Bearing a name that pays homage to two countries, the American English Coonhound dog breed is a popular, loved household companion.
He has skills that served him out in the woods and qualities that make him the pet he is today.
A versatile, adaptable breed with many colors that make a canine rainbow, the American English Coonhound can be a pet to anyone. With a hunter, he is a formidable teammate. With a regular Joe, he plays the role of protector and friend.
There are factors to consider before getting a Coonhound, though. If you are someone who hasn’t owned a Coonhound but is interested in one, information is vital to understand this breed and know if they are suitable for you.
Having these in mind, this article would look into the different facets of the American English Coonhound facts and dog breed information. We’d cover the characteristics, history, temperament, health, grooming needs, and more.
The Coonhound’s many strengths come with some possible weaknesses, depending on your preference, personality, and other personal nuances.
While they can fit with a wide range of owners, not everyone will find petting them a good experience.
Key American English Coonhound Facts and Information
| Dog Breed Group | Hound Dog |
| Height | 23 to 26 inches |
| Weight | Follows height |
| Coat | Short, medium |
| Color(s) | Red, white, blue, black |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 12 years |
| Temperament / Behavior | Intelligent, loyal, energetic |
| Origin | United States |
| Bred For | Hunting |
| Nickname(s) / Other Name(s) | Redtick Coonhounds, English Coonhound |
| Recognized by the AKC, UKC, CKC | Yes |
American English Coonhound Characteristics
| Characteristics | Rating |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | 3/5 |
| Friendliness | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 |
| Pet-Friendly | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 |
| Playfulness | 4/5 |
| Exercise Needs | 4/5 |
| Energy Level | 4/5 |
| Tendency to Bark | 4/5 |
| Tendency to Drool | 1/5 |
| Tendency to Snore | 3/5 |
| Tendency to Dig | 3/5 |
Interesting facts about American English Coonhound dog breed
Fact #1: The American English Coonhound are tree climbers
Tree climbing is a skill often associated with smaller animals and cats who are light on their feet. It is common to see felines and squirrels on a branch of a tree.
However, many people don’t see dogs as tree climbers. This makes the American English Coonhound special. This breed has the ability to climb a tree in pursuit of prey.
Fact #2: They are talkatives
Contrary to what we think, dogs do talk. The only difference is that they don’t talk like humans do.
However, they ensure their owners understand what they want. Dogs talk using vocalizations and body signals.
The Coonhound is a big talker in the dog world. They bark, bay, and make other sounds.
This was a good tool to alert hunters, but a problem when you have neighbors.
Fact #3: They are fast dogs with stamina
Besides climbing trees and talking, another tool Coonhounds use while hunting is their speed. They have stamina, as well, and can run for long.
They are dangerous to prey as they won’t give up till they get their goal.
Fast dogs have always been prized by hunters who let them go ahead in search of prey. The Coonhound was certainly a formidable hunter.
Fact #4: They hunted foxes and raccoons
While the American English Coonhound can be used to hunt any game, they were specifically bred to hunt down foxes and raccoons.
This accounts for their qualities. Foxes are fast, so speed gives Coonhounds an advantage.
Raccoons mount trees with surprising agility. The Coonhound is their best rival.
Fact #5: They have a high energy level
Given that they do an excellent job hunting agile and fast games, it is not surprising that they are energetic.
Coonhounds have a high energy level that keeps them chasing till their prey gets tired.
Breed History & Origin
To trace Coonhounds, you need to go back to the 17th and 18th Centuries when Foxhounds from England came into America.
All Coonhounds except the Plott Hound share the Foxhound as an ancestor.
These foxhounds came into the United States through settlers like Robert Brooke, Thomas Walker, and even George Washington, America’s first president.
When the Foxhounds came in, they got the name English Fox, then Coonhound, then English Dogs.
So, if a visitor calls your American English Coonhound an ‘English Dog’, he is well versed in history.
From the start, these dogs hunted both foxes and raccoons. They’d go into the woods at night with hunters to fish out from raccoons, then chase after red foxes under the morning sun.
Their speed, agility, and endurance made them good at what they do.
In 1905, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed as ‘English Fox’ and ‘Coonhound’. From there, the separation began.
In 1945, the United Kennel Club recognized the Treeing Walker Coonhound as a breed distinct from the English Fox. In 1946, the Bluetick Coonhound also became an independent breed.
Nine years after that, the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Club Service recognized the breed and dubbed it the American English Coonhound.
It was in 2011, however, that the American Kennel Club itself recognized the breed in the Hound Group.
This qualified them to compete in dog shows such as the 2011 National Dog Show.
