The American English Coonhound is a friendly and affectionate dog that gets along well with people and other animals. However, it requires a lot of outdoor activities to stay happy and healthy. Originally bred for hunting, the Virginia Coonhound faced difficulties in tracking prey that climbed trees. To overcome this challenge, breeders crossed the Virginia Coonhound with the Bloodhound, a breed known for its excellent sense of smell. The result was the American English Coonhound, a fast and robust dog that excels at navigating the diverse landscapes of the United States and tracking prey that takes refuge in trees.
Below, we look at American English Coonhound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American English Coonhound, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American English Coonhounds!
| Dog Breed | American English Coonhound |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs (average) |
| Height | 23-25″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | English Foxhound, Bloodhound, Virginia Coonhound |
| Date of Origin | 1700’s |
| Group | Hunting, Tracking |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Price | $1000 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The American English Coonhound is an American dog breed that originated from the English Foxhound. The ancestors of this bloodline were brought to the American South by early immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries. These dogs were initially known as the Virginia Coonhound and were bred by notable individuals like George Washington, the first President of the United States. However, they faced challenges unique to the American environment. The game in the southern part of the country often took to the trees, making it difficult for the Virginia Coonhound to track them. To overcome this obstacle, early breeders decided to crossbreed the Virginia Coonhound with the Bloodhound, known for having the most powerful nose among all canines. This resulted in the American English Coonhound, a high-endurance hound with a sleek body and cold nose tracking ability.
Initially, the American English Coonhound was grouped together with other similar-looking breeds like the Bluetick Coonhound and the Redbone Coonhound. However, they have since been recognized as separate breeds. The United Kennel Club first acknowledged this breed in 1905 under the name “Coonhound and English Foxhound. ” The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized them much later, in 1995, through the Foundation Stock Service. It wasn’t until 2011 that the AKC officially recognized the American English Coonhound as its own breed. They started competing in the hound group in 2012 and became the AKC’s 171st recognized breed.
🐕 American English Coonhound Appearance
The speed and stamina of the American English Coonhound are well recognized. The breed has an elegant, athletic aspect because to its deep chest, powerful back, and well-defined muscles. The breed’s ears are large and floppy, sitting low on the skull, and its head is of average size with friendly, expressive eyes. The tip of the nose contacts the tip of the ears when they are stretched forward. The head is in proportion to the square-shaped snout. In truth, this magnificent dog’s well-balanced body is built for speed, and it lacks any out-of-place features. Strong, angular forelegs that facilitate unrestricted mobility are present. The thighs on the back legs are well developed and strong. These include red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-color with ticking, red and white, and white and black. They also exist in other color combinations. The breed’s strong, protective, and medium-length coat is characterized by ticking as an attractive trait.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Brown, Red, Cream, White, Brindle |
⚡ Fun Fact: American English Coonhound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American English Coonhound
Particularly after a daily exercise, the American English Coonhound is a delightfully sociable and laid-back dog. Although tiny dogs and cats may be misunderstood for prey, the breed is particularly predisposed to the pack mentality and gets along well with both children and other dogs. This breed gets along quite well with strangers, but they wouldn’t make effective guard dogs because they would rather follow a stranger about than growl at them. The American English Coonhound is recognized for having some of the loudest barking and howling among all breeds of dogs. They are usually serene and peaceful indoors, though. Although very trainable, this breed is usually prey-driven. Once the smell is detected, it could be tough for you to break out of your hunter’s monomania. This breed is among the sweetest for an active, outdoor household, but further training and socialization are needed to make an obedient and peaceful dog.
🤝 Are American English Coonhounds Friendly or Aggressive?
