American English Coonhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound, sometimes simply called the English Coonhound, is a medium to large hound with a lean, muscular frame, a level back and a narrow, long head with drooping ears. The coat is short, hard and close, in red and white ticked, blue ticked, tricolor or red and white. Males stand up to about twenty-six inches. It looks a little like a foxhound, and it should, because that is where much of its blood comes from.

Despite the name, the breed is American. It was refined in the South for hunting raccoon, opossum and other game, and has the speed and stamina to cover big country. Its voice is clear and carries. Today it works as a hunting dog and as an active family companion, with energy to spare.

Temperament and family life

The breed is friendly, easygoing and affectionate with its family. It is usually outgoing with strangers and gets along with other dogs, as a pack hound should. It is not a natural guard dog, but it will announce visitors loudly.

The dog is typically good with children, enjoying active play, though a young hound is bouncy and can bowl over little ones. Raised with cats, it may accept them, but a small animal that runs outdoors can trigger the chase. The dog is happiest with company and will bay, dig or escape if left alone too long. It is more adaptable than some coonhounds but needs a home that suits its activity level.

Exercise and training

An American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise: a run, a long hike or several vigorous walks every day. It has plenty of drive. It should be exercised on leash or in a securely fenced area because it will follow any interesting trail without hearing a call. Tracking, scent work, agility and coonhound field events give it the mental stimulation it craves.

Training requires patience. The dog is intelligent and wants to please, but its nose can overrule its manners. Short, reward-based lessons produce good results, and early socialization helps. Recall should be trained in a safe space and never trusted in open land. Crate training can help with house manners. Without enough exercise, the breed becomes noisy and destructive.

Grooming and shedding

The coat takes little work. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry or a hound mitt is enough, and a bath is needed only when the dog is dirty. Shedding is moderate and constant, and the short stiff hairs weave into upholstery.

The long ears hold moisture and wax and should be cleaned and checked regularly. After time in the field, check the dog for ticks, burrs and cuts. Nails and teeth need regular attention.

Health

The American English Coonhound is typically a healthy breed. Reported problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections and, as in other deep-chested dogs, bloat. A neurological condition called hound ataxia has been described in the breed, and all coonhounds can suffer coonhound paralysis, a rare nerve inflammation that has been linked to contact with raccoons. Obesity is a risk when exercise lags. Breeders commonly screen hips and may test for inherited conditions. Treat this as general information on the American English Coonhound, and take questions about an individual dog to a veterinarian.

History

English foxhounds came to the American colonies in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and breeders in the South selected those with the best noses and voices for hunting raccoon and similar game at night. The type is also called the English Coonhound or Redtick Coonhound, and over the twentieth century several coonhound breeds were separated from it. The American Kennel Club accepted the American English Coonhound in 2011.

Is the American English Coonhound right for you?

This hound suits an energetic owner or hunter who has a securely fenced yard and tolerance for a loud voice. It is a poor choice for apartment dwellers, for people who work long hours away from home or for those who need a quiet pet.

Look also at the Treeing Walker Coonhound, which is faster, and the Redbone Coonhound, which is often calmer. The English Foxhound is the older parent breed.