Coonhound

There are many varieties of coonhounds today, and all coonhounds can be traced back to various breeds of foxhounds. Coonhounds originated in England, and the dogs were used for hunting game in the fields and forests. The distinctive baying of the dogs alerts their owners that prey has been treed. Several individual breeds of Coonhound are the Black and Tan Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, American English Redtick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Coonhounds are large dogs, standing up to 27 inches at the withers. The dogs are sturdy and easily recognizable by their long, drooping ears. Thick bones and well-defined muscles make this a strong breed. Care should be taken to not let the dog gain so much weight that it loses its defined shape.

Personality

Coonhounds tend to be outgoing and friendly animals. The dog tends to be laid back and lazy at home, enjoying time spent on the couch or in its owner’s bed. Outside of the home, the dogs require a job or exercise. The coonhound loves to chase small animals. Care must be taken to curb this instinct when the dog is a puppy if you want it to live safely with smaller pets.

Breed Characteristics

Coonhound Build Information

Coonhounds are large dogs, standing up to 27 inches at the withers. The dogs are sturdy and easily recognizable by their long, drooping ears. Thick bones and well-defined muscles make this a strong breed. Care should be taken to not let the dog gain so much weight that it loses its defined shape.

Behaviour and Personality

Coonhounds tend to be outgoing and friendly animals. The dog tends to be laid back and lazy at home, enjoying time spent on the couch or in its owner’s bed. Outside of the home, the dogs require a job or exercise. The coonhound loves to chase small animals. Care must be taken to curb this instinct when the dog is a puppy if you want it to live safely with smaller pets.

Appearance

The coat of the coonhound is tight and short. These dogs do not require regular haircuts like some other breeds. Instead, the coonhound needs frequent bathing to keep its distinctive hound smell at bay. Weekly brushings with a rubber comb or wiping with a chamois cloth keeps the coat shiny and beautiful. The long, pendulous ears of the coonhound make the breed susceptible to ear infections. Weekly ear cleanings can help to curb these infections. Teach your puppy how to accept toenail trimmings and teeth brushing early on. These things will ensure that you are able to keep your coonhound clean and healthy.

Coonhound Common Health Conditions

Coonhounds are prone to few health issues. Your coonhound may experience ear infections, hip and joint problems, and working injuries. It is not uncommon to discover that a coonhound has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament. Choose a puppy from a breeder that has health tested the sire and dam to be sure that you are getting a quality dog.

Coonhound Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Individual breeds of coonhound include the bluetick coonhound, plott hound, redbone coonhound, treeing walker coonhound, American English redtick coonhound, and the black and tan coonhound. The distinctive bay of the coonhound is revered by the breeds.