American English Coonhound Dog Breed: Characteristics, Information & Facts
The American English Coonhound: A Hunter’s Best Friend
| Characteristic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Size (inches) | 22-27 (male), 21-25 (female) |
| Weight (lbs) | 45-75 |
| Life Span | 11-12 years |
| Coat Type | Medium-length |
| Coat Colors | Tricolor, red |
| Energy Level | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Apartment Living | Not recommended |
Brief History of American English Coonhound Breed
The roots of the American English Coonhound can be traced back to the 17th century, when European hunting dogs were brought to America. Over time, these dogs interbred with native breeds and became specialized for specific types of hunting. The American English Coonhound was developed in the southern United States, specifically for hunting raccoons and other small game.
These dogs were initially bred from various strains of Foxhounds and Bloodhounds, leading to a hardy and versatile breed that could track game over long distances and in varied terrain. In 1945, the United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed as a distinct type.
Purpose of the Breed
The American English Coonhound was designed specifically for trailing and treeing raccoons at night. These dogs have an excellent sense of smell and are able to track their quarry for miles through woods and fields. Once they locate their prey, they will bark loudly to alert their human hunting companions who then come to shoot or catch the animal.
While coon hunting may not be as popular today as it once was, many owners still enjoy using their American English Coonhounds for this purpose. Others appreciate them as loyal pets who are always up for a good adventure in the great outdoors.
In addition to their exceptional tracking abilities, these dogs are known for their stamina, agility, intelligence, trainability, loyalty and affectionate nature towards their human families making them wonderful house pets as well. They are energetic yet calm dogs that do well with children but need plenty of exercise throughout each day.
Whether you’re searching for a skilled hunting companion or simply looking for an active family pet that loves being outside with you; an American English Coonhound is a breed you should consider. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into these amazing dogs’ physical characteristics, temperament, and health concerns.
American English Coonhound Incrdiebale Hunting Dogs
American English Coonhounds are exceptional hunting dogs known for their impressive skills and abilities in the field. With their keen sense of smell, tracking prowess, and endurance, they excel in the art of hunting. Let’s delve deeper into why American English Coonhounds make excellent hunting companions.
- Superior scenting ability: American English Coonhounds possess an extraordinary sense of smell, which is critical for tracking and trailing game. Their highly developed noses enable them to detect and follow scent trails with remarkable precision.
- Exceptional tracking skills: These hunting dogs have an innate talent for tracking. Their determination and focus enable them to pursue game relentlessly, regardless of challenging terrains or dense underbrush. American English Coonhounds are renowned for their unwavering commitment to tracking and treeing raccoons.
- Endurance and stamina: When it comes to hunting, stamina and endurance are vital attributes, and American English Coonhounds excel in both areas. Their robust physical constitution allows them to endure long hours in the field without tiring easily. This endurance enables them to sustain the chase until their quarry is cornered or treed.
- Natural hunting instincts: American English Coonhounds possess innate hunting instincts that have been honed through generations of selective breeding. These instincts make them intuitive hunters, capable of making split-second decisions in the pursuit of game. Their natural hunting abilities make them well-suited for a variety of hunting scenarios.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Weight
The American English Coonhound is a breed of dog that is medium to large in size. Per the AKC (American Kennel Club) standards, it should weigh between 45-75 pounds and stand around 21-27 inches tall at the shoulder. However, there can be variations in size and weight depending on the individual dog’s genetics.
Coat Color and Texture
The coat of an American English Coonhound is typically short, dense, and glossy. The breed comes in a variety of colors including black, white, redtick, bluetick, tricolour (black-white-tan), tan-white & red-white with some combination of these colors being common. Ticking – which looks like small flecks scattered over the coat – is often seen as well.
The color combinations are essential to identify each other when they work in a pack during hunting. The coat requires minimal grooming only occasional brushing due to its short length.
Facial Features
The face of an American English Coonhound is quite distinctive from other breeds. They have long ears that hang down from their head to their shoulders; these ears help them pick up scents while tracking prey or game. They also have large brown eyes that convey a friendly expression & typically set apart by some loose skin folds below the eyes’ lower eyelids that add to their hound-like appearance.
Their face features are vital for their hunting abilities as they allow for a greater range of hearing and smelling prowess than many other dog breeds; this makes them exceptional hunters for tracking scents over vast distances. American English Coonhounds are defined by their medium to large size with a short dense coat available in various colors with distinctive facial features setting them apart from other breeds.
