, should an untrained Coonhound pick up a strong scent, and not obey a 'stay' command, it could be a long chase to retrieve the dog.
These dogs are able to tolerate cool and warm temperature conditions - all as long as it’s not in the extreme. The Black and Tan Coonhound's can live outside if need be, although will prefer to return to its families home at night. Grooming is a case of a light brushing once a week or so to remove dead hairs.
Health Information:
Health concerns seen with a Black and Tan Coonhound include CHD, ectropion, and hypothyroidism, with hemophilia B seen rarely. Vets recommend that this breed is checked for thyroid, hip, and eye related problems.