Related: American Foxhound Facts and Information
American English Coonhound Temperament, Behavior and Intelligence
The American English Coonhound hasn’t dropped his hunting skills as he evolved from one century to another.
Instead, he uses these skills in households where he plays the role of a watchdog. This breed is famous for how fast he can go, especially when he’s on a chase.
He also has stamina and agility, making him a good candidate for competitions. He’s an athlete to the core.
The American English Coonhound is not just a hunter, he’s a lover too.
Coonhounds love to make their owners happy and do co-operate better than many other hunting dogs. They show affection and loyalty to their owners.
With strangers, they are friendly, especially if they perceive that the stranger is not a threat.
They aren’t all working dogs, either. Coonhounds socialize and love to play. They tend to get along with kids and sometimes would want to rest on the couch indoors.
When they are not hunting and after an exercise, they love to relax.
Another thing to note is the American English Coonhound is a barker. There’s little you can do to completely stop this. It’s an instinctive trait.
So, it is ideal to have them in an environment with few neighbors around. An apartment may not be the best place for an American English Coonhound unless you want to deal with complaints and an eventual pet ban.
While their friendly nature excludes them from being good guard dogs, their barking tendencies and alertness make them qualified watchdogs.
They will let you know if something is amiss.
American English Coonhounds are somewhat easy to train, which means even a first-timer can attempt owning one.
However, first-timers should know they show stubbornness and can be willful.
Is a Coonhound a good family dog?
American English Coonhounds transitioned from hunters to companions. So far, they’ve been doing a good job. They are loyal, caring, and loving with family members. With strangers, they are friendly. They make good outdoor buddies for those who love the open air.
To an extent, the Coonhound is trainable. They are easier to shape up than many other hunting breeds and may be suitable for new owners who have the forthwith to handle the occasional stubbornness.
Notwithstanding the few drawbacks you might encounter, the Coonhound is a good family dog and a great choice for a household pet.
Are American English Coonhounds good with kids?
The American English Coonhound gets along well with kids. It is important, though, that you introduce him to your children at an early age. This would make him see them as members of the pack, not outsiders.
Obviously, you should not leave any child with a dog unsupervised. This is a basic rule that applies to every dog-child interaction, irrespective of how friendly the dog is with the child.
Teach your children some fundamental dog respect, too. Children with no knowledge of a dog’s boundaries may cross it. Even the most tolerant of dogs don’t appreciate the rough play.
Are American English Coonhounds good with other dogs and pets?
Because they are pack animals and don’t tend to be territorial, American English Coonhounds are accepting of other dogs. They are suitable for a house with multiple dogs and tend to not be aggressive.
They can get along with cats as well if you socialize them right. They may be unsuitable for a home with smaller pets, though. Their prey drive might override any training you give.
Male vs Female American English Coonhound
There isn’t so much difference between the male and female American English Coonhound as to completely alter one’s choice.
However, the gender decision is problematic to some people.
First-timers maybe unsure which gender to start with. Those who have another dog may be concerned about same-sex aggression and interbreeding.
Thus, gender is a strong aspect of a pet search and should not be ignored, irrespective of your experience.
While some people are neutral, others need to check this off their list. If you fall in the latter category, read on.
The male and female American English Coonhounds have varying weights that depend on height.
They are similar in personality, except in general males of any dog breed tend to be more aggressive while females tend to be friendlier. This is not a set rule, though.
There’s a bit of difference in their height. Male Coonhounds are usually taller than their female counterpart.
The male’s height falls between 22 to 27 inches, while the female stops at 21 to 25 inches.
The next distinction applies to all dog breeds (and a good number of living beings). It concerns their genitals and their function.
While the male’s genital is visible, the female’s stays hidden. In function, the female has reproductive qualities.
Caring for an American English Coonhound
We’ll borrow a leaf from the American Kennel Club and emphasize that owning a dog is more than a privilege, it is a responsibility.
Dogs need us to look after them, a task you should be up to before you get one.
So, how do you take care of an American English Coonhound?
Like any other dog, the Coonhound has needs. When you meet these needs on a regular basis, you get a healthy, strong, well-mannered Coonhound.
The first need we’ll look at is feeding. The Coonhound needs good food with rich nutrients served on a regular basis.
Besides satisfying hunger, food is a key to good health. In fact, food fuels every other canine need. Before feeding a Coonhound, consider his age, size, and specific feeding needs. A lean Coonhound, for example, should not be fed like his obese colleague.
Exercise is the next step to take in caring for an American English Coonhound. While they can be calm and sit indoors, Coonhounds are an active breed with high energy and a busy lifestyle.
If you get overwhelmed by too much exercise and outdoor activities, consider a less energetic dog breed.
