Discover Everything About Black and Tan Coonhound
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Black and Tan Coonhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Black and Tan Coonhound is considered a robust working breed, though there are no specific mandatory health tests registered for them. Prospective buyers should still specifically ask about screenings for hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as ectropion, as these can occur more frequently in large scent hounds. Without health documentation for the parent dogs, a certain level of risk remains despite the breed's general hardiness.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
58–69 cm
Weight
29–43 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, shiny
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Black with tan markings
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Black and Tan 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 Black and Tan Coonhound right for you?
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a laid-back yet highly focused scent hound—bred to track nocturnal trails through rugged terrain and tree its prey with a loud, baying bark.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work, mantrailing, or long hikes where following a trail is more important than pure speed.
- You live in a rural area and have tolerant neighbors who won't be bothered by deep, echoing hunting barks.
- You appreciate an independent character and can laugh off the fact that blind obedience isn't part of his operating system.
- You are looking for an extremely social companion who, as a classic pack dog, loves and needs the company of other dogs.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an apartment with thin walls—his voice is loud, far-reaching, and a pure genetic legacy that he will use.
- You expect relaxed, off-leash walks in the woods—as soon as that nose catches a fresh scent, you're off the radar, because that is exactly what he was bred for.
- You have to leave him alone for long periods daily, which is pure stress for a pack dog bred for constant company.
- You are looking for an agile partner for fast-paced dog sports like agility or high-speed cycling.
The real vibes check
Indoors, the Black and Tan Coonhound is often a deeply relaxed couch potato who naps for hours—but outdoors, a single scent flips the switch. You aren't getting a dog that worships your every step, but rather a primal tracker who sees the world through his nose and tells you all about it at full volume.
Breed Profile
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.
| Height | 58 - 64 cm (Female), 64 - 69 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 29 - 34 kg (Female), 36 - 43 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Character | Persistent, friendly, playful |
| Coat | Short, dense, shiny |
| Coat Color | Black with tan markings |
| Price | 1000 - 2500 € |
History
The Black and Tan Coonhound is an American breed that was bred to hunt raccoons (Coon is the colloquial short form for raccoon). The breed's roots date back to the 18th century, when the first European settlers began breeding dogs adapted to the specific requirements of the North American wilderness. The Black and Tan Coonhound was created from a mixture of different dog breeds, including the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. The aim of breeding was to create a dog that had a strong tracking nose, endurance and the ability to hunt at night. The American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized the breed in 1945, and although the Black and Tan Coonhound is rarely found outside the United States, it has an established place in society and culture there.
The Black and Tan Coonhound was bred to hunt raccoons and other game in rough terrain.
USA
1700
Character & Temperament
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.
| 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!
Did you know that the Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the few dog breeds developed entirely in the USA?
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & 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.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Usually gets on fine with other dogs. | Generally tolerant |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
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
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 & Care
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.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| 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 Black and Tan Coonhound is considered a robust working breed, though there are no specific mandatory health tests registered for them. Prospective buyers should still specifically ask about screenings for hip dysplasia (HD) and eye conditions such as ectropion, as these can occur more frequently in large scent hounds. Without health documentation for the parent dogs, a certain level of risk remains despite the breed's general hardiness.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure joint-friendly growth, enforce strict rest periods after meals, and regularly check and clean his long, pendulous ears.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders screen the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, and hearts to reduce avoidable risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Black and Tan Coonhound
Steffi M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde Dexter, Welpenzeit 2016)
Mein Coonhound-Rüde Dexter hat uns in seiner Welpen- und Junghundzeit ganz schön auf Trab gehalten. Er ist buchstäblich gewachsen wie Unkraut – gefühlt alle zwei Tage sah er wieder aus wie ein totaler Hungerhaken, sodass wir extrem mit dem Futter aufpassen mussten. Mit gerade einmal 13 Wochen knackte er bereits die 12-Kilo-Marke bei einer Schulterhöhe von 45 cm.