American English Coonhound dogs tend to get along well with other pets, but they may not be the most sociable with strangers. However, they are known to be friendly and good with children, making them a suitable choice for families. While they are generally okay around cats, their friendliness towards other dogs may vary. If you are looking to have multiple dogs or participate in dog meetups, the American English Coonhound may not be the best option. On the other hand, this breed is often recommended for elderly individuals, as they can make great companions.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Energetic
- Loyal
- Strung
🐩 American English Coonhound Care & Maintenance
The American English Coonhound’s hard, protective coat doesn’t need to be brushed often, but it will assist with the breed’s mild shedding propensity on occasion. Due to their protective hair, dogs should only be bathed and shampooed when they are filthy from mud. Although your pet might be calm and content indoors, this dog requires a lot of activity to keep healthy on the inside and out. It is not recommended to live in an apartment or a tiny area if you have a breed that needs a lot of outside space to run. They should have a sizable, enclosed yard to run about in. These dogs need a lot of water since they expend a lot of energy. In the sweltering summer, having access to clean, fresh water will help avoid dehydration and potentially overheating. To stop your dog from developing defensive habits like guarding food and toys, you must socialize them from the time they are puppies and throughout their lives. Although these dogs are not violent, if they are not properly trained, they may exhibit domineering traits.
American English Coonhound dogs have a moderate shedding level, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regular brushing can help minimize the amount of hair they shed. The shedding amount can also vary depending on their overall health and the specific breed. In terms of bathing, it is recommended to give these dogs a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $2.00 – $2.25 daily, or roughly $60.00 – $67.50 a month.
🐾 Exercise: American English Coonhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 10 miles per week, which equates to about 90 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: American English Coonhound dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 American English Coonhound Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American English Coonhound Dog Breed can be:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
🤧 Important: Is American English Coonhound hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American English Coonhound.
⚡ American English Coonhound Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American English Coonhound a great choice for families with young children?
The American English Coonhound is a great choice for families with young children because it is known to be social, mellow, and disposed towards a pack mentality. This breed does very well with other dogs and children, making it a suitable and friendly companion for young ones.
Is the American English Coonhound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American English Coonhound breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. These dogs require a lot of outdoor exercise and are known for their endurance and agility. They are best suited for homes with large yards or access to open spaces where they can run and explore.
How much exercise does a American English Coonhound require compared to other breeds?
The American English Coonhound requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. This breed is highly active and needs daily runs and plenty of outdoor activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the American English Coonhound breed known for being good with other pets?
The American English Coonhound breed is generally good with other pets, but small dogs and cats may be mistaken for prey. It is important to introduce them to other pets gradually and provide proper training and supervision to ensure a harmonious coexistence.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American English Coonhound?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American English Coonhound include the Basset Hound and the Beagle. These breeds also have a mellow temperament and do well with families, but they may not require as much exercise as the Coonhound.
What are the common health issues that American English Coonhounds are prone to?
Common health issues that American English Coonhounds are prone to include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. Regular vet check-ups and proper care are essential to maintain the overall health of this breed.
Are American English Coonhounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American English Coonhounds are generally considered easy to train, but they can be prey driven and have a strong hunting instinct. Extra training and socialization are required to ensure an obedient and mellow dog.
Are American English Coonhounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American English Coonhounds are not known to be more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, like any dog, they may experience separation anxiety if not properly trained and conditioned to be alone for extended periods.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American English Coonhound that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no dog breeds similar to the American English Coonhound that are specifically known to be suitable for people with allergies. However, some hypoallergenic breeds, such as the Poodle or the Portuguese Water Dog, may be better options for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American English Coonhound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the American English Coonhound may be more suitable. Breeds such as the Beagle or the Basset Hound, which have similar mellow temperaments but are smaller in size, can be a good choice.
Is the American English Coonhound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American English Coonhound breed is generally known to be good with children. However, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and children with special needs to ensure safety and a positive experience for both.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American English Coonhound?
The grooming and shedding needs of the American English Coonhound are moderate. They have a short coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair. They are average shedders compared to other breeds, but their grooming needs are relatively low maintenance.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American English Coonhound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
