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 € |
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.
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.
American English Coonhound Breeders Near You
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Guides & Resources
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