Leider mussten wir auch gesundheitliche Dämpfer einstecken. Dexter fing irgendwann an, beim Stehen und Fressen einen krummen Buckel zu machen, und jaulte beim Bewegen oder bei Berührung plötzlich unerwartet auf. Der Tierarzt stellte den Verdacht auf ein HWS-Syndrom (Halswirbelsäule) – eine Schwachstelle, für die diese großrahmigen Hunde anatomisch leider etwas anfällig sein können. Zudem plagt uns immer wieder eine hartnäckige Vorhautentzündung, die regelmäßiges Spülen erfordert.
Trotz dieser Sorgen ist er draußen ein absolutes Energiebündel. Er jagt Hänge hinauf und hinab und fegt mit einer unglaublichen Lebensfreude durch den Wald. Man muss sich bei dieser Rasse einfach darüber im Klaren sein, dass sie im Wachstum sehr empfindlich sein können, aber ihr wundervoller Charakter entschädigt für die schlaflosen Nächte.
Sabine G., Halterin aus dem Raum Köln (Rüde Rufus, seit 2021)
Wer sich einen Black and Tan Coonhound ins Haus holt, sollte sich auf eines gefasst machen: Diese Hunde sind laut – und zwar extrem laut! Mein Rüde Rufus hat absolut kein Gespür für Zimmerlautstärke. Wenn er anschlägt oder jault, um andere Hunde zum Spielen aufzufordern, vibrieren die Wände. Das absolute Highlight ist es, wenn er im Auto direkt neben deinem Ohr losheult, während die Fenster geschlossen sind. Das erschüttert dich buchstäblich bis ins Mark!
Abseits seiner Stimmgewalt ist Rufus aber der charmanteste Begleiter, den man sich vorstellen kann. Er ist ein absoluter Mama-Sohn, extrem verwöhnt und unglaublich sozial. Wenn wir in den örtlichen Laden gehen, marschiert er da rein, als würde ihm das Geschäft gehören. Er liebt es, sich von jedem streicheln zu lassen, und sucht sofort den Kontakt zu den Menschen hinter dem Tresen.
Man muss diesen unbändigen, lautstarken Charakter einfach lieben und mit Humor nehmen. Ein Coonhound ist kein Hund, der still im Hintergrund läuft – er fordert seine Aufmerksamkeit lautstark ein, schenkt einem dafür aber auch grenzenlose Loyalität und jede Menge Lacher.
Christian T., Halter aus Brandenburg (Hündin Luna, seit 2018)
Unsere Hündin Luna zeigt uns täglich den extremen Kontrast dieser Rasse. Drinnen ist sie das sensibelste Kuschelmonster überhaupt. Am liebsten liegt sie stundenlang auf meinem Schoß und pennt – sie ist im Haus unglaublich sanftmütig, ruhig und extrem verfressen. Für ein Leckerli würde sie absolut alles tun.
Sobald wir aber draußen sind und sie eine Fährte in die Nase bekommt, schaltet ihr Gehirn komplett um. In ungesichertem Gelände kann ich sie keine Sekunde von der Leine lassen. Wenn sie eine Spur hat, sind andere Hunde, Menschen und ich für sie absolut unsichtbar. Sie kann dann problemlos eine halbe Stunde lang wie hypnotisiert einen Baum anstarren, auf dem sie ein Eichhörnchen vermutet, und blendet alles um sich herum aus.
Auch das typische Apportieren oder Ballspielen, wie man es von anderen Hunden kennt, interessiert sie überhaupt nicht. Sie will laufen, schnüffeln und jagen. Wer einen unkomplizierten 'Mitläufer-Hund' sucht, wird mit der Sturheit und dem extremen Jagdtrieb eines Coonhounds nicht glücklich werden. Wer sich darauf einlässt, bekommt aber einen treuen, charakterstarken Partner.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Black and Tan Coonhound
Is a Black and Tan Coonhound the right dog for me?
The Black and Tan Coonhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Black and Tan Coonhound live?
The average life expectancy of a Black and Tan Coonhound is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Black and Tan Coonhound need?
Black and Tan Coonhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Black and Tan Coonhound good for families with children?
The Black and Tan 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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