Black & Tan Coonhound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Traits & More

Originating in the United States, the mild-mannered and friendly Black and Tan Coonhound is a well-rounded breed that excels on the field or in the show ring. At home, this playful pooch makes the perfect jogging companion or couch cuddle buddy.

Breed Overview

Due to his strong hunting roots and highly specialized skillset, the Black and Tan Coonhound isn’t considered to be an amazing family dog. However, for experienced owners who adore this hound’s independent spirit and high energy level, the Black and Tan Coonhound will make the perfect canine companion for both work and play.

If you are considering adding a Black and Tan Coonhound to your household, here is everything you need to know about this breed. From what to expect when you first buy a puppy to possible health concerns, we’ve got you covered.

Black & Tan Coonhound Characteristics

Black & Tan Coonhound Puppies

While the Black and Tan Coonhound’s colorful lineage can be traced back to the Talbot hound of centuries ago, he was originally developed by the mountain folks of the Smokies and the Ozarks. Always having his nose to the trail, the Black and Tan Coonhound was utilized to hunt deer, raccoons, mountain lions, and even bears. Due to his unique coloring, this hound is often the most recognizable of the six other coonhound breeds.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pup, the Black and Tan Coonhound may be right up your alley! However, it is always important to buy any purebred dog from a reputable and responsible breeder. While the allure of a cheap price tag may make you take a double-take at those online ads for puppies, the health and behavioral risks your pup may be afflicted with will outweigh the rewards.

Often times, puppy mills will sell Black and Tan Coonhound pups at deeply discounted rates. These facilities are often times only out to make a profit and could care less about the health and happiness of the puppies they sell. According to the US Humane Society, there are more than 10,000 puppy mills in the country, with only 2,024 of them being licensed by the USDA.

These facilities breed and sell over two million puppies every year. And unbeknownst to many buyers, these puppies are littered with issues. Some issues a dog from a puppy mill may develop, including behavioral and health concerns, can include aggression or joint issues, and more.

If you notice that a puppy seems to be very underpriced, is being sold before they are 8 weeks old, do not buy a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy from that breeder. Just always be sure to do research. Look at recommendations from past clients, ask to see where the puppies are kept and request parent breed medical records.

In order to find a quality breeder in your area, you can ask pet care professionals, like a vet, groomer, or trainer, for their recommendations or simply drop by a local dog show and chat with the owners and breeders there. Moreover, you can visit the AKC’s registry of breeders too.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Black and Tan Coonhound 🧠

This exceptionally smart scent hound was bred to work. If you bring a Black and Tan Coonhound home with you, it’s best to always supply him with a task to do!

Loyal and loving, this dog can also be a bit stubborn and headstrong so he would do best with a firm, experienced owner.

Very energetic and super smart, the Black and Tan Coonhound excels in obedience and agility courses.

When he’s out and about outside, it’s always best to keep a watchful eye over him as he’ll stray on his way to find whatever scent his sensitive nose picks up.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The easy-going Black and Tan Coonhound makes a good family pet with the proper socialization and training. However, they do best with experienced dog owners and aren’t very suitable for novices.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds can enjoy the company of other dogs and even the family cat. However, due to their natural need to hunt, you will need to socialize this hound with smaller animals from day one.

Things to Know When Owning a Black and Tan Coonhound

From diet requirements and exercise to training and health conditions, here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic breed.

Food & Diet Requirements

The Black and Tan Coonhound will do best on a high-quality, protein-rich kibble specially formulated for medium-sized canines with loads of energy. We recommend feeing your hound three to five cups per day that are divided into two separate meals.

Exercise 🐕

This breed isn’t meant to be locked up inside for hours on end. In fact, he is one of the few breeds that can live outdoors if it’s not too cold. Just make sure that he has a dry, warm shelter where he can snooze comfortably.

Due to his tendency to wander and roam, always keep a leash on your Black and Tan Coonhound when out and about for neighborhood walks.

Be sure he is getting about an hour of activity daily. This can be divided up into multiple walks, a game of catch in the backyard, or some mental stimulation inside the comfort of your living room.

Training 🦮

Due to their stubborn streak, obedience training is highly recommended for your Black and Tan Coonhound. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to persuade him to do everything you ask.

While firm and consistent training is key, you should never try to boss your Black and Tan Coonhound around. He will begin to deliberately ignore you. As the saying goes, you will catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar. This adage should be applied to training your hound.

Grooming ✂️

The Black and Tan Coonhound breed has a dense, short coat. They require a small amount of grooming, about twice a week, to rid their coats of dead hair and to thoroughly distribute their skin’s natural oils. Clip your pup’s nails and clean his ears as needed.

• Also see: Best Dog Shampoos - Reviews & Top Picks

Health Conditions ❤️

As with all purebred breeds, the Black and Tan Coonhound can be affected by some genetic health conditions that are passed on by his parents. This is why it is always important to buy your puppy from a high-quality breed that takes the necessary precautions to try and prevent these genetic preconditions.

Male vs Female

Despite the male Black and Tan Coonhound being a tad larger than the female, the two genders have very similar personalities.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Black & Tan Coonhound

1. A Unique Howl

The Black and Tan Coonhound has a one-of-a-kind howl that alerts his human hunting companion of his catch.

2. They Have an Impressive Sense of Smell

Due to their amazing sense of smell, Black and Tan Coonhounds are widely used as drug and bomb-sniffing dogs.

3. Born in the USA

The Black and Tan Coonhound was originally developed in the southern United States.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re on the hunt for a well-mannered breed that can keep you company on the trail or on the couch, the Black and Tan Coonhound may be the perfect pooch for you. Intelligent, agile, and energetic, this hound loves an active owner who will provide him with plenty of playtime.

Always ensure that you’re buying a puppy from a reputable and responsible dog breeder in order to vastly reduce your risk of ending up with a puppy littered with health and behavioral issues.

When you purchase a happy and healthy Black and Tan Coonhound, he is guaranteed to be by your side for years to come!

See also:

• Austrian Black & Tan Hound | Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Traits & Facts

• Irish Water Spaniel Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock