Black and Tan Coonhound: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

As the name gives away, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a hound dog that does just as well in the family home as they do in the barn. These dogs are adventurers by heart and absolutely love the great outdoors. They could spend all of their time roaming around the countryside and never get bored!

These dogs have strong hunting roots, so their prey instincts will be in full drive. However, they are otherwise extremely laid back and calm companions that are very devoted to their human pack members.

Breed Overview

You could say that the Black and Tan Coonhound is an example of an easygoing old guy you don’t want to cross. These dogs are very incredible judges of character and tend to give out quite a few chances before they’ve had enough.

These dogs have the patience that makes them incredible with children and the highly trainable nature that helps them become the best working companions.

Black and Tan Coonhound Characteristics

Black and Tan Coonhound Puppies

Black and Tan Coonhound puppies will have big, droopy ears, adorable wrinkles, and mopey expressions. There’s no denying that these puppies certainly could win the contest for how cute they are.

Oftentimes, the activity level of a puppy can turn someone off to the whole idea of having them. On top of being insanely adorable, they are very easy to manage puppies. They are highly intelligent and very lovable. They will seek out contact with other animals and people.

These dogs will likely enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, but it might not be the same from dog to dog. Some of them will love toys and chasing, while others prefer hikes and scavenger hunts.

Because this is a very large breed of dog, they grow incredibly quickly. It is important to have the correct supplies as your Black and Tan Coonhound grows.

Black and Tan Coonhound Origin & History

The Black and Tan Coonhound derives from the now-extinct Talbot hound. The dog likely has influences from the Bloodhound, Foxhound, and Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. The Black and Tan Coonhound was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1945, categorized in the hound group.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound gets the same reputation as many of the other hounds, chill, laid-back, and always ready for a nap. These dogs tend to be very gentle and good-natured, making them perfect for families and work purposes alike.

You can have a very well-rounded dog that is intelligent enough to learn a wide variety of commands and concepts while maintaining a family-friendly demeanor. These dogs are typically receptive to training because they are eager to please their owner.

At times, some of them can exhibit a bit of a stubborn streak, but it is manageable through consistent guidance. The Black and Tan Coonhound has much potential as a hunting dog, serving the breed purpose.

So, if you’re wanting a fantastic companion that makes an excellent work dog but doubles as a fabulous family protector, the Black and Tan Coonhound checks all the boxes.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Black and Tan Coonhound can make an amazing family pet, permitting that you have the correct environment for this breed. Even though these are relaxed, family pets that tend to take a very chill approach to life, they still require extensive exercise, and have a very strong desire to roam.

These dogs tend to get along very well with strangers, but this can vary from dog to dog. Either they will act excited or aloof; it just depends on the dog! Some Black and Tan Coonhounds certainly only have eyes for their owner.

Because they have such an impeccable sense of smell, they pick up on things in their environments that other canines might not. Due to their superior senses, the desire to go off on their own to find what it is they’re smelling is greater than other dogs.

Because of this, they are at a bigger risk of running off. They might get lost on the trail and realize that they don’t know where they are. It is incredibly important to have a fenced-in yard that is completely secure and difficult to dig or climb out of.

Black and Tan Coonhounds are incredibly determined when they set their mind to something, even if that something is to escape.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Black and Tan Coonhounds usually get along with other dogs. In fact, they love having a partner in crime to experience life with. So, if you have a Black and Tan Coonhound, it is important to ensure they get the proper socialization, even if you don’t have another animal yourself.

When it comes to smaller pets, Black and Tan Coonhounds can usually get along with cats if they are raised alongside them. However, with strange cats and other animals, these hounds might chase them down as part of their breed instinct.

No dog should never be left unsupervised with smaller or caged animals—but this is especially true of hunting breeds like the Black and Tan Coonhound.

Things to Know When Owning a Black and Tan Coonhound:

Here are some more important things to know when caring for this breed.

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a hardy breed. They require a substantial calorie intake daily. You should always feed your Black and Tan Coonhound a protein-rich, high-quality dog food.

