Coonhounds are tremendous dogs that you can have in your home. Due to their outstanding athleticism, they are popularly known for their aptitude for raccoon hunting. These dogs are intelligent, energetic, cooperative, agile, and friendly to all kinds of people, including children. However, they are also known for their baying.
There are multiple breeds of Coonhounds, so you can choose the most suitable dog for you, depending on your needs.
The 6 Types of Coonhounds
The following six Coonhounds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
1. American English Coonhound
These lean and muscular dogs are loved by many hunters for their endurance and speed. They are loyal, social, friendly, and affectionate, making them excellent family dogs. Most American English Coonhounds have an average weight of between 50 and 70 pounds and a height of between 25 and 27 inches. With proper care, they have a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years.
These dogs are intelligent; hence, they are easy