Then there’s training, a fundamental step. An untrained dog is a savage unleashed who’d only end up in adoption shelters or euthanized.
Luckily, the American English Coonhound can be trained. While they can sometimes be stubborn, they do co-operate and want to make you happy.
Finally, you need to keep them clean and healthy. Brushing and bathing shouldn’t be overlooked. They also should be checked up on a regular basis.
If you detect any symptoms, do not hesitate to get them in the hands of a veterinarian.
American English Coonhound Food and Diet
The American English Coonhound needs a rich meal to maintain his strength, energy, and agility.
Their love for activities makes them eat well, so generally, you may not have a problem getting your dog to eat. The only exception is when he’s ill.
Set a good feeding plan with the help of a veterinarian or nutritionist. The expert will examine your pet’s specific feeding needs and let you know what to feed him.
It is virtually impossible to touch every individual Coonhound’s eating habits and requirements. Our guidelines will put you on the right path but take further steps.
As an adult, the Coonhound needs 2 to 3 cups of dry and wet food, fed three times a day. Let their meal be rich in nutrients like:
- Protein (from meat, eggs, vegetables)
- Fat (from chicken, fish oil, pork)
- Vitamins (from fruits, vegetables, fish oil)
- Carbohydrates (from potatoes, brown rice, or millet)
Like many other breeds, avoid feeding Coonhounds onions, chocolates, alcohol, garlic, and some others. Also, avoid overfeeding them to control their weight.
The Coonhound pup needs nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and calcium.
Keep him on puppy food only. Adult dog food human meals aren’t allowed. You can start by feeding them 1 to 2 times a daily.
The Coonhound senior needs nutrients like proteins and calcium. There should be less carbohydrate in his diet, however, as he is more inactive.
American English Coonhound Exercise
As we’ve established, the American English Coonhound is a busybee with high energy who wants to be exercised to a certain extent before he can stay mellow.
If you’re a hunter, then your hunting expeditions already meet them Coonhound’s exercise needs.
However, if you have the Coonhound as a companion, exercise him regularly.
The adult Coonhound wants a minimum of one hour exercise. They are great for runners and anyone who values a lot of exercise.
Walking is good for the Coonhound too, as long as you cover sufficient distance. You can take them on a hike, as well. Their endurance will make them cope.
While outdoors, keep them on a leash. When they’re playing in a yard, make sure the yard is properly fenced.
Coonhounds are good at escaping and wandering. Their hunting instincts may make them dash off at the sight of ‘prey’ if unleashed or in a poorly erected fence.
Puppies need less activities than the adults as they are not fully grown, neither are they workers at that stage.
Too much running and intense activities will do them more harm than good. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy:
- A simple walk
- Play with toys
- A game of fetch
The senior Coonhound has almost same needs as a puppy. Coonhounds get delicate at old age.
Exercise at that point is to prevent obesity, arthritis and lethargy.
Is a Coonhound easy to train?
The American English Coonhound may be independent and willful on the field, but they are trainable at home. Even first-time pet parents can handle them, especially people who want a challenge from the onset.
While they are not submissive like the Cocker Spaniel, they want to please their owners. Their intelligence also helps them understand with ease.
New pet parents should be wary of their energy, though. Consider your personality and know if it fits the Coonhound.
If you’re a laid-back couch potato, training a Coonhound may be problematic.
While they do nest on couches from time to time, their owner should be someone who’s used to an active lifestyle and committed to their training them.
Too busy people may not do well with the Coonhound as they are prone to separation anxiety.
Meanwhile, that they’re trainable does not mean it’s easy. Like other hunting dogs, training Coonhounds require consistency, patience when they’re stubborn, and enough creative activities to keep them interested.
Training a Coonhound is a bit difficult. If you want your first time to be a breeze, the Coonhound is not your breed.
Another point to keep in mind is that they are pack animals. When there’s a pack, there should be a leader.
The Coonhound has no issues becoming the leader if he doesn’t recognise you as one. Make sure he knows you’re the pack leader. When he does, it becomes easier to train him.
Training for the Coonhound should start early to forestall destructive habits that may be difficult to change when he becomes an adult.
Obedience training is a must for this breed. Socialisation is necessary to get him accustomed to new places, people and other dogs. Use positive reinforcements to make him happy.
American English Coonhound Grooming Needs
It is a bit easy to groom an American English Coonhound, especially if you know what you’re doing or you have enough information.
Their short fur doesn’t demand too much maintenance, and it can be done without the services of a professional. Brush them once a week with a bristled brush, and they’re good to go.
They do shed a lot, though. Be sure you’re able to handle dog fur all over the place before you get an American English Coonhound.
Regular brushing can reduce the amount of stray hair you find lying around.
