Black and Tan Coonhound
Temperament
Easygoing, Gentle, Adaptable, Trusting, Even Tempered, Lovable, Affectionate, Curious, Playful, Independent, Friendly
About the Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is one of America's oldest purpose-bred working dogs, developed in the southern United States during the late 1700s by hunters who needed a dog capable of trailing game independently through dense, unforgiving terrain. The breed's foundation stock came primarily from crosses between the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, a colonial-era strain that itself traced back to the English Foxhound brought over by early settlers. The goal was specific: create a dog with the Bloodhound's extraordinary nose and cold-trailing ability, combined with the Foxhound's speed, endurance, and voice on the track. Raccoon and opossum were the primary targets, but Black and Tans were also run on deer and bear across the Appalachian foothills and beyond.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1945, making it the first of the six Coonhound breeds to receive that recognition. The others — Treeing Walker, Bluetick, Redbone, English, and Plott — would follow decades later, with some not receiving full AKC recognition until 2012. The breed is governed by the American Black and Tan Coonhound Club, which serves as the AKC parent club and maintains the breed standard. As of current AKC rankings, the Black and Tan sits around 151st out of 205 recognized breeds — not a common suburban pet, but with a devoted following among hunters and hound enthusiasts.
What separates the Black and Tan from its Coonhound cousins is largely the Bloodhound influence. This breed carries more of the Bloodhound's physical architecture than any other Coonhound variety — the long, pendulous ears that help funnel scent toward the nose, the deep-set eyes with a gentle, almost mournful expression, the loose skin around the neck and jowls, and a substantial, muscular frame that can push 100 pounds in working males. The Treeing Walker is faster and more sprint-oriented; the Bluetick is arguably more obsessive in its drive. The Black and Tan occupies a middle ground — methodical, thorough, and capable of working cold trails that would lose other breeds entirely.
The Black and Tan's coat is short, dense, and glossy, always presented in a rich black base with the distinctively vibrant tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and beneath the tail. There is no coat variation within the breed — the pattern is fixed by the standard, and it is that unmistakable coloring that gave the breed its name.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Hound
- Bred For:
- Hunting raccoons, night hunting
- Origin:
- United States
- Life Span:
- 10 - 12 years
- Weight:
- 65 - 100 lbs
- Height:
- 23 - 27 in
💰 Black and Tan Coonhound Cost Guide
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Additional Characteristics
Care Requirements
They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They need moderate grooming, including regular brushing and occasional professional care.
Highly trainable and quick to learn commands
They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Complete Breed Guide
About the Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a breed that originated in the United States, developed primarily for hunting raccoons and other game. They are characterized by their sleek, muscular build, with a height ranging from 23 to 27 inches and a weight between 65 and 100 pounds, featuring a distinctive black and tan coat. Known for their easygoing and affectionate temperament, these dogs are adaptable and intelligent, making them suitable companions as well as skilled hunters. Their playful and independent nature often leads them to be both entertaining and loyal family pets.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are known for being easygoing, gentle, adaptable, trusting, even tempered, and lovable, affectionate, curious. As a high-energy breed, they are highly responsive to training and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.
Caring for a Black and Tan Coonhound means committing to moderate grooming every week or two, vigorous daily exercise, and consistent training from an early age. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Hound
- Bred For:
- Hunting raccoons, night hunting
- Origin:
- United States
- Life Span:
- 10 - 12 years
- Weight:
- 65 - 100 lbs
- Height:
- 23 - 27 in
Temperament
Free Black and Tan Coonhound Health Guide
Black and Tan Coonhounds can be prone to Hip Dysplasia and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.
- ✓Black and Tan Coonhound-specific health warning signs
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- ✓Monthly breed health newsletter
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