The English Coonhound is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in the Southern United States and was used to hunt various game including raccoons and foxes. They are known by a variety of different names including English Coonhounds, American English Coonhounds and Redtick Coonhounds. English Coonhounds are direct descendants of English Foxhounds, which were brought to America from England during the 17th century and renamed Virginia Hounds. Early colonists developed some of these hounds to adapt to the rugged terrain of the Southern United States. The results of these matings produced several different types of coonhounds that we know today including Bluetick Coonhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds, and English Fox and Coonhounds, which were later renamed English Coonhounds. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1905, but it was not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1995. Initially, breeders raised this dog for the purpose of hunting raccoons, foxes, bears and cougars. Eventually, American English Coonhounds found their way into people’s homes.
American English Coonhounds, also called Redtick or English Coonhound, are medium-sized dogs that are athletic and muscular. They were bred for endurance and speed, and this is reflected in their muscular stature. They have broad chests and muzzles with strong jaws. Their ears are large, V-shaped and pendant. Their coats are dense and short and usually comes in three types: redtick, bluetick or tricolor. They are easy to groom and just need to be brushed regularly. They have long droopy ears, long legs, a long tail and a square muzzle. Their ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections. English Coonhounds can weigh anywhere between 40 and 65 pounds as adults.<br><br> A fully mature American English Coonhound can attain a maximum height of between 21-27 inches. Its weight range is between 40-65 pounds. The male dog stands at 24-26 inches while a female can stand at a height of 23-25 inches. The dog’s physical features include a medium-sized frame with a hard coat. It also has low-hanging ears, a slightly rounded head and a tapered tail that is always up.
Personality
The American English Coonhound is an energetic, lively and affectionate dog breed. American English Coonhounds are good with children, but because they can be rambunctious sometimes, they make better pets for older children. They need firm and consistent training, and need to recognize their masters as pack leaders. They are usually friendly towards other dogs and strangers.<br><br> Just like most other hound breeds, English Coonhounds can be extremely vocal. They also love to dig, sniff the ground, explore and chase small critters. These dogs are highly active and can become bored easily. If you choose to bring an English Coonhound into your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with a large yard and plenty of toys. The English Coonhound is a lively dog that was developed in the United States to hunt raccoons and foxes. The dog is still an excellent hunter today; however, it is also a terrific companion and family pet. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with plenty of exercise and room to run.<br><br> American English Coonhounds are intelligent, active and energetic dogs. They are very loving and posses a strong sense of wanting to please owners. They also have sharp senses an attribute which contributes to their hunting prowess. The dog remains a devoted member of the family that keeps it and relates well with both young and older children. They bark with a sound similar to that of a hound. Redtick Coonhounds are social with other dogs but remain confident, alert and pleasant always.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11 – 12 years |
| Nicknames: | English Coonhound, Redtick Coonhounds |
English Coonhound Build Information
American English Coonhounds, also called Redtick or English Coonhound, are medium-sized dogs that are athletic and muscular. They were bred for endurance and speed, and this is reflected in their muscular stature. They have broad chests and muzzles with strong jaws. Their ears are large, V-shaped and pendant. Their coats are dense and short and usually comes in three types: redtick, bluetick or tricolor. They are easy to groom and just need to be brushed regularly. They have long droopy ears, long legs, a long tail and a square muzzle. Their ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections. English Coonhounds can weigh anywhere between 40 and 65 pounds as adults.<br><br> A fully mature American English Coonhound can attain a maximum height of between 21-27 inches. Its weight range is between 40-65 pounds. The male dog stands at 24-26 inches while a female can stand at a height of 23-25 inches. The dog’s physical features include a medium-sized frame with a hard coat. It also has low-hanging ears, a slightly rounded head and a tapered tail that is always up.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The American English Coonhound is an energetic, lively and affectionate dog breed. American English Coonhounds are good with children, but because they can be rambunctious sometimes, they make better pets for older children. They need firm and consistent training, and need to recognize their masters as pack leaders. They are usually friendly towards other dogs and strangers.<br><br> Just like most other hound breeds, English Coonhounds can be extremely vocal. They also love to dig, sniff the ground, explore and chase small critters. These dogs are highly active and can become bored easily. If you choose to bring an English Coonhound into your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with a large yard and plenty of toys. The English Coonhound is a lively dog that was developed in the United States to hunt raccoons and foxes. The dog is still an excellent hunter today; however, it is also a terrific companion and family pet. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, you will want to be sure to provide it with plenty of exercise and room to run.<br><br> American English Coonhounds are intelligent, active and energetic dogs. They are very loving and posses a strong sense of wanting to please owners. They also have sharp senses an attribute which contributes to their hunting prowess. The dog remains a devoted member of the family that keeps it and relates well with both young and older children. They bark with a sound similar to that of a hound. Redtick Coonhounds are social with other dogs but remain confident, alert and pleasant always.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Their short and hard coat makes grooming easy. All it takes is regular combing and brushing with the help of a firm brush. The English Coonhound requires very little grooming other than an occasional bathing when necessary. However, you will need to check its ears regularly for any excess wax and signs of infection such as foul odors and redness. Additionally, if the nails grow overly long, you can clip the tips with a pliers-type nail clipper.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
English Coonhound Common Health Conditions
There are a few health issues that they may be prone to developing. The most common of these issues include hip dysplasia, ear infections, polyradiculoneuritis and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, American English Coonhounds remain healthy throughout their life. However, a few issues commonly associated with this breed of dogs include hypothyroidism, eye problems and hip dysplasia. Others are polyradiculoneuritis, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and ear infections. Coonhounds have a life expectancy of 11-12 years. It all depends on the type of care you give to the dog.
English 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
The American English Coonhound originates from a pedigree of hunting dogs; although English Coonhounds were mainly used to hunt raccoons and foxes, they were also used on occasion to hunt other types of game including wild boar, bears, possums and cougars. George Washington contributed to the development of English Coonhounds by importing several English Foxhounds to America. The English Coonhound was not classified as a hound breed by the American Kennel Club until June of 2011. English Coonhounds are relatively healthy dogs that can live 12 years or longer if they receive proper care. They have short stiff hair that can come in several colors including redtick, bluetick, tricolor with tick markings, and white with red, lemon or black patches. They are very active and need daily running exercise to be happy; it is a friendly dog and quite playful when around children; its sharp sense for danger makes it an ideal choice for a watchdog; if properly trained, American English Coonhounds turn into highly sociable and well-behaved dogs; their coats are ticked in colors such as blue and white or red and white. Low maintenance dog breed, you may opt to shampoo your dog occasionally; remember to check carefully around their ears for signs of infection. The dogs were first known as Virginia Hounds; their nicknames can be as colorful as the owner wishes, here is a list of some of them: Huckleberry, Austin, Rocky, Gunner, Rooster, Rufus and many more; choose a name that befits the dog’s personality or memories it reminds you of. Coonhounds are very sensitive to smell. You should not unleash them unless you feel it is safe to do so. They love indoors and are not suitable for people living in apartments. Their instincts to animals that live on trees are very strong. They are good and social with children.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
