The American English Coonhound, also known as a Redtick Coonhound, is an athletic, racy hunting breed that was produced to hunt raccoons. Though intelligent and sweet, the Coonhound has a lot of work drive and high energy that may not be ideal for a novice owner. In fact, some breed enthusiasts believe these dogs only belong with owners who provide a sporting outlet for them.

If you’re considering a Redtick Coonhound, here’s everything you need to know about owning one.

Breed Overview

The American English Coonhound is an American breed with English ancestry. They were one of the six types of coonhound breeds brought to North America in the 1800s to hunt raccoons for food, fat, and fur. It’s believed this breed descended from English Foxhounds that were popular for British fox hunting, which were then crossed with other breeds to create the American English Coonhound.

Redtick Coonhound Characteristics

Redtick Coonhound Puppies

Redtick Coonhounds are fairly popular in the US, so you should be able to find a breeder with high-quality puppies. There may be adult Coonhounds in shelters also, but it may take a little more time to find one.

As puppies, Redtick Coonhounds have incredible energy and work ethic that can be challenging for novice owners. It’s important to instill good habits at an early age, however, so you may want to work with an experienced trainer with a background in sporting dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Redtick Coonhound

Redtick Coonhounds are sweet but determined dogs that like having a job to do. They generally get along with other dogs and some cats, but they can be reserved with strangers and children. Like most hunting breeds, they get attached to one owner. Early training and socialization help the Coonhound learn boundaries and stay mellow when off duty, but they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪

Redtick Coonhounds are good family dogs. They were raised to be a hunting companion for early frontier families, so they generally get along well with children and other family members. They will bond with one person, however. These dogs should not be left alone with young children as their muscular build and high energy can lead to accidental injury.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Redtick Coonhounds get along well with other dogs with proper socialization. They can get along with cats, but it depends on whether the individual dog has a high prey drive and wants to chase. Small animals, especially rodents, are not a good fit with a Coonhound. It’s not safe to leave small animals within access of a hunting breed, especially one as large and powerful as the Redtick Coonhound.

Things to Know When Owning a Redtick Coonhound

Redtick Coonhounds are unique dogs that can adapt to different home types, but it’s important to ensure that you can meet the dog’s needs.

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

Redtick Coonhounds are racy but muscular dogs with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality commercial diet that provides enough nutrition and energy without causing obesity. Sedentary dogs or older dogs are more prone to being overweight, which can create health problems like joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Treats can help with training, but they shouldn’t exceed about 10% of the dog’s daily diet to ensure they’re getting proper nutrition.

Exercise🐕

Redtick Coonhounds have a lot of energy and a desire to be with pack members, including their human owners. They work well with owners who want them as a companion for hunting, running, biking, or hiking. These dogs need a lot of exercise to tire them out and keep them healthy and happy. Because of their high prey drive, it’s best to always keep the Redtick Coonhound on a leash. Otherwise, their instinct to chase a prey animal can overwhelm their desire to obey and may lead to a disaster. It’s best to pair the Coonhound with a fenced-in yard where they can run and play.

Training🎾

Early socialization is crucial for a well-adjusted Redtick Coonhound. They generally get along well with animals and people, so getting your Coonhound used to new environments, situations, and friends is important for a confident dog. These dogs are used to having a job and can be difficult to manage without consistent, intense training that keeps their minds occupied. Some hunting traits are difficult to train out, such as their loud, shrill hound bark and their prey drive. These behaviors must be managed instead.

Grooming✂️

Redtick Coonhounds are low maintenance. They have short, hard, protective coats that need regular brushing and some light deshedding once a week. Their nails need to be trimmed every few weeks, and they do need baths every few months. With long ears, the Coonhound will need their ears cleaned every week to prevent debris buildup.

Health and Conditions🏥

Coonhounds have been selectively bred for work and have powerful, athletic bodies. They’re generally healthy and have minimal genetic health conditions, but working with a responsible breeder who screens parents for hip and elbow dysplasia or eye conditions is important. Like other broad-chested breeds, one of the biggest concerns with a Coonhound is bloat—a potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air and can twist off, leading to pain and a rapid decline.

---

Male vs Female

There’s little difference between a male and female Redtick Coonhound. The males can be slightly larger, which may affect your costs for food and weight-based medications or surgeries. Otherwise, these dogs are individuals. A lot of behavioral problems can be prevented with proper training and spaying or neutering your dog, including roaming and marking. Spaying or neutering also prevents reproductive health problems in both males and females, such as breast cancer, testicular cancer, and infections.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Redtick Coonhound

1. They Like to Nest

American English Coonhounds were bred according to some of the English standards. Though they are excellent family pets, they are incessant nesters and will insist on being on the furniture. Instead of trying to train this out, it’s best to consider other breeds if you don’t intend on allowing your dog on the couches or bed.

---

2. They’re Vocal

Like other hunting breeds, Redtick Coonhounds are good watch and alert dogs with loud barks and other types of vocalizations. These are selectively bred to alert hunters to prey, but they can be annoying for some dog owners. Coonhounds have loud, ringing barks, drawn-out bawls, and short, explosive barks like other hounds.

---

3. They Excel at Many Sports

Though they were bred for coon and fox hunting, Coonhounds are excellent at tracking small and large game. They’re also used for treeing, which is when dogs chase small game up into trees for hunters. If you don’t plan to hunt with your Coonhound, consider training them for canine sports.

Final Thoughts

An ideal all-around breed for early frontiersmen, the Redtick Coonhound is an excellent hunter who’s tenacious and determined in pursuit but mellow and happy to make themselves at home with family. These dogs are energetic and smart, but they need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Coonhounds can be challenging to train outside of hunting tasks, so they may not be the best choice for inexperienced or relaxed owners who can’t channel their natural instincts.

---

Featured Image Credit: richard pross, Shutterstock