Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st February 2026
Black and Tan Coonhound
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 21st February 2026
Black and Tan Coonhound developed as a hunting dog in the United States of America by crossing the Black and tan Virginia Foxhound and the Bloodhound. It is more specifically classified as a scent hound, used for hunting raccoons, mostly finding their prey by tracking their scent.
Their overall personality is a versatile one indeed. On the one hand, these dogs display perfect companion dog traits from friendliness to being affectionate and loyal when at home. At the same time, they show their courageous and tenacious side while hunting the raccoon and finally retrieving it from its den.
Their muscular built teamed with their round dark eyes, low set velvety ears, and robust tail gives them a unique appearance.
Black and Tan Coonhound Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | American Black and Tan Coonhound |
| Coat | Short, but glossy and dense |
| Color | Black and tan |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Hounds, Scent hounds |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Size | Big |
| Height | Male: 25-27 inches Female: 23-25 inches |
| Weight | 65-110 pounds |
| Litter Size | 4-6 puppies |
| Personality | Gentle, loyal, easy-going |
| Good with Children | Yes |
| Barking Tendency | High; emits a loud bark just like a baying sound |
| Climate Compatibility | High; can adapt to the chilly cold or hot temperature |
| Apartment Compatibility | Moderate; as long as they get their daily dose of exercise |
| Do they shed | Yes; heavily |
| Are they Hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Moderate |
| Average Cost | $500-$1600 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | UKC, FCI, AKC |
| Country | United States of America |
Other Similar Breeds
History and Origin
The Black and Tan Coonhound derives its ancestry from Talbot, the notable hunting hound during the 11th century originating in medieval England. However, it shares a more direct lineage with the foxhounds and bloodhounds, inheriting their color, size, and even scenting abilities. This breed was the first among the six coonhound breeds to get the American Kennel Club’s recognition in 1945. The other five, the Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, American English Coonhound, Plott Hound, and Tree Walker Coonhound, gained recognition much later in 2010.
Temperament
They have an interesting personality indeed, a combination of too many things together. They are even-tempered, calm, amiable, mellow, and an adjustable companion when at home. At the same time, they would exhibit reservedness towards strangers and often warn their owners of the presence of someone unfamiliar by emitting a bark that sounds like a howl.
This makes them qualify to the stature of efficient watchdogs. Their looks and bark could seem intimidating, yet aggression is not regarded as one of their primary traits.
They do well with children of the family but might not enjoy the over playful or boisterous behavior of kids, owing to their independent nature.
Since it was bred to work together with other hounds, it mostly gets along well with other dogs, especially if brought up with them. When it comes to cats, rabbits, and other smaller pets of the family, these coonhounds do good with them too, and perhaps better when socialized.
Yet, do supervise their interaction with other pets till the time you are sure your black and tan coonhound won’t get into their tracking and chasing mode at the slightest trigger.
Care
Exercise
They have an easy and smooth gait that helps them run fast. Yet, these agile, active dogs would remain quite content in a home setting with a brisk 20-minute walk two times a day or a little jog teamed with occasional outdoor play sessions.
They would do better in homes with ample space instead of compact apartments. People living in the countryside could even take their dog on a hunting trip upon obtaining the proper license. Keep them on a leash when taking these dogs outdoors lest they could track down any small animals using their scenting skills and start chasing the latter in no time. You could even make them participate in the coonhound field events.
Grooming
They have a short and dense coat and shed at a moderately high pace that gets the highest during the shedding season, occurring one or two times a year, mainly winter and spring.
Brush them twice or thrice a week with a brush having medium bristles or even a hound glove to help remove dead hair.
Also, bathe it only when it gets dirty, as over-exposure to water could take off the oils and shine from their coat. The other hygiene needs to follow are cleaning their eyes and ears weekly, brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week, and trimming their nails regularly.
Health Problems
On the whole, they appear sturdy with minimum health problems. However, they are likely to suffer from hip dysplasia, ear infections, and cataracts.
Training
Though intelligent and loyal, training them at times could become extremely challenging because of their independent nature. Hence, it is deemed that the black and tan coonhound is not meant for the novice but the experienced.
Obedience: Once taught to do something, these dogs would continue to do it that way for the remaining part of their life. So, it would be best to teach them to follow specific basic commands like ‘Stop’, and ‘Stay’ right from the beginning. This way, they would eventually understand that stopping means to pause right away from what they are doing and stay is synonymous with holding on.
Socialization: When exposed to different people and situations, it would help them understand who is a threat and who is not. In this way, they would not bark or express a reserved demeanor to every stranger they see. If you have other dogs at home, teach your coonhound to get along with them right from the start. Also, take them to dog parks or have your friends’ pooches come over. In this way, they could acquaint themselves with canines of different sizes and colors and gradually learn to accept all.
Crate Training: All coonhounds share a strong bond with their family and cannot bear separation from them. When left alone, it could suffer from sadness and anxiety that might trigger undesirable behavior. So teach it to live by itself in a crate for some time of the day. Put his favorite belongings and toys inside to give company. However, even after crate training your dog, don’t leave it on its own too often, as that could negatively impact its overall behavior.
Feeding
A high-quality dog food, store-bought or homemade, having adequate amounts of protein, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins, is what these active dogs need. Treats should be kept to the minimum lest it may lead to obesity, making them easily susceptible to many health problems.
Interesting Facts
- Lou, aged three, a black and tan coonhound from Oregon, has earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Record for the longest ears, measuring 13.38 inches.
