The Black and Tan Coonhound dog breed is a working hound – large and powerful. It has a finely-molded head, pendent lips, wide, black nostrils, long, graceful ears, and a strong tail. Its eyes are hazel or dark brown and well-rounded.

  • Drooping ear-leather and graceful, loose-fitting skin give the Black and Tan its distinctive look.
  • The coat is sleek, short, and black with tan markings on the chest, limbs, and muzzle.

By Krysta (Flickr: Black And Tan Coonhound) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Temperament

  • Black and Tan Coonhounds are loyal, intelligent, good-natured, and quick-to-follow companions and hunters that love to please. They are passionate, dedicated workers and always alert, eager, and friendly with people.
  • Solid, assertive training and consistent exercise is absolutely essential to preventing dogs from becoming aggressive, high-strung, or rough during play. They can do well with children if trained properly. Do not let Black and Tans off-leash except in safe areas; they love to follow their noses.
  • Show types are larger and may be less work-oriented and energetic, making them better family pets. Both show and field types do best with an active family.

Height and Weight

  • Adult dogs tend to be 23-27 inches tall and weigh around 50-75 pounds.

Living Conditions and Exercise

  • The Black and Tan Coonhound dog breed does not do well in an apartment. Although they are inactive indoors, they need a large yard for daily exercise and play.
  • This breed has a good deal of energy to spare, and will enjoy as much exercise as possible. They require daily walks, and they do best if they have a job to do.

Life Expectancy

  • Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.

Grooming

  • The coat requires occasional brushing.
  • Regular attention must be paid to the ears to prevent infection.

History

  • The Black and Tan Coonhound dog breed is a cross between the Foxhound and Bloodhound. They were bred in the United States for their color and were first officially recognized in 1945.
  • They are best known as raccoon hunters, and they will howl when they tree their target. They are also good at hunting mountain lions, deer, stag, bear, and opossum – even in tough terrains.
  • Dogs do well in both heat and cold, and they are talented trackers, watchdogs, and hunters.

Group and Recognition

  • Grouping: Hound, AKC Hound
  • Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, AKC, UKC