Description

The Black and Tan Coonhound is classified as a working dog. Different from most breeds, the Black and Tan Coonhound hunts by scent only. Commonly used to run coons up trees, they will also chase their prey down trails. Been highly resistant to the most rigorous days of winter and also capable of withstanding high summer temperatures, it makes a great companion for the die hard outdoorsman. It will claim any kind of enviroment as it\'s own, no matter how rocky, hilly or bushy it might be. As most of the large hunting breeds, the Coonhound may be trained to hunt larger prey as well.

The Coonhound\'s strengh and presence can be clearly noticed with the animal at work. It\'s powerful muscles and consistant pace harmonize beautifully, being a very pleasant sight to see.

Coat Description

The coat is short and dense. Shedding might be a problem. Although the Coonhound is not hard to groom, brushing it\'s coat often will removed the loose hair preventing hair on your furniture.
The proper food will keep the dog\'s coat healthy and shinny. For the best diet for you Black and Tan Coonhound, consult a veterinarian or an experienced breeder.

History

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American breed and is a dog of substantial size. And bred from strains of the Bloodhound and black and tan Foxhound brought to this country by english settlers. It\'s purpose was to hunt racoons, opossums and bears. It\'s origins can be dated back to the 1700\'s. They were bred to have the scenting abilities of the Bloodhound but the ability to travel at at faster pace and they were also suited to night hunting. They are also built for endurance and are able to travel across rugged, mountainous regions. In fact, the breed was developed by the people who lived in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, Ozark and Smoky mountains. When the prey is the dogs bay, alerting the hunter, who then arrives and shoots the animal. The Black and Tan Coonhound was selectively bred for their color - there are many other types of coonhounds including Blue Tick Coonhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, English Coonhounds, Plott hounds and Treeing Walkers. The Black and Tan Coonhound was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1945.

Temperament

There is not much you can do to change the Coonhound\'s temperament, pretty consistant in how it interacts with people, this breed is pretty easy going and friendly.

As any other hound, scent is what makes this animal move. In order to get the best that this breed has to offer, it is important for this dog to be around other hounds, preferable older and experienced dogs.

Being of great disposition, the Coonhound is a dog very safe to have around. An agressive behavior is not a normal characteristic for this breed. It is mostly tolerant, independent, gentle, stubborn and sensitive. Being very sociable, it enjoys the company of other dogs and humans.

Because of it\'s stamina, the Coonhound can be unfit as a pet unless greats amount of exercise and enough space to roam. Restricting this animal will cause serious behavior problems.

Thyroid Disease - Medium Risk

The Coon Hound ranks #35 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. While this is not a high risk breed, there is still a good chance of disease transmission through breeding. Therefore, all dogs intended for breeding should be tested first. 

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

Most common health problems for this breed are:

• Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
• Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
• Diseases in dogs may occur due to trauma, infection, immune system and genetics.

As any other dog the Black and Tan Coonhound will need frequent vet visits.
Because it's world is the outdoors, up-to-date vaccination for rabies is necessary in case of an encounter with a infected raccoon or opossum or even other dogs. Proper medication for ticks and mosquitoes also should be used.
Teeth cleaning is commonly overlooked in outside dogs, but keeping their teeth and gums healthy will actually extend the life of you animal and will grant you many extra years of enjoyment with this breed.

Because of it's long ears this breed, as other hound relatives, the coonhound may suffer from ear mites and infections. A serious infection can lead into deafness of the animal.