Temperament and Personality Traits
| Trait | Rating |
|---|---|
| Playfulness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Loyalty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Stubbornness | ⭐⭐ |
| Responds well to training | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Good with children | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Good for protection | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Good with other animals | ⭐⭐ |
Loyal and Affectionate Nature
If you’re searching for a breed loyal to its owners, look no further than the American English Coonhound. They are known to be extremely devoted to their masters and show an almost unbreakable bond with them.
This breed is both friendly and affectionate, but they will always choose their owners over strangers. If you are looking for a furry companion who will stay by your side through thick and thin, then the American English Coonhound is the perfect match.
Energetic and Playful Disposition
The American English Coonhound breed is known for their energetic and playful nature, making them ideal as house pets for active families. They have an endless supply of energy, which makes them great companions for children who love to play outside.
When given adequate exercise opportunities like long walks or runs in open spaces, they can help keep your family fit too! But be prepared to engage in lots of playtime activities with this energetic dog.
Intelligence and Trainability
The American English Coonhound is not only highly intelligent but also very trainable due to their eagerness to please their owners. They do well with positive reinforcement training methods like treats or praise when learning new tricks or commands.
Obedience training early on in life can prevent negative behaviors from developing later on so it’s essential that they receive consistent training as puppies. Furthermore, because of this breed’s hunting instincts, it’s important that they are socialized early on with other dogs so they don’t become territorial or aggressive towards other animals later in life.
With proper socialization and consistent training, you can ensure your American English Coonhound grows into a well-behaved dog that’s always eager to learn new things. The American English Coonhound is an amazing breed with a loyal and affectionate nature, an energetic and playful disposition, high intelligence, and trainability.
This breed loves to please their owners and has a natural desire to hunt, making them ideal for outdoor sports enthusiasts. A socialized American English Coonhound that receives early obedience training will become a lifelong companion that your family will cherish forever.
Health Concerns
| Issue | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | ⭐⭐ |
| Ear Infections | ⭐⭐ |
| Bloat/Gastric Torsion | ⭐ |
| Eye Problems | ⭐⭐ |
| Hypothyroidism | ⭐ |
When it comes to the health of an American English Coonhound, there are a few issues that are common for this breed. One of the most frequent problems is hip dysplasia, which can cause discomfort and even lameness in severe cases.
This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly and can lead to arthritis over time. If you think your dog may have hip dysplasia, your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and x-rays to diagnose the condition.
Another issue that can affect American English Coonhounds is ear infections. Their long droopy ears mean that air circulation is limited and moisture can easily get trapped inside, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.
To avoid ear infections, you should clean your dog’s ears at least once a week using a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Obesity is also a concern in this breed due to their high energy levels and love for food.
Overfeeding or lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, which puts extra strain on their joints and increases their risk for other health problems like diabetes or heart disease. So be sure to give them enough opportunity to play outdoors or take them on walks regularly.
Tips for maintaining a healthy American English Coonhound
To keep your American English Coonhound healthy, it’s important to establish good habits early on in their life. One key step is ensuring they receive regular veterinary check-ups every year, so any potential health issues can be identified before becoming more serious. A balanced diet is also crucial for maintaining optimal health in this breed.
Speak with your veterinarian about the best food options that will provide appropriate nutrition while avoiding excess calories or processed ingredients that could lead to weight gain or digestive issues. Regular exercise is equally important for keeping an American English Coonhound healthy both physically and mentally.
They require plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore their surroundings. Outdoor activities like hiking or swimming can be great ways to provide both exercise and mental stimulation for your dog.
Establishing a routine grooming schedule is key to maintaining the health and appearance of your American English Coonhound. Brushing their coat regularly will remove loose hair and dirt, while trimming their nails regularly will prevent overgrowth that could lead to discomfort or even infection.
Training and Exercise Needs
| Need | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exercise per day (hours) | 1-2 hours |
| Trainability | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fetch | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Exercise Needs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Training Tips for New Owners
American English Coonhounds are intelligent dogs with a strong desire to please their owners. However, they can also be independent and stubborn at times, which makes training a challenge. The key is to start early and be consistent in your approach.
One of the first things you should do is establish yourself as the pack leader. You can do this by setting rules and boundaries right from the start.
