The Black and Tan Coonhound is a fast, hardy, strong working hound that, like the Bloodhound, does not kill its prey. It is similar to the Bloodhound in appearance, but you can detect the Coonhound by its lack of wrinkles, which are characteristic of the Bloodhound.
Origin and history
The Black and Tan Coonhound is essentially an American breed. It is a close relation of the Bloodhound, being identical in size and often in colour. It traces back from the Talbot Hound to the Bloodhound and the Virginia Foxhound. The Black and Tan is one of six types of Coonhound recognized in the United States and used for hunting opossum and racoon. It is a working hound not often seen at shows.
Black and Tan Coonhound Puppies
Good points
- Fine nose
- Good temperament
- Strong and hardy
Take heed
- No drawbacks known
Size
Height at the shoulder: dog 25-27in (63.5-68.5cm); bitch 23-25in (58.5-63.5cm).
Exercise
It is a working dog and needs plenty of vigorous exercise.
Black and Tan Coonhound Information
General appearance
The Black and Tan Coonhound is fundamentally a working dog, capable of withstanding the rigours of winter, the heat of summer and the difficult terrain over which it is required to work. Judges are asked by the club sponsoring the breed to place great emphasis upon these factors when evaluating the merits of the dog. The general impression should be that of power, agility and alertness. The expression should be alert, friendly, eager and aggressive. The dog should immediately impress with its ability to cover the ground with powerful, rhythmic strides.
Colour
Coal black with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle and on chest, legs and breeching; black pencil markings on the toes.
Head and skull
Should be cleanly modelled with a medium stop occurring mid-way between occiput bone and nose. The head should measure 9-10in (23-25cm) in males and 8-9in (20-23cm) in females. Viewed in profile, the line of the skull is practically on a parallel plane to the foreface or muzzle. The skin should be devoid of folds or excess dewlap. The flews should be well developed with a typical hound appearance. Nostrils well open and always black. Skull should tend towards an oval outline. Teeth should fit evenly with a slightly scissor bite.
Tail
Strong with base slightly below level of back line, carried free and, when in action, at approximately a right angle to the back.
Feet
Should be cat-like with compact, well-arched toes and thick, strong pads.
Black and Tan Coonhound Feeding & Grooming
Grooming
Regular grooming with a hound glove. Frequent ear inspection is advocated.
Feeding
Recommended would be 20-330z (587-936g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added, or 3-5 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 112 cup of hot or cold water.