Bathing shouldn’t be regular with an American English Coonhound. Only give them a bath when they get too dirty—which, admittedly, does happen.
Give their mouth a good smell by taking care of their teeth. With regular brushing, you ward off bad mouth odor, tooth decay and potential toothache.
When getting a toothbrush and toothpaste, make sure they are approved.
Clean their ears as well to avoid ear infection and irritations that would make your dog uncomfortable.
The best tools to use for ear cleaning is a cotton ball and an ear cleaner. If you notice signs of an ear infection—such as an offensive smell—get them to the vet.
Finally, make them comfortable by trimming those nails. Don’t let them get too long, they start clicking on the floor.
Be careful when handling a dog’s nails. Any accident would make him reluctant to trust you.
Grooming should begin when your Coonhound is a puppy. Dogs need to get accustomed to being touched. This would help even in the veterinarian’s office.
American English Coonhound Health Conditions
When you take good care of them, American English Coonhounds are healthy breeds.
Though their life span isn’t as long as many other hunting dogs, they do stay active and fit for a while.
However, medical care is important for them. Regular checkups helps with early diagnosis of any illness, which makes treatment easier.
You need to know the illnesses American English Coonhounds are vulnerable to, then be observant. Get them to the vet if you notice any symptoms.
Some of the health conditions that affects the Coonhounds include:
Dilated cardiomyopathy
This is a heart complication that’s dangerous and can be fatal, both in humans and dogs.
It occurs when the heart muscles get weak, leading to a thinning of these muscles. The heart then becomes bigger than normal.
Symptoms of this illness includes rapid and heavy breathing, weakness, the inability to exercise, loss of appetite and weight.
Left undiagnosed, it can lead to sudden death. Take your dog to the vet immediately you notice any of the symptoms.
You can treat this problem with prescribed drugs like diuretics, cardiac glycosides and vasodilators.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the joint loosens. It is often passed down from a parent to a puppy and can be detected by looking into a puppy’s parent’s health records.
Symptoms include abnormal movement, reluctance to move and signs of pain.
You can prevent hip dysplasia by getting a puppy who has no indication of hip dysplasia in his gene. Feeding a puppy with calcium nutrient helps too.
You can treat hip dysplasia with physical therapy and weight control.
Bloating
Bloating can be a problem for the American English Coonhound because of their size and chest.
While it may seem trivial, bloating is a actually a fatal condition in dogs. It is an emergency issue and should not be taken lightly.
Bloating occurs when your dog’s stomach gets filled with substance and swells up. If untreated, it leads to death.
Only veterinarians can treat this. Do not attempt home treatment or remedy if your Coonhound shows signs of bloating.
FAQs
What are American English Coonhound known for?
The American English Coonhound was a hunter in past centuries. This breed descended from foxhounds and were used to hunt foxes and raccoons. These days, they are also known to be loyal and loving family companions.
How big do American English Coonhound get?
When fully grown, the American English Coonhound gets as tall as 23 to 26 inches. The weight goes in proportion to height.
Do American English Coonhounds like to cuddle?
Although American English Coonhounds are formidable hunters, they are also affectionate pets. When they aren’t outdoors burning energy, they love to stay around family and would enjoy cuddling.
Is it hard to care for a Coonhound?
The American English Coonhound is fairly easy to train, groom and feed. While they do need a lot of exercise, they are not hard to take care of.
How long do American English Coonhounds live?
American English Coonhounds don’t have a long lifespan, but they stay healthy if well taken care of. They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
How much do American English Coonhounds cost?
American English Coonhounds are popular, a status that influences the price. Regular puppies are sold at $800 to $2,000.
Do American English Coonhounds shed a lot?
American English Coonhounds are easy to maintain and groom, but they do shed a lot. Extra care is needed during that period.
Is an American English Coonhound right for you?
The American English Coonhound does have some challenges to consider, like their energy level. Notwithstanding, the Coonhound is right for you if you need a loving, loyal companion.
The American English Coonhound is a loving, playful and friendly dog breed who plays both the role of hunter and companion well. The Coonhound flows with humans of all ages, friendly with teenagers and can even adapt to the indoors.
While this breed can be stubborn, training them isn’t hard. Even first time owners can succeed, especially confident ones.
Related: Complete Alphabetical List of Dog Breeds
Wrap Up
The American English Coonhound is a hunter turned companion who has warmed the hearts of many.
They evolved from hunting foxes with the likes of George Washington to playing in yards and nesting on people’s chairs. For many reasons, they are loved.
Hopefully, this American English Coonhound facts and information is not only useful but will also help you decide if this dog breed is right for you.
If you plan on getting one, make sure you meet a responsible breeder to avoid getting a poorly bred puppy.
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