Coonhounds are a type of hound dog known for their distinctive baying howl. They're a popular breed for hunting small game due to their strong tracking ability.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them great family pets, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
The 6 Types
The American Kennel Club recognizes six types of Coonhounds.
These breeds are highly valued for their hunting skills and distinctive characteristics.
The Redbone Coonhound is one of the six recognized breeds.
The Black and Tan Coonhound is another type of Coonhound recognized by the AKC.
The English Coonhound is known for its distinctive baying howl.
The Bluetick Coonhound is recognized for its distinctive ticking on its coat.
The Plott Coonhound is a rare breed with a strong prey drive.
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a versatile breed used for hunting small and large game.
Physical Characteristics
The Coonhound's physical characteristics are quite impressive. The head is broad between the ears, with a skull that's very slightly domed.
The muzzle is long, deep, and square, giving the jaw a squared-off appearance. This is a distinctive feature of the breed.
The forelegs are set well apart, straight and strong, with good bone. This allows for a comfortable and efficient gait.
The hindquarters are a key area to consider, with hips and thighs that are strongly muscled, showing drive and power. This is essential for a breed that's built for hunting and tracking.
The tail is moderately set and gaily carried, but never hooked over the back. It's a nice finishing touch to the Coonhound's overall appearance.
Head
The head is a distinctive feature of this breed, and it's worth taking a closer look. The head is broad between the ears.
Its overall length is good, and the skull is very slightly domed. The muzzle is long, deep, and square. The muzzle's square shape gives the jaw a squared-off appearance.
The stop is well defined but moderate. This balanced shape helps create a harmonious overall look.
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Forequarters
The forequarters of a dog are a crucial part of their overall physical characteristics. They're made up of the front legs, shoulders, and pasterns.
Forelegs are set well apart, which gives the dog a sturdy and balanced stance. This helps them move efficiently and make sharp turns.
The forelegs are straight and strong, with good bone structure. This is essential for supporting the dog's body weight and absorbing shock.
Pasterns are nearly vertical, but with a slight slope to help absorb shock and distribute pressure. This unique angle also allows for a smooth gait.
The length of the leg from the elbow to the ground is approximately one-half the height at the withers. This proportion is key to maintaining proper balance and movement.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are a key part of a strong physique, and it shows in the muscles of the hips and thighs.
These areas are strongly muscled, giving the animal drive and power.
Stifles are stout and have good angulation, which is essential for proper movement.
A moderate angulation in the hock joint is also desirable.
Rear pasterns are strong and straight when viewed from behind.
Lack of angulation is a major flaw, often resulting in a post-legged appearance.
Tail
The tail is an important aspect of a breed's overall appearance. Moderately set tails are the norm, never hooked over the back.
A medium length tail is ideal, with a small amount of brush being acceptable. The tail should never be overly long and thin.
Characteristics
This breed is known for being pleasant and sociable, making them great companions.
Their strong hunting instincts are a key characteristic, driving them to track and chase prey.
A distinctive feature of this breed is their good hound bawl, which they use to communicate and locate their quarry.
Their friendly demeanor and outgoing personalities make them a joy to be around.
Pleasant and sociable, with strong hunting instincts, they are a versatile breed that excels in various roles.
Breeds and Variations
There are six breeds of coonhound, all of which were first recognized by the United Kennel Club. The UKC formally recognized the American Leopard Hound in 2016, but it's not yet recognized by the AKC.
The first coonhound breed to be officially registered was the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1900. The solid red Redbone Coonhound followed in 1902, and the English Coonhound was recognized in 1905. The English Coonhound has the widest color variation of the coonhound breeds, coming in redtick, bluetick, and tricolor patterns.
The six breeds of coonhound recognized by the AKC are the Black and Tan, Redbone, English, Bluetick, Treeing Walker, and Plott Hound. The Plott Hound is the only coonhound that does not descend from foxhounds; instead, its ancestry traces back to German boar-hunting dogs.
