Discover Everything About American English Coonhound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
American English Coonhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The American English Coonhound is a robust working breed with an average health risk profile. Prospective buyers should still look for hip dysplasia (HD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), as these conditions can occur within the breed. Additionally, as with many large, deep-chested dogs, there is a certain susceptibility to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Lifespan
11–12 yrs
Height
58–66 cm
Weight
20–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a American English Coonhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the American English Coonhound right for you?
The American English Coonhound is a resilient, vocal pack hound and a specialist in tracking by scent—bred to hunt raccoons for miles across rugged terrain and bay loudly once they've treed their quarry.
Perfect for you if:
- You are prepared to provide intensive daily scent work like mantrailing—no dog with this hunting genetics is ever truly satisfied by simple walks in the park.
- You live in a rural area and don't have close neighbors who would be bothered by a piercing, breed-typical howl (the 'baying').
- You are looking for an extremely social dog that loves living in a multi-dog household and is consistently friendly toward people.
- You have a securely fenced yard or an unshakable long-line routine, as his nose will almost always win when he's off-leash.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to have a reliable recall in the woods once he catches a fresh scent—he was bred to hunt completely independently in those exact moments.
- You are looking for a classically obedient dog that follows every command blindly—a Coonhound only cooperates with you if it makes sense to him.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods daily, which quickly leads to frustration, destructive behavior, and constant barking in this energetic, pack-oriented athlete.
The real vibes check
An American English Coonhound is like a high-performance athlete with a built-in megaphone. At home, he is often relaxed and cuddly, but as soon as he picks up a trail outside, his brain switches to autopilot and his nose takes absolute control. You aren't getting an obedient companion dog, but a highly specialized hunting professional that reads your world in scents.
Breed Profile
The American English Coonhound is a versatile and enduring hunting dog breed, known especially for its excellent tracking skills and hunting of small game. Originally bred in the USA, it belongs to the group of hounds and is characterized by its slender, muscular build. Its short, dense coat is usually in strong colors such as red, black, or tricolor. Characteristic are its long, hanging ears and expressive eyes, which give it a friendly yet focused appearance. Within the breed, there are different lines that can vary in their hunting technique and temperament. The American English Coonhound is an energetic and intelligent companion, valued both as a working dog and as a family dog.
| Height | 58 - 64 cm (Female), 61 - 66 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 20 - 30 kg (Female), 20 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 11 - 12 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, self-confident |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more. |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the American English Coonhound begins in the 19th century in the United States. Originally, these dogs were bred to assist in hunting raccoons and other small game. By crossing various English and American hounds, a robust, enduring, and excellent tracker with a pronounced hunting instinct was created. The American English Coonhound was especially valued for its ability to pursue and corner game over long distances. Over time, the breed developed into a popular hunting and family dog, known for its friendliness and eagerness to work.
The American English Coonhound was bred to hunt raccoons and other small mammals in the forests of North America.
USA
1700
Character & Temperament
The American English Coonhound is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a friendly and balanced temperament. It is characterized by its high motivation and strong sense of smell, making it an excellent partner for tracking and trailing work. Despite its hunting drive, it is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of its family. This breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. Without sufficient activity, the American English Coonhound can become restless or stubborn. It learns quickly but also shows a certain independence, which is why consistent and patient training is important. Its friendly nature makes it a good family dog that gets along particularly well with children. The American English Coonhound has a pronounced prey drive and loves to use its nose. Therefore, it is advisable to engage it with search and retrieve tasks. It is not a typical guard dog but shows a certain protective behavior through its attentiveness. Overall, it is an energetic, intelligent, and loyal companion who excels both as a hunting dog and as a family dog.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
American English Coonhound: The American English Coonhound was specifically bred for hunting raccoons and has an exceptional sense of smell, making it one of the best trackers among hunting dogs. Its loud, melodic voice helps hunters locate it even in dense forest.
What Awaits You
The American English Coonhound is an energetic and enduring hunting dog, specially bred for tracking small game. It is characterized by its keen sense of smell and loud, melodic bay. These dogs are friendly and family-oriented but require a lot of exercise and consistent training. Due to their hunting drive, they are best suited for active households.
Housing & Care
American English Coonhounds are lively and enduring dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are very friendly and outgoing but also show a strong hunting instinct that should be taken into account when keeping them. Due to their temperament, they are well suited for active families or people who spend a lot of time outdoors. When dealing with children, American English Coonhounds are usually patient and friendly, with early socialization being important to ensure harmonious coexistence. They generally get along well with other dogs, especially if they grow up together from a young age. They are less suitable for apartment living alone, as they need a lot of exercise and activity to remain balanced and content.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The American English Coonhound is an intelligent and independent dog that requires consistent but patient training. Similar to the Labrador, it is important to give him meaningful tasks, as he was originally bred as a hunting dog and has a strong search and scent drive. Fetch and search games are excellent for meeting his natural instincts. Compared to the German Shepherd, the American English Coonhound often shows greater independence, which is why training should especially focus on positive reinforcement and clear structures to avoid frustration. Early socialization and learning impulse control are crucial so that he does not develop unwanted hunting or barking behavior. The Coonhound benefits from varied training sessions that challenge him both physically and mentally without overwhelming him. Patience and consistency are key here, as he likes to work when motivated but can also be stubborn. With the right support, he becomes a loyal and reliable companion who excels both in dog sports and everyday life.