For example, if you don’t want your dog on the furniture, make sure they know that from day one. Positive reinforcement is also important when it comes to training an American English Coonhound.
These dogs respond well to praise and treats, so use them liberally when your dog does something right. Another important aspect of training is socialization.
American English Coonhounds can be aloof around strangers if not properly socialized as puppies. Introduce them to new people, places, and other animals early on so they learn how to behave in different situations.
Exercise Requirements to Keep Them Healthy
American English Coonhounds are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise each day. If they don’t get enough physical activity, they can become bored and destructive. One of the best ways to exercise an American English Coonhound is by taking them for a long walk or run each day.
These dogs were bred for hunting so they have plenty of stamina. In addition to walking or running, American English Coonhounds also enjoy playing fetch or other games that involve chasing after objects.
Just make sure you have plenty of room for them to run around! If you have a yard, make sure it’s securely fenced so your dog can run around safely off-leash.
And don’t forget about mental stimulation! Puzzle toys or obedience training sessions can help keep your American English Coonhound mentally sharp and engaged.
Overall, American English Coonhounds are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. But with the right training and care, they can make wonderful companions for active families.
Grooming
| Need | Rating |
|---|---|
| Grooming Required (per week) | Low maintenance, occasional brushing needed. |
| Shedding | Moderate shedding. |
| Drooling Potential | Low drooling. |
Grooming an American English Coonhound is relatively straightforward. Here are some grooming tips for this breed:
- Brushing: American English Coonhounds have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Use a soft-bristled brush or a grooming mitt to brush their coat at least once or twice a week.
- Bathing: Coonhounds are generally low-maintenance when it comes to bathing. They have a natural oiliness to their coat that helps repel dirt. However, if your Coonhound gets particularly dirty or starts to develop an odor, you can give them a bath using a mild dog shampoo. Avoid over-bathing, as it can strip their coat of essential oils.
- Ears: Coonhounds, like many hound breeds, have long, floppy ears. It’s important to regularly check and clean their ears to prevent ear infections. Use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and gently wipe the inside of their ears with a cotton ball or a soft cloth. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
- Nail Care: Trim your Coonhound’s nails regularly to keep them at a manageable length. Overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for the dog and may cause issues with walking. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder and be cautious not to cut into the quick, which is a sensitive area within the nail.
- Dental Hygiene: Just like with any dog breed, dental hygiene is crucial for Coonhounds. Brush their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral health. Additionally, providing dental chews or toys can help reduce tartar buildup.
Famous American English Coonhounds
Brief History of Famous Dogs
The American English Coonhound breed has been around for centuries, and throughout its history, there have been some truly remarkable dogs. One of the most famous American English Coonhounds was a dog named “Tennessee Lead,” who was bred in Tennessee in the late 1800s. This dog is credited with being one of the founding dogs of the breed and was known for his exceptional tracking abilities.
Another famous American English Coonhound was a dog named “Rebecca’s Bullet,” who won the prestigious Grand American Coon Hunt in 1957. This dog was known for her speed and endurance, and she quickly became a legend in hunting circles.
Famous Dogs in Popular Culture
The American English Coonhound has also made appearances in popular culture throughout the years. In the classic Disney movie “The Fox and the Hound,” one of the main characters is an American English Coonhound named Copper.
Copper is portrayed as a loyal companion to his owner, but he also struggles with his innate hunting instincts when he befriends a fox. Another famous appearance by an American English Coonhound was in the popular television show “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Bo Duke’s faithful companion on many adventures throughout Hazzard County was an American English Coonhound named Flash.
Flash became an iconic symbol of loyalty and adventure to fans of the show. In recent times, another famous American English Coonhound has emerged – this time on social media.
A dog named “Harvey” has gained fame online for his unique facial expressions and lovable personality. Harvey’s owner shares pictures and videos of him regularly on social media platforms like Instagram, where he has gained thousands of followers.
Overall, it is clear that the American English Coonhound is a breed that has left its mark on both history and pop culture. From legendary hunting dogs to beloved television and movie characters, the American English Coonhound continues to capture the hearts of people all around the world.
American English Coonhounds FAQ
Are American English Coonhounds good family dogs?
American English Coonhounds can make good family dogs. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families. However, it’s important to note that they have a strong hunting instinct and may require proper socialization and training to coexist peacefully with other pets or small children.
Do English Coonhounds bark a lot?
