Hound group

American English Coonhound

A fast, friendly night hunter with a voice that carries for miles.

American English Coonhounds are athletic scent hounds bred to trail raccoons at speed through the night. They are easygoing and sociable at home, but they need lots of exercise and their baying is not for close neighbours.

Height
23–26 in58–66 cm
Weight
45–65 lb20–29 kg
Life expectancy
11–12 years
Size
Large
Group
Hound
Origin
Southern United States

Coat: Short, hard, protective coat. Colours: Redtick, Bluetick, Tricolour with ticking, Red and white, White and black.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking5.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency2.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability1.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

These hounds are friendly, mellow and good-natured with people and dogs. They were bred to work in packs, so they tend to enjoy canine company.

On a scent they are single-minded and hard to call back. Their bay is loud and frequent, and bored hounds find ways to escape or make noise.

Living with a American English Coonhound

Exercise

Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous activity daily, ideally including tracking or long runs on a line.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing and regular ear cleaning. Expect some drool and a hound smell.

Training

Independent and scent-driven; use food rewards and patience. Recall is unreliable, so use a long line or fenced areas.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually excellent with other dogs. Not safe with cats or small pets unless raised together.

Time alone

Bored coonhounds bay, dig and escape. Secure fencing and exercise before absences are essential.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a American English Coonhound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a American English Coonhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a American English Coonhound typically lives 11–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Ear infections

    Long, hanging ears trap moisture and dirt; clean weekly.

  • Eye disease

    Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts occur; eye exams help.

  • Obesity

    Hounds love food; keep them lean to protect their joints.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: American English Coonhound; American Kennel Club breed standard. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed descends from English foxhounds brought to America in the 1600s and 1700s and adapted to hunt raccoons and opossums in the American South. Early on it was called the English Fox and Coonhound.

Several coonhound breeds — including the Bluetick and Treeing Walker — split off from this stock. The AKC recognised the American English Coonhound in 2011.

Did you know?

  • Coonhounds “tree” their quarry and bay at the base of the tree until the hunter arrives.
  • The breed is known for its speed on the trail.
  • Its bay can carry for well over a mile on a still night.

Library guides for American English Coonhound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are American English Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, for active, rural or suburban homes that can tolerate baying.
Do coonhounds bark a lot?
They bay loudly and often, especially when bored or on a scent.
Can coonhounds be off lead?
Rarely safely. Their nose overrides recall.