American English Coonhound

If you are looking for a good hunting and family dog, look no further than the American English Coonhound. These beautiful dogs are tireless and tenacious on the trail of raccoons, but are amiable and easy-going companions at home.

This dual personality makes them a real all-purpose dog. But this can be a challenge for those that are inexperienced with such a hound, and so this breed may be better suited for more experienced owners. Read on to learn more about the American English Coonhound.

Description of the American English Coonhound

These well-muscled and lean raccoon hunting machines are tough on one hand, but soft and easy-going on the other. They are well suited for families that will take them hunting or have them compete in canine sports, as their focus and energy needs mentally stimulating outlets.

But besides being such excellent sporting dogs, the American English Coonhound is a real lover and is a sweet and mellow companion at home. His long soft ears are and typical houndy face just make you want to reach out and give his head a scratch.

Brought to America in the early 1800s, folks in the country created these dogs to help catch the economically vital raccoon. They still excel at hunting today and are a popular choice for many hunters. Their full bark is something you should be ready to live with if getting an American English Coonhound.

These dogs have a beautiful coat that is hard and of medium length. They come in red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-colored and ticked, red and white, or black and white.

Life Expectancy and Size

The American English Coonhound is a generally healthy dog that lives an average of 11 – 12 years. Working with a reputable breeder can help prevent potential genetic health problems in your dog, but always be prepared for illness as it can strike at any time.

These sinewy and well-built dogs are a good-sized hound. The males stand 24 – 26 inches tall, females 23 – 25 inches, and they weigh 45 – 65 pounds.

Protective Ability

While these dogs are fearless on the hunt, they make docile and quite friendly companions at home. They will often sound off to alert to a stranger, but then will amble over to greet them. They are too gentle to be real guard dogs, but their agreeable nature is one of the best traits of this breed.

Training

These mellow dogs may seem like a breeze to train but may require some patience and creative ideas. The first step in training your American English Coonhound is to provide him with plenty of early socialization. This will help expose your dog to many different types of people and situations and help him grow into a well-mannered pup.

Treats are a great tool to use when training your dog. This will give them something motivating to work for. Just be sure not to overfeed or your American English Coonhound may find himself a bit overweight.

Training your dog for hunting or canine sports is a great way to channel his energy and intensity. This will help tucker him out mentally and physically, making him a relaxed dog at home.

Energy Level

The split personality of the American English Coonhound means he has bursts of energy in between long spells of intense relaxation. In other words, your dog will be crazy and playful for a bit and then promptly lie down and fall asleep.

But don’t think you can get this breed and never have to exercise them. These dogs require intense physical stimulation when they are active and won’t do well in a home where they don’t get plenty of exercise.

What Living with a American English Coonhound is Like

This is a true hunting breed.

While they are mellow and gentle and home, these dogs turn into tireless warriors when on the hunt. When not out in search of raccoons, the American English Coonhound is a patient friend for children, does well with other dogs, and is an affectionate companion.

Their easy-going home manner may give them the appearance of being a great sedentary family dog, but don’t be fooled. This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and will not be satisfied if his mind and body aren’t given engaging tasks.

Care of the American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound is a mellow breed, but their love of open spaces and houndy independence means they are best suited to a home with plenty of room and experienced owners.

Environmental Needs

These hardy dogs do equally well in both hot and cold weather. Just be sure to monitor your American English Coonhound in extreme temperatures as they may overheat or become too cold.

Exercise Needs

These dogs need plenty of exercise to stay fit and happy. Hunting, multiple long walks a day, backyard playtime, and open spaces to run are all great things that contribute to a healthy American English Coonhound. Consider this before getting your dog. They love to be affectionate and mellow at home, but need lots of physical and mental stimulation to get there.

Shedding and Grooming

The dense and shiny coat of the American English Coonhound requires weekly brushing to keep it clean and glossy. A proper diet is important for the health of your dog’s coat, so be sure he is getting proper nutrition.

This breed sheds some, but not heavily.

Be sure to regularly clean and check your dog’s long floppy ears, as they are prone to infection. Regular nail trimming and monthly bathing are also important hygiene elements for your dog.

Ideal Home Environment

These dogs flourish in a home where they get plenty of exercise and lots of love. Those who are hunters or would have their dog in canine sports would find an excellent companion in the American English Coonhound.

They make an alert watchdog but are friendly to strangers and other dogs. You will love you pup for his amiable nature at home.

Health Concerns

As a tough hunting breed, the American English Coonhound is in great physical shape and suffers from few health problems. Certain orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia can occur. Other problems include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, and bloat.

Behavior Problems

The American English Coonhound is extremely prey driven and won’t hesitate to wander off after a scent. Be sure to keep him fenced in or on leash unless he is out hunting.