English Coonhounds are known to be vocal dogs and they have a tendency to bark. They have a distinctive bay, or howl, which they use when they are excited or on the hunt. Training and providing them with mental and physical stimulation can help manage their barking tendencies.
What are American English Coonhounds used for?
American English Coonhounds are primarily used as hunting dogs, specifically for tracking and treeing raccoons. They have a keen sense of smell and excellent endurance, which makes them well-suited for these tasks. Additionally, they can also be competitive in coonhound events and trials.
Are American English Coonhounds smart?
American English Coonhounds are generally considered to be intelligent dogs. They possess problem-solving abilities and are quick learners. However, they can also be independent-minded and may require consistent and patient training methods that cater to their specific needs.
What are some negatives about Coonhounds?
While Coonhounds have many positive traits, there are a few potential negatives to consider. They are known for their high energy levels and may require ample exercise and mental stimulation. They can be strong-willed and may exhibit stubbornness at times, requiring consistent and patient training. Additionally, their barking tendencies and strong hunting instincts may not be suitable for all living situations.
Can a Coonhound be a house dog?
Yes, Coonhounds can adapt to living indoors as house dogs. However, it’s important to note that they are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Providing them with a balanced routine of physical activity and mental engagement is essential to keep them happy and well-behaved indoors.
How long can Coonhounds be left alone?
Coonhounds are social dogs and may not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and may become anxious or develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It’s recommended to provide them with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction to prevent behavioral issues.
Can Coonhounds be off-leash?
Coonhounds have a strong prey drive and may be prone to wandering off when off-leash. It can be challenging to reliably recall them, especially in distracting environments. It’s generally recommended to keep Coonhounds on a leash or within a secure, fenced area to prevent them from chasing after scents or game.
At what age do Coonhounds calm down?
Coonhounds can be a high-energy breed, and their individual temperament and energy levels can vary. Generally, they may start to exhibit a calmer demeanor and mellow down around 2 to 3 years of age as they mature. However, it’s important to continue providing them with regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout their lives to maintain their well-being.
Why do Coonhounds sleep in a ball?
Coonhounds, like many other dogs, may sleep in a ball position as a way to conserve body heat and feel secure. This curled-up position helps them retain warmth and protects their vital organs. It’s a natural instinct passed down from their ancestors and is often seen in dogs as a way to regulate body temperature and provide a sense of comfort.
Do Coonhounds like to cuddle?
Coonhounds can enjoy cuddling and affection from their owners, but their desire for physical contact
Are Coonhounds prone to separation anxiety?
Coonhounds, like many other breeds, can be prone to separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with their families and may become anxious or distressed when left alone for extended periods. Proper socialization, gradual desensitization to being alone, and providing them with mental stimulation and activities can help prevent or manage separation anxiety in Coonhounds.
Are American English Coonhounds good hunting dogs?
Yes, American English Coonhounds are highly regarded as excellent hunting dogs. They are specifically bred for their hunting abilities, primarily for tracking and treeing raccoons. These dogs possess exceptional scenting skills, endurance, and determination, which are crucial traits for successful hunting. American English Coonhounds are known for their distinctive baying voice, which helps hunters locate and identify their position while on the hunt. Their athleticism and agility make them well-suited for various types of hunting terrain.
American English coonhounds cost
The cost for one of these pur breed dogs can be anywhere from $800 – $2,000 or even more. It depends on where the breeder is from, the genetics and type of dog.
Conclusion
Summary of key points
The American English Coonhound breed is a loyal, friendly, and affectionate companion with a playful disposition. They have a muscular body and are medium to large in size.
Their coat comes in various colors like redtick, bluetick, tricolored or black and tan. These dogs are intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn at times which requires patience from their owners during training.
They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy which includes long walks or hikes. It’s important to note that these dogs may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia or ear infections so regular visits to the vet are necessary.
Final thoughts on the American English Coonhound breed
American English Coonhounds make great family pets due to their loving nature towards humans, especially children.
They also have a strong hunting instinct, making them great companions for hunting enthusiasts.
If you’re considering adopting an American English Coonhound into your home, it’s important to remember that they require patience and consistency during training due to their stubbornness.
However, with the right approach and love they will become loyal members of your family.
The American English Coonhound breed is a wonderful addition for those seeking an energetic yet loving companion who loves spending time outdoors with their humans.
