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Black and Tan Coonhound
| Other Names | Coonhound, American Black and Tan, Treeing Hound |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 50 - 75 lbs. (45 - 64 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 23 - 27 in. (58 - 68 cm) |
| Coat | Short and dense. |
| Colour | Coal black with rich tan markings. |
| Litter Size | 6–8 puppies |
| Life Span | About 10-12 years |
| Origin & History | When European settlers first arrived in the America’s they brought their trusted canine companions with them. Settlers from different nations brought breeds popular in their home countries. For example, French settlers in Louisiana brought the blue merle colored Grand Bleu de Gascogne, and the Spanish settlers in Florida and Texas brought the infamous Levriers and Alaunts. The English settlers who began inhabiting what is the Eastern Seaboard in the Sixteenth through Eighteenth Centuries were no different. Many of the traditional American breeds, including the Black and Tan Coonhound, descend from these English breeds that made their way across the Atlantic. Hunting hounds were very popular among the British nobility and upper classes during colonial times. Fox hunting in particular had developed into a major and important cultural event. Many wealthy British entrepreneurs hoped to continue to engage in this pastime after they emigrated to the American colonies. In order to do so they brought their trusted Fox Hounds with them. As early as 1650, Robert Brooke imported a pack of Fox Hounds into the colony of Maryland. He eventually became the first Master of the Hounds in the American colonies. A high-percentage of the wealthiest English setters went to the southern colonies, in particular Virginia. This led to a unique and enduring aristocratic Southern culture, of which hunting with hound dogs has always played an important part. However, the American geography and climate were substantially different from those of England, and dog breeds which were developed there were often ill-suited to life in the colonies. By the 1750’s at least, American dog breeders were already creating hounds that were significantly different than those found in England. Britain is significantly cooler than the Southern United States. A summer day in Virginia could kill a dog bred to withstand the winters of the Scottish Highlands. American dogs needed to able to withstand much hotter temperatures, and to do so while working. Warmer climates also mean the presence of a greater number of diseases and parasites. American dogs needed to have different and stronger disease resistances. The American colonies were also considerably less developed than most of Britain. There were fewer fields, much larger forests, and considerably rougher terrain. American hounds needed to be tougher than their English counterparts, and be able to cross tougher paths. Even the vegetation in America is different. The palmettos which are so plentiful from Florida through southern Virginia cannot be found anywhere in the British Isles. The pine forests which cover most of the Deep South are completely foreign to English landscapes. Perhaps most importantly, the quarry available to be tracked by hounds was different in America. In England, most foxes flee to a burrow. In America, game and pest animals are considerably more likely to escape up a tree. This is the preferred method of flight of Raccoons, Opossums, and Bobcats, three common American mammals that do not exist at all in England. Even American foxes, particularly the Gray Fox, frequently climb trees to escape. America also had considerably larger and more dangerous prey than could be found in England, animals such as bears, mountain lions, and feral hogs. Dogs used for hunting in America needed to be bred to tree animals rather than drive them into a burrow. American dogs also needed to be larger and more able to tackle large and dangerous species. Over a period of years, natural selection and deliberate breeding led to substantial differences in American and British hunting hounds. These differences were exacerbated by the infusion of blood from other breeds, particularly Bloodhounds, various French hounds, and Irish and Scottish hunting dogs. It is also possible that Native American hunting dogs may have influenced American hound breeds. Records at the University of William and Mary indicate that Bloodhounds have been present in what is now the United States since at least 1607, when they were imported to protect colonists from Native Americans. Unfortunately, many of these early breeders did not keep careful records, if any at all. This was made worse the further settlers moved west into undeveloped country. Eventually, these American hounds became known as Virginia Hounds. Over time, these dogs developed into a number of breeds, including the American Foxhound, the Virginia Foxhound, the various types of cur dogs, and Coonhounds. As American settlers continued to breed their hounds, practical concerns and personal preferences further shaped the dogs. There are currently six different widely recognized breeds of Coonhounds. Black and Tan coonhounds are one of the oldest and most distinctive breeds of coonhound. In fact, they were the first breed of coonhound that was recognized as distinct from the American Fox Hound. This difference was recognized well before 1900 when they were registered as the American Black and Tan Fox and Coonhound with the United Kennel Club. Black and Tan Coonhounds were used by American settlers, as well as explorers and Native Americans. Their unique black and tan coats, along with slightly larger size, and “thick bones” set them apart from other coonhounds. It is thought that like other coonhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds are primarily descended from English Foxhounds and Bloodhounds. It is generally believed that the now-extinct Talbot Hound played a key role in their development as well, although it is unclear whether any Talbots were actually imported into the American colonies or whether it was only their Fox Hound and Bloodhound descendents. It is thought that Bloodhounds more substantially influenced the Black and Tan Coonhound than other coonhound breeds. This influence can be seen in the coloration and coat patterns of Black and Tan Coonhounds, along with their greater size and supposedly thicker bones. As their name would suggest, Black and Tan Coonhounds have traditionally been used for hunting raccoons, although they are perfectly capable of tracking many different species of game. Raccoons are a medium sized mammal, closely related to bears. Raccoons can be distinguished by their unique chattering call and their distinctive masked face and ringed tail. Raccoons are hunted for their fur, their meat, the damage that they do to crops, livestock, and property, as well as for sport. Raccoons will typically attempt to flee on foot, hide in various places, and swim significant distances when pursued. A hunt typically ends when the quarry escapes up a tree and is either shot or dispatched with an ax or hatchet. Raccoon hunting therefore requires that a dog to be able to run for considerable periods of time, in and out of water, and often through dense and difficult terrain. Raccoon hunting also demands that a dog have a considerable amount of persistence and stubbornness. Black