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Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Summary
Friendly, Playful, Adaptable, Energetic and Affectionate
Black and Tan Coonhounds are an 'All American' breed and date back to the 18th century, where they were first developed in the Southern States. It's thought they probably came about by crossing Foxhounds with Bloodhounds. The American Kennel Club first recognised the breed in 1945 and they were the first of the Coonhound family to achieve this recognition! At the moment, they rank 91st amongst the breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, which is great for these dogs who originally stood at 123rd just a decade ago!
| Kennel Club Group | Hound |
| Lifespan | 10 - 12 years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 58cm - 68.5cm |
| Weight | Males and Females 25kg - 34kg |
| Coat | Short and Dense |
| Colour | Black, Brown, Fawn or Brindle |
| Eye colour | Hazel, Brown or Amber |
| Common health issues | Hip Dysplasia, Bloat, Congenital Heart Defect |
| Other Names | American Black and Tan Coonhound |
These dogs are very friendly, out-going and absolutely love 'hoomans'. Additionally, they get on very well with children, which makes them a great choice for a family pet. They are fantastic scenthounds but can easily be led astray if they smell something interesting, so make sure you don't let these guys off their lead and that you have a very high and secure fence! After a long day of walks, they love nothing more than chilling with you in bed or on the sofa watching Netflix, just don't leave any of those snacks within swiping distance! They are fairly intelligent so training is normally an easy task. Just be sure to use lots of positive reinforcement and keep sessions short and fun. Overall, they make lovely pets and have the potential to provide you with years of joy!
The Black and Tan Coonhound has decidedly American roots. Thought to be developed in the Ozarks, Smoky, Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountain ranges, the breed is also thought to have a history in the Southern States and can trace its ancestry back to the American Foxhound and the Virginia Foxhound, mixed with a little bloodhound.
Back in the 1700s, the ancestors of this talented canine were companions of Indian Scouts and served their purpose well as trackers, as they were highly skilled with their nose. Later, most likely in the South, The Black and Tan was known for its prowess as a raccoon hunter (or coon as the locals named it), which is possibly where the dog got its name Coonhound.
They are excellent trackers, especially at night, and will trail their quarry for miles before cornering it (usually up a tree if it is a raccoon). Then the dog will howl to let the owner know where it is. As the breed’s name implies, they are black in colour with tan markings.