Because the Black and Tan Coonhound can suffer from certain structural health conditions, like hip dysplasia, it is important to buy them a dog food explicitly designed for large breeds. These types of recipes generally contain ingredients like chondroitin and glucosamine to nourish the joints and keep them healthy.

Exercise 🐕

Your Black and Tan Coonhound will need quite a bit of exercise. Even though they tend to be pretty slow-paced around the home, they will need plenty of time in a day to expel their energy. As you gathered so far, your Black and Tan Coonhound will love to sniff out all sorts of smelly curiosities.

So be prepared to cater to this desire. Allowing your Black and Tan Coonhound space to roam is non-negotiable. This is part of the breed standard and cannot be curbed or compromised for. You should always have the appropriate means of allowing your Black and Tan Coonhound to explore their natural instincts, even if you don’t live directly in the country.

You should definitely take them on long hikes, trails, and to all sorts of other outdoor spaces. They will also very much enjoy the dog park and other fun activities outside.

Training 🎾

Black and Tan Coonhounds are very straightforward to train and respond well to many different styles of training. Even though a Black and Tan Coonhound is capable of learning complex and tricky concepts, they are gentle and manageable enough for an experienced owner.

Your Black and Tan Coonhound should have no problems learning basic concepts like simple commands and potty training. These dogs are easily inspired by treats and affection, so they shouldn’t be too hard to convince.

When it comes to more complicated training, these dogs certainly make exquisite candidates because they tend to be very agreeable and not headstrong or discombobulated.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming your Black and Tan Coonhound should be a breeze! These dogs do shed continually year-round, but they are generally very easy to maintain. They have short, coarse coats that require minimal brushing. A couple of passes once a week should suffice.

Your Black and Tan Coonhound might have that traditional hound smell. If you find that it’s problematic, you can use wipes or dry shampoo between baths. Try not to over-bathe, as this can worsen the issue, causing irritation and dryness.

Realistically, these are utility dogs built for the outdoors. They don’t need any fancy grooming sessions or haircuts.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Health is an incredibly important aspect of care when it comes to owning any canine. Your Black and Tan Coonhound is a very sturdy, durable breed with very few health concerns to mention. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t develop certain genetic or environmental health-related issues.

The best way to avoid these issues is to ensure they have the appropriate diet and get adequate exercise. They also require vet care annually after their first year of life. If you are having trouble affording vet care, it’s never too late for pet insurance.

While pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, it can put an end to financial stressors revolving around vet care.

Male vs Female

Both male and female Black and Tan Coonhounds have laid-back, charming personalities and are incredibly trainable. However, the male is generally larger than the female and outweighs them by at least 10 pounds.

When it comes to personality, there is no way to tell how they are going to be based on sex alone. However, males do take a little longer to mature than their female counterparts. So, if you’re looking to train your Black and Tan Coonhound quickly, you might have more success with the female early on.

But ultimately, this does not say anything about the overall character or intelligence of the dog. Your dog should always be spayed or neutered, regardless of the sex, to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy and reproductive-related health conditions.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Black and Tan Coonhound

1. Coonhounds are known to bark a lot.

If you’re looking for a quiet dog that doesn’t make much noise, a Coonhound simply isn’t for you. Regardless of what type of Coonhound they are, Black and Tan or otherwise, these dogs are known for their howls and vocalizations.

2. Black and Tan Coonhounds are prone to ear infections.

Be careful if your Black and Tan Coonhound spends long summer days outside splashing in the summer sun. They are prone to ear infections, so moisture trapped in the ears can create problems quickly. Make sure to keep your Coonhound’s ears dry and clean.

3. Black and Tan Coonhounds have purposeful ears.

Another ear fact? We think so! The Black and Tan Coonhound’s ears actually serve a vital purpose. They sweep toward the nasal passages, improving their overall sense of smell.

Final Thoughts

Now you understand a little bit more about Black and Tan Coonhounds and what to expect when you own one. These friendly, laid-back dogs make amazing family additions, but they are also intelligent enough to learn a broad variety of concepts that stem far outside of hunting.

So, if you’re looking for an incredibly compatible canine that can run around your farm or woods, this is certainly the type of dog that meshes well in rural areas.

Featured Image Credit: Ksenia Raykova, Shutterstock