American English Hound
The American English Hound is a loyal and social breed, making them excellent family dogs. They are friendly and affectionate, and with proper care, they can live between 10 and 12 years.
These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners. They also have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that sheds minimally.
One of the unique features of the American English Hound is their distinctive ticking coat pattern in red and white, blue and white, or tricolored. They stand 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder for males and 23 to 25 inches for females.
Their muscular build and endurance make them well-suited for hunting, but they also make great companions for families who want a dog that is both active and loving. They weigh 45 to 65 pounds.
With their deep chest and powerful lungs, they can sound out a loud bark that can be heard miles away, making them a popular choice for hunters. They are also content to relax at home, but ready to chase any small animals that cross their path.
Breeds
The world of Coonhounds is a fascinating one, with six distinct breeds recognized by the United Kennel Club. The first breed to be officially registered was the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1900.
These breeds have a rich history, with the English Coonhound being recognized by the UKC in 1905. It comes in a variety of colors, including redtick, bluetick, and tricolor patterns.
The Plott Hound, on the other hand, was the last to be recognized, in 1946. What sets it apart is its confident and determined look, making it ready to take on predators.
Here's a brief overview of the six Coonhound breeds:
The American English Coonhound, recognized by the AKC in 2011, has a sleek and muscular body, perfect for chasing ring-tailed creatures. The Bluetick Coonhound, with its mottled coat, is known for its intelligence and versatility.
Treeing Walker
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed that's all about endurance and speed. They were bred for chasing prey up into a tree, and their high energy level makes them excellent hiking companions.
These dogs have a distinctive tricolored coat, usually featuring black with white and tan markings. They have dark eyes and long-hanging ears, and their short, soft coat is easy to maintain and clean.
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Treeing Walker Coonhounds are known for being brave, loyal, intelligent, and friendly to people and other dogs. They can make great family pets, especially for families with kids.
In terms of size, Treeing Walker Coonhounds typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and stand between 22 and 27 inches tall. They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.
Here are some key characteristics of the Treeing Walker Coonhound breed:
Coonhound Information
The English Coonhound was first registered by UKC in 1905, under the name of English Fox & Coonhound.
The breed's history is deeply rooted in the English Foxhound, and they were originally used more for hunting fox than they are today.
The English Coonhound has a long history in America, dating back to the 16th century when Englishman Robert Brooke brought his pack of hounds to the New World.
The first mention of hounds in America appears in the diary of a man who accompanied explorer DeSoto, and they were used for hunting Indians rather than traditional game like fox and raccoon.
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In the 17th and 18th centuries, Englishmen like Thomas Walker and George Washington imported hounds from England to the American colonies.
These early hounds were the foundation of the "Virginia Hounds", from which the present day English Coonhound was developed.
The breed was adapted to the harsher American terrain and climate, and through careful breeding practices, they were changed to hunt American game like raccoon, opossum, and bear.
The English Coonhound excelled in both performance and conformation, with the first major coonhound Field Trial, the first Leafy Oak, being won by an English dog called "Bones".
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called coonhound?
The American English Coonhound's name refers to its hunting history, specifically its ability to track raccoons and other small game. The breed's origins are rooted in the French Blue Gascon Hounds, which were used for similar hunting purposes.
Do coonhounds bark a lot?
Coonhounds bark loudly when on the hunt, but their barking becomes shorter and more choppy when they've cornered prey. However, excessive barking can be a sign of underlying issues, such as lack of exercise or attention.
Sources
- 6 Types of Coonhounds (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- English Coonhound - Breed Standards (ukcdogs.com)
- "Coonhound Paralysis Fortunately Rare" (illinois.edu)
- "Key Underwood Coon Dog Memorial Graveyard - Cemetery" (coondogcemetery.com)
- "American English Coonhound Breed Information" (dogsaholic.com)
- Get to Know the Coonhound Breeds of the Hound Group (akc.org)
- American English Coonhound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
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