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American English coonhound

The American English Coonhound descends from English Foxhounds brought to the American South and adapted for hunting raccoon and fox at speed.

It is one of six recognised coonhound breeds and is known for pace — it runs faster than most of its relatives.

It stands 58 to 66 centimetres, weighs 20 to 30 kilograms and lives eleven to twelve years, with a short hard coat, often in a ticked redtick or bluetick pattern. It is a working hound: it hunts by scent, trees its quarry, and bays loudly and continuously to bring the hunter to it. Everything about its temperament follows from that job, and none of it switches off in a living room.

Origin
American South, from English Foxhound stock
Size
58–66 cm; 20–30 kg
Lifespan
11–12 years
Coat
Short, hard and often ticked
Voice
Loud, continuous baying — the job, not a fault
Exercise
Very high; a scent hound with real stamina

Related: American bulldog · American bully · American eskimo dog · American foxhound · American hairless terrier

2 american english coonhound photos, newest first

  • Bluebell III, a american english coonhound

    Bluebell III

    Bluebell III was promoted to librarian managing an avalanche of blank books; unfortunately, a model sailboat becomes stranded in a teacup.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Bluebell III, a american english coonhound

    Bluebell III

    Somewhere under all that is Bluebell III.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a american english coonhound

Expect noise. A treeing hound is bred to bay until the hunter arrives, and that vocal drive persists in a pet — it is the single commonest reason coonhounds end up in rescue.

They need hard daily exercise and, better, scent work. Tracking, nosework and mantrailing all satisfy the drive that a walk does not.

The nose beats recall every time. Fenced areas and long lines.

Drop ears trap moisture; check and clean weekly to prevent infections.

They are sociable with people and other dogs, which makes them pleasant company when their needs are met, and destructive when they are not. Ask about hip scores.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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