Learn More About Black and Tan Coonhound

Summary

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an impressive presence. His slim, muscular body and long head with expressive eyes give him an elegant yet powerful appearance. The ears are long and hanging, the fur is short, dense and shiny. The breed is classified in FCI Group 6, Section 1.1 as "running dogs" classified. The dominant coat color, as the name suggests, is black, but the tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the mouth, on the chest, on the legs and below the tail are also characteristic. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed.

Character

Despite its origins and use as a hunting dog, the Black and Tan Coonhound is an extremely friendly and good-natured dog that makes an excellent family dog. He is gentle, loving and has a calm, even temperament. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't have the urge to move. Quite the opposite: Black and Tan Coonhounds are extremely hardy dogs that need a lot of exercise and activity. His focus on people is one of his most striking characteristics. The Black and Tan Coonhound loves being part of the family and enjoys spending time with his people, whether playing, going for a walk or just lying together. He is very playful and always enjoys a good game of “fetch”. or "hide". Due to its hunting history, the Black and Tan Coonhound has a strong hunting instinct and can therefore sometimes be a challenge when it comes to stopping it from hunting. His keen sense of smell and independence can lead him to follow a scent if given the chance. Therefore, it is important that you raise and train him well to prevent him from running away or getting into trouble. Although they are generally good at staying alone, they should not be left alone for long periods of time or they may tend to become bored and develop unwanted behaviors. As former night dogs, Black and Tan Coonhounds are alert and attentive, making them good watchdogs. While they won't be aggressive towards strangers, they will make sure you know when someone is in your territory. Overall, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a wonderful companion for active people or families who spend a lot of time outdoors and are looking for a hardy, adaptable dog ready to take on any challenge. With his friendly and loving nature, he makes a great family dog, but also meets the needs and challenges of a hunting dog breed.

What to Expect

B&Ts may be too much dog for any owner's lifestyle. As large, athletic hunters who work at night, Black and Tan Coonhounds are friendly, easy-going dogs who love company. They are cozy by the fireplace, but stubborn when they are on the trail of the cunning raccoon. This hunting dog is a true American original.

Care

As dogs that require a lot of exercise, Black and Tan Coonhounds are less suited to life in a city apartment unless you are able to provide them with enough daily exercise and activity. They do better in a house with a garden, where they have the opportunity to move freely and use their sense of smell. Black and Tan Coonhounds tend to get along well with children and are loving and patient playmates. However, their size and temperament can be overwhelming for very young children, so careful supervision is advisable. They can also get along with other pets, including cats, if they are introduced to it from an early age.

Training & Education

Black and Tan Coonhounds are intelligent dogs that tend to be independent and sometimes stubborn. This makes training them challenging, but with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement they can be trained well. It is important to start training early and show a firm but loving hand. Because of their hunting history, Black and Tan Coonhounds benefit from activities that utilize their sense of smell, such as tracking or mantrailing. These dogs require a lot of activity and mental stimulation to be happy and are at risk of becoming "ball junkies." if they are not properly utilized. It is also important to develop these dogs' frustration tolerance and impulse control, as they tend to follow their instincts and pursue a scent when they sense one. Targeted training in these areas can help them become better able to control their impulses and live peacefully in a human environment.

Nutrition & Grooming

In terms of nutrition, Black and Tan Coonhounds require a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Because they can be prone to obesity, it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise. When it comes to grooming, Black and Tan Coonhounds are quite easy to care for. Their short, dense coat only requires brushing once a week to remove dead hair and keep their skin healthy. They have an undercoat that protects them from extreme weather conditions, which means they can cope well with the German climate. It should be noted that they can shed quite a lot, especially during menopause.