and Tan Coonhounds were bred to have all of these qualities. Black and Tan Coonhounds have always been used as hunting dogs, although originally in a comparatively informal setting. In the last couple of centuries, all breeds of Coonhounds have been used in Coonhound trials, organized hunting competitions. These competitions sparked great competition among their participants and were very influential in the organization of Coonhound breed clubs and registries. The success of some dogs brought fame upon their owners as well, such as George Batchelor of Boone County, Kentucky. The modern American Black and Tan Coonhound Club (AB&TCC) was founded in 1973. The original officers and board members were Don Iden, Robert St. John, Jim Corbett, Geraldine Kline, Sonia Allen, Dawne Johnson, and Dick Schwarz. The bloodlines of individual Coonhounds were incredibly prized by their owners. Although a dog’s appearance did factor in to all coonhound breeders to at least some extent, working ability was always the primary focus. This focus on working ability led to many coonhound breed clubs being reluctant to join major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club. Black and Tan Coonhound breeders have apparently had fewer reservations than breeders of other Coonhounds, as Black and Tan Coonhounds were the first breed of Coonhound to be registered with both the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1900 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1945. Although a very rare sight on city streets, Black and Tan Coonhounds are possibly one of the most common purebred dogs in America. In terms of the number of dogs registered, Black and Tan Coonhounds rank comparatively low in the AKC, sitting in 91st position out of a possible 167 according the survey of 2010. However, the Black and Tan Coonhound is consistently among the ten most commonly registered breeds in the UKC. This discrepancy can be explained by the fact that the UKC is typically held in higher regard than the AKC among Coonhound enthusiasts due to its focus on registering working dogs and breeding them for work suitability rather than appearance. Unlike most modern dog breeds which are now kept primarily as companions, many Black and Tan Coonhounds are still used for their traditional purpose of hunting raccoons. Essentially all breed standards allow for dogs to be slightly underweight and scarred as a result of hunting. Coonhound trials are still popular in many parts of the country and remain a great source of enjoyment and competition for their participants, both canine and human. It is still fairly common to hear the baying of hounds in late spring and summer as they are treeing a raccoon. However, the loving and affectionate nature of the Black and Tan, along with its loyalty and striking appearance are making an increasing number of fans keep the Black and Tan as a companion rather than a working dog. |
| Personality | A quick-to-follow, intelligent, loyal and good-natured hunter and companion, the Black and Tan Coonhound pleases hunter and owner alike. The Black and Tan is an alert, eager dog who is a passionate worker and very dedicated. It is gentle and friendly with people and willing to listen to his master. Any Black and Tan that shows signs of aggression does not have an owner who is communicating to the dog that human are alpha over him in a way the dog can understand. This may cause the dog to be protective and a bit reserved with strangers. They are usually best with older considerate children, but can do well with younger children if the dog is taught to respect the child as above him in the pecking order. A Black and Tan that is not taught respect and/or is lacking in exercise can become high strung and play too rough. This breed requires firm, patient and on-going leadership and training to prevent them from becoming willful. Lack of leadership and/or mental and physical exercise may cause separation anxiety, causing them to be destructive and/or howl if they are left alone. Do not let this breed off the leash in an unsafe area, as they may take off after an interesting scent. Some Black and Tans will be aggressive with other strange dogs if the humans are not displaying enough authority, telling the dog it is an unacceptable behavior by applying corrections at the appropriate times. Socialize well. There are two types of Black and Tan Coonhounds: field lines and show lines (bench). Field types are bred for hunting and field trial work. The bench type is bred for conformation shows. Both types are energetic and need daily exercise, but field lines have a higher energy level and need even more exercise. The dominancy level in this breed varies even within the same litter. If you are not the type of person who can display a natural air of calm, but firm authority, then be sure to choose a pup that is more submissive. The temperament of both show and field lines vary widely, depending upon how the owners treat the dog and how much and what type of exercise they provide. This breed drools and slobbers. Does best with an active family. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Because they have for so long been bred primarily for working ability rather than appearance, unhealthy dogs would have been quickly bred out of the gene pool. Additionally, the harsh climate and terrain of the American South would have created dogs that were healthier and more disease resistant. This is not to say that there are no health problems which plague the breed. The most serious health defect of note in Black and Tan Coonhounds is hip dysplasia. This condition afflicts almost all large dog breeds, and the Black and Tan Coonhound is no exception. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket is malformed, leading to painful arthritis and potentially lameness. The condition is genetic but can be exacerbated by environmental factors. There are preventative treatments for hip dysplasia but most have not been proven by veterinary medicine. There is no cure for hip dysplasia, and most treatments only eliminate the pain. Black and Tan Coonhounds are also susceptible to over-eating and weight gain. Like most hounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds were originally bred in pack environments where dogs would have to eat quickly and as much as possible or not at all. This has led to the tendency to eat excessively. Some hounds have been known to eat themselves to death. This means that you will have to carefully regulate your Black and Tan Coonhound’s diet, and prevent them from helping themselves to food that they aren’t supposed to have. It is always advisable to get your pets tested by either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and/or the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, particularly if you intend to breed. The OFA and CERF test for various genetically inherited disorders such as blindness and hip dysplasia that may impact either your dog or its descendants. |
| Grooming | An occasional brushing will do. In order to keep the ears clean and infection-free, regular attention is a must. |
| Exercise | Vigorous daily exercise is needed, which includes a long walk each day. Does best with an active family. Will do well with a job to do. |
| Other Considerations | The Black and Tan Coonhound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. |
