Coondogs are a unique breed of dog that has been around for centuries, and over time, they've developed into various types and variations.
The earliest recorded mention of coondogs dates back to the 16th century in the American South.
Coondogs were originally bred to hunt small game, such as raccoons and opossums, and their distinctive howl is a remnant of this heritage.
Their adaptable nature and intelligence made them a popular choice for farmers and outdoorsmen.
Coondogs come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small to medium, and their coats can be smooth or wiry.
Types of Coonhounds
The 6 Types of Coonhounds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They include the Bluetick Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, and other breeds.
Some Coonhounds are more outgoing and passionate than others, like the Black and Tan Coonhound. They have long ears that droop downward and a strong tail.
Bluetick Coonhounds, on the other hand, are friendly and relate well with other pets. They have a short, smooth coat and long, floppy ears that are easy to clean.
Coonhounds are generally loyal, friendly, and responsive, but some can be hard to train. The Black and Tan Coonhound, for example, is a bit challenging to train compared to other Coonhounds.
These dogs have different weights and heights, ranging from 55 to 110 pounds and 23 to 27 inches tall.
American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is a lean and muscular dog, loved by many hunters for its endurance and speed.
They are loyal, social, friendly, and affectionate, making them excellent family dogs.
Most American English Coonhounds have an average weight of between 50 and 70 pounds.
Their height ranges from 25 to 27 inches.
With proper care, they can live for 10 to 12 years.
These dogs are intelligent, which makes them easy to train and groom.
They don't drool too much or shed large amounts of hair.
Explore further: Breeds of Dogs with Docked Tails
Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a friendly dog that gets along well with kids, strangers, and other dogs. They are intelligent and can be trained to mingle with other pets, such as cats.
These dogs have a short, soft coat that easily repels mud and dirt, making them low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their high endurance level makes them excellent hiking companions.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds need a lot of exercise to be happy. They are tricolored, usually black with white and tan markings.
Their average weight is between 50 and 70 pounds, and they typically stand between 22 and 27 inches tall. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 13 years.
Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a lively and passionate breed, perfect for families with kids. They were originally bred for hunting raccoons and night hunting.
These Coonhounds have distinctive features, including long ears that droop downward and a strong tail. Their eyes are dark brown or hazel, and they have a short black coat with tan markings.
They are generally loyal, friendly, intelligent, and responsive, but can be a bit challenging to train. They require a lot of exercise and are very playful.
These dogs come in a range of sizes, with an average weight of between 65 and 110 pounds and a height of between 23 and 27 inches. They live between 10 and 12 years.
They shed excessively and drool quite a bit, so be prepared for some extra grooming and cleaning up after them.
Other Coonhound Breeds
The world of Coonhounds is a diverse one, with many different breeds to explore. There are six Coonhound breeds that are formally recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes seven Coonhound breeds, which is one more than the AKC. The American Leopard Hound is one of the breeds recognized by the UKC, but not by the AKC.
Coonhound Variations
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes six Coonhound breeds. These breeds are the foundation of the Coonhound family.
The AKC's six recognized Coonhound breeds are a great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about Coonhounds. You can find these breeds in many parts of the country, and they're often used for hunting and companionship.
The Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the six breeds recognized by the AKC. It's known for its distinctive black and tan coat.
The Redbone Coonhound is another AKC-recognized breed, prized for its reddish-brown coat and excellent hunting ability. I've heard that some Redbone Coonhounds are even used for tracking and trailing.
The English Coonhound is also recognized by the AKC, with its distinctive tri-color coat and friendly demeanor. English Coonhounds are often used for hunting small game.
The Plott Coonhound is a versatile breed that's recognized by the AKC, with a strong prey drive and a love of the outdoors. Plott Coonhounds are often used for hunting large game.
The Bluetick Coonhound is the fifth AKC-recognized breed, known for its distinctive blue and white coat. Bluetick Coonhounds are often used for hunting and are prized for their intelligence and athleticism.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is the sixth and final AKC-recognized breed, with a strong prey drive and a love of the outdoors. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are often used for hunting small game.
Other kennel clubs, like the United Kennel Club (UKC), recognize additional Coonhound breeds. The UKC, for example, recognizes the American Leopard Hound, which was formally recognized in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a coon dog a good pet?
A Black and Tan Coonhound can make a great pet for families with children, being gentle and easygoing, but they do have a strong desire for comfort and attention.
What are some negatives about coonhounds?
Coonhounds require regular exercise, can be prone to chasing small animals, and may exhibit stubbornness. They also shed heavily and can be noisy, with a strong odor.
Do coonhounds bark a lot?
Coonhounds are known to be vocal and tend to bark frequently. They require regular activity to keep them engaged and happy.
Why do they call them coon hounds?
The name "coon hound" comes from the breed's history of hunting raccoons, with some coonhounds specializing in this task. The name is derived from the French word for raccoon, which is reflected in the breed's origins from the French Blue Gascon Hounds.
Sources
- American English Coonhound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- UKC (ukcdogs.com)
- Treeing Walker Coonhound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- The mystery of the Coondog Cemetery headstone coins (quadcitiesdaily.com)
- Coondog O'Karma Goes to Japan (clevelandmagazine.com)
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