Hound group
Black and Tan Coonhound
A big, mellow trailing hound — easygoing at home, relentless on a scent.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are large scent hounds bred to trail raccoons over long distances. They are gentle, friendly companions indoors, but loud, independent and powerful outdoors.
- Height
- 23–27 in58–69 cm
- Weight
- 65–110 lb29–50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–12 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Appalachian and Southern United States
Coat: Short, dense coat. Colours: Black and tan.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Black and Tans are good-natured, relaxed and affectionate. They tend to be friendly with people and dogs and are often calm house dogs once exercised.
On a trail they are single-minded and determined, and their deep bay is loud. They need secure fencing and patient, food-based training.
Living with a Black and Tan Coonhound
Exercise
Needs an hour or more of daily exercise, ideally long walks and tracking on a long line.
Grooming
Weekly brushing, regular ear cleaning and drool wiping. Moderate hound odour.
Training
Independent and scent-driven; patient, food-based training works. Recall is unreliable.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and other dogs. Unsafe with cats and small pets unless raised together.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but may bay or escape when bored.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Black and Tan Coonhound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Black and Tan Coonhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Black and Tan Coonhound typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Ear infections
Long, heavy ears need weekly cleaning.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A deep-chested breed at risk; learn the warning signs.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Black and Tan Coonhound; American Black and Tan Coonhound Club. 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.
History
The breed developed in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge regions from Bloodhounds and black-and-tan foxhounds, bred to trail and tree raccoons and opossums at night.
It was the first coonhound breed recognised by the AKC, in 1945, and remains a working hound in much of the rural South as well as a laid-back family companion.
Did you know?
- The Black and Tan was the first coonhound recognised by the AKC.
- Their long ears help stir up scent from the ground.
- They are known for a deep, melodic bay.
Library guides for Black and Tan Coonhound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Training
Heel and Loose-Leash Walking
A strong Black and Tan Coonhound needs loose-lead manners early.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Black and Tan Coonhound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good family dogs?
- Yes — they are gentle and friendly, but loud and need exercise.
- Do they drool?
- Yes, moderately — especially after drinking.
- Do coonhounds make good apartment dogs?
- Usually not. Their baying and exercise needs suit homes with space.