The American English Coonhound is a breed with a rich history, dating back to the 17th century.
This breed was developed from various hound breeds, including the Foxhound and the Bloodhound.
The American English Coonhound is known for its distinctive baying howl, which it uses to track its prey.
They are also highly energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In terms of size, American English Coonhounds typically weigh between 50-75 pounds and stand between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
History and Origins
The American English Coonhound has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th and 18th centuries when European settlers brought English Foxhounds to America. These dogs were later developed into the Virginia Hounds, which were bred to adapt to the rough terrain in America.
The breed was originally known as English Fox and Coonhounds because they hunted foxes during the day and raccoons at night. They were bred to have a keen sense of smell and the ability to track an animal both on the ground and in trees. Their ancestors were the English Foxhounds, which were imported into the United States for the popular sport of fox hunting.
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The breed was first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1905 as the English Fox and Coonhound, and later by the American Kennel Club in 2011 as the 171st breed. Today, the American English Coonhound is a true American dog, known for its high-endurance, sleek-bodied hound with a cold nose tracking capability.
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History
The American English Coonhound has a rich history that dates back to the early 17th and 18th centuries.
Early immigrants brought English Foxhounds to the American south, where they were used for hunting. These early dogs were excellent hunters, but they struggled to track animals that climbed trees, like raccoons and opossums.
The Virginia Coonhound was one of the first breeds developed in America, and it was later crossed with Bloodhounds to enhance its tracking ability. This resulted in the American English Coonhound, a high-endurance hound with a powerful nose.
The breed was first recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1905 as the English Fox and Coonhound. It wasn't until 1995 that it was accepted into the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service.
The American English Coonhound was finally recognized by the AKC in 2011, becoming the 171st breed to be recognized by the organization. This marked a significant milestone for the breed, which had been developed over centuries to thrive in the challenging terrain of America.
Multiple Names
The American English Coonhound has a bit of a confusing identity, but it's actually pretty interesting. It's also known as the English Coonhound and Redtick Coonhound.
The accepted name of the breed is American English Coonhound, but it's worth noting that the other names are still widely used.
Physical Characteristics
The American English Coonhound is a breed known for its speed and endurance, with a deep chest, strong back, and well-defined muscles giving it a graceful, athletic appearance.
Their head is of moderate size with kind, expressive eyes and long floppy ears that sit low on the skull. The muzzle is square-shaped and proportionate to the head.
The breed comes in several color combinations, including red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-color with ticking, red and white, and white and black. Ticking is a hallmark aesthetic feature of the breed.
Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are usually 23 to 25 inches tall.
Appearance
The American English Coonhound is built for speed and endurance, with a deep chest, strong back, and well-defined muscles that give them a graceful, athletic appearance.
Their head is of moderate size with kind, expressive eyes and long floppy ears that sit low on the skull, with the tip of the ears touching the tip of the nose when extended forward.
The muzzle is square-shaped and proportionate to the head, and there's no disproportionate feature on this noble canine.
Their forelegs are angular and strong, supporting uninhibited movement, while their hind legs are powerful and straight with well-defined thighs.
Male English Coonhounds typically measure between 22–27 inches at the withers, with females being slightly smaller at 21–25 inches.
The breed comes in several color combinations, including red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-color with ticking, red and white, and white and black.
Their coat is hard and protective, and of medium length, with ticking being a hallmark aesthetic feature of the breed.
Size
American English Coonhounds come in a range of sizes, but what can you expect? Males typically stand between 24 to 26 inches tall.
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Females are usually slightly shorter, ranging from 23 to 25 inches tall.
Health and Maintenance
The American English Coonhound is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. They are susceptible to overheating, especially during hot summer hunts, so it's essential to monitor them closely.
Some conditions to watch out for include hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Bloat is also a concern due to their deep chest, so owners should be familiar with the signs.
To keep your American English Coonhound healthy, regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial. They require plenty of outdoor space to run and burn off energy, making a large, fenced-in yard ideal. With proper care and attention, your Coonhound can live a long and happy life.
Weight Range
When you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, it's essential to think about their weight range. American English Coonhounds are usually between 45 and 65 pounds.
This can be a significant factor in determining the size of your home and yard, as well as the amount of exercise your dog will need. Doberman's weight range isn't specified, but you can expect it to be significantly larger than the Coonhound's.
Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy weight in dogs, and it's also essential for their overall well-being. A daily walk or playtime can go a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Some breeds, like the American English Coonhound, have a relatively narrow weight range, while others may be more prone to weight fluctuations.
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Health
American English Coonhounds are generally healthy, athletic breeds. However, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Coonhounds are susceptible to overheating during hunts, especially in hot weather, so it's essential to monitor them closely for signs of overheating.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common issues that can affect Coonhounds. Breeders screen their potential pairs for these conditions to minimize the risk.
Progressive retinal atrophy is another eye disorder that can affect Coonhounds. This condition can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Regular ear checks are crucial for Coonhounds, as their floppy ears can trap wax and debris. This can lead to infections and other issues.
Coonhounds are also at risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Owners should be familiar with the signs of bloat and take steps to prevent it.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Coonhounds:
- Overheating
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
- Bloat
Maintenance
Maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning an American English Coonhound. They don't require frequent grooming due to their hard protective coat.
Occasional brushing will help with moderate shedding potential. This will keep their coat looking its best and prevent matting.
Bathing and shampooing should be done only when they're dirty from the mud. Over-bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils.
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These dogs need plenty of exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. A lack of exercise can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.
They require a large, fenced-in yard to burn off some energy. Apartment and small space living are not ideal for this breed.
Access to fresh, clean water is essential to prevent dehydration and overheating during hot summer months.
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Exercise
Exercise is a must for American English Coonhounds, who can easily rack up hours of activity every day. They need to run and play to stay happy and healthy.
This breed was developed to run all night, chasing down raccoons, so they're not content with just a short walk around the block. They're built for endurance and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
Canine sports like running, hiking, and bikejoring are great ways to keep your American English Coonhound entertained and exercised. They'll thrive on the physical activity and mental challenge.
Getting your dog involved in hunting can be a great way to put their instincts to work and keep them active. It's a win-win for both you and your dog!
Average Lifespan
American English Coonhounds can live for around 11 to 12 years on average.
Their lifespan is relatively long compared to other breeds, making them a great companion for many families.
To ensure your Coonhound lives a long and healthy life, regular veterinary check-ups are essential.
It's also crucial to provide a balanced diet and plenty of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
This can help prevent health issues and keep them active for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are American English Coonhounds good pets?
American English Coonhounds make great family pets, being gentle with children and good with other dogs, while also serving as loyal watchdogs. They're a great choice for active families who want a loving and protective companion.
What is the difference between American English Coonhound and bluetick?
The main difference between Blueticks and American English Coonhounds is their coat color and length. Blueticks have a short blue coat, while American English Coonhounds have a medium-length coat with red and white ticking.
Do American English Coonhounds like to swim?
American English Coonhounds can benefit from swimming as a form of exercise. They also enjoy other water activities, such as running and hiking.
How much does an American English Coonhound cost?
American English Coonhounds typically cost between $800 and $1,200, with prices potentially reaching up to $2,000 depending on the breeder and local demand. Prices may also fluctuate based on the time of year and hunting season.
How big does a coonhound mix get?
A Coonhound mix typically weighs between 50-80 pounds, making them a medium-to-large breed. If you're considering bringing one home, ensure you have enough space for them to grow and thrive.
Sources
- "Coonhound Paralysis Fortunately Rare" (illinois.edu)
- "American English Coonhound Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- "Legendary Coon Dog Cemetery to once again host Labor Day celebration with live music, crafts, barbecue" (al.com)
- "Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard - Cemetery" (coondogcemetery.com)
- "American English Coonhound Breed Information" (dogsaholic.com)
- The New Complete Dog Book: Official Breed Standards and All-New Profiles for 200 Breeds- Now in Full-Color (google.com)
- American English Coonhound - Dog Breeds (wagwalking.com)
- American English Coonhounds available for adoption on Petfinder (petfinder.com)
- U.S. Regional Coonhound Rescue Groups (akccoonhounds.org)
- Northeast Coonhound Rescue (necoonhoundrescue.org)
- @tripletsofcoonville (instagram.com)
- American English Coonhound Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts ... (dogster.com)
- standard (akc.org)
- "American English Coonhound Did You Know?" (akc.org)
- "American English Coonhound History" (akc.org)
- The Howell Book of Dogs (google.com)
- The Encyclopedia of North American Sporting Dogs (google.com)
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