Nutrition & Care
The American English Coonhound requires a balanced diet that supports its active lifestyle. High-quality dog food with a good amount of protein and nutrients is important to strengthen its muscles and maintain its energy. Be careful to avoid overweight, as this can strain the joints. The coat of the American English Coonhound is short and dense, which makes grooming relatively easy. Regular brushing, about once a week, helps remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, making more intensive brushing advisable. The American English Coonhound is well adapted to various climate conditions. Its short coat protects against heat, but sufficient shade and water should be provided during high temperatures. In winter, the coat offers only limited protection, so additional protection should be considered in cold weather.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The American English Coonhound is a robust working breed with an average health risk profile. Prospective buyers should still look for hip dysplasia (HD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), as these conditions can occur within the breed. Additionally, as with many large, deep-chested dogs, there is a certain susceptibility to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly development and schedule regular veterinary check-ups for his eyes and thyroid to ensure your dog stays active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and hearing tested to specifically reduce hereditary risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the American English Coonhound
Thomas B., Pflegestelle aus Köln (Rüde, seit 2024)
Ich habe vor Kurzem einen zweijährigen, knapp 32 kg schweren American English Coonhound-Rüden aus dem Tierheim als Pflegehund übernommen, der davor wahrscheinlich als reiner Jagdhund nur im Zwinger gehalten wurde. Er ist unfassbar hübsch, extrem schlau und war innerhalb weniger Tage stubenrein. Er lernt Kommandos wie 'Sitz' oder 'Platz' extrem schnell und weiß genau, was er nicht darf – was ihn allerdings nicht davon abhält, es trotzdem heimlich zu versuchen, sobald ich wegschaue. Er ist ein echter Lausbub!
Die Kehrseite der Medaille ist seine extreme Trennungsangst. Er weicht mir nicht von der Seite, jault und bellt aber ununterbrochen, sobald ich auch nur kurz außer Sichtweite bin. Für eine Mietwohnung mit Mitbewohnern ist das eine echte Zerreißprobe. Zudem kaut er aus Neugierde oder Stress alles an, was er in die Schnauze bekommt. Man kann ihn aktuell keine Sekunde unbeaufsichtigt im Haus lassen.
Draußen ist er bei neuen Geräuschen oder in hektischen Umgebungen schnell überfordert. An der Leine zieht er wie verrückt, da sein Jagdtrieb sofort anspringt. Wer sich einen solchen Hund ins Haus holt, muss sich darüber im Klaren sein, dass die Eingewöhnung und das Alleine-Bleiben-Training extrem viel Zeit, Geduld und starke Nerven kosten.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Brandenburg (Hündin, seit 2022)
Früher hatte ich Vorstehhunde, aber das Leben mit einem English Coonhound ist eine völlig andere Liga. Ein Züchter hat mir mal den Unterschied erklärt: Ein Vorstehhund jagt mit dir und versichert sich immer wieder deines Standorts. Ein Coonhound geht jagen und erwartet einfach, dass du gefälligst hinterherkommst und Schritt hältst. Diese Hunde wurden für extreme Eigenständigkeit gezüchtet, und das merkt man in jeder Sekunde ihres Alltags.
Man darf ihren Charakter niemals als bloße 'Sturheit' abstempeln – sie treffen schlichtweg eigene Entscheidungen. Wenn ich ihr ein Kommando gebe, wäge ich ab und gebe ihr bewusst ein paar Sekunden Zeit, um sich selbst für den Gehorsam zu entscheiden. Ein reiner Machtkampf oder ein 'War of Wills' führt bei dieser Rasse nur dazu, dass sie komplett auf stur schalten. Man braucht eine extrem hohe Frustrationstoleranz.
Dazu kommt das typische, unüberhörbare 'Baying' (das tiefe, singende Heulen). Sie kommunizieren unglaublich lautstark und teilen einem alles mit. Wenn sie unterfordert sind, neigen sie außerdem dazu, extrem kreativ zu werden – das Sofa anzuknabbern oder Ausbruchskünstler-Qualitäten am Zaun zu zeigen, gehört dann leider zum Standardprogramm.
Michael S., Läufer aus dem Harz (Rüde, seit 2020)
Ich kann jedem, der über einen Coonhound nachdenkt, nur sagen: Tut es nicht, es sei denn, ihr seid bereit für ein extremes sportliches Commitment. Ich bin Ultraläufer und laufe regelmäßig Strecken zwischen 10 und 30 Kilometern in den Bergen. Mein Rüde begleitet mich dabei problemlos. Er bekommt täglich drei große Runden, die jeweils mindestens eine Stunde dauern, oft gepaart mit intensivem Lauftraining.
Nach so einem Berglauf ist er zwar müde, aber am nächsten Tag steht er schon wieder parat und fordert sein Pensum ein. Wenn er diese körperliche Auslastung nicht bekommt, mutiert er zu einer extremen Nervensäge. Er fängt an zu jaulen, wird lautstark und zerstört im schlimmsten Fall Einrichtungsgegenstände. Diese Hunde leiden massiv unter faulen Besitzern, die sich der enormen Energie nicht bewusst sind.
Bietet man ihm jedoch diesen extremen Auslauf, zeigt sich seine wundervolle zweite Seite: Im Haus ist er dann der anhänglichste, verschmuste und liebevollste Hund, den man sich vorstellen kann. Er liebt es, stundenlang eng an mich gekuschelt auf dem Sofa zu dösen.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the American English Coonhound
Is a American English Coonhound the right dog for me?
The American English Coonhound is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a American English Coonhound live?
The average life expectancy of a American English Coonhound is 11-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a American English Coonhound need?
American English Coonhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a American English Coonhound good for families with children?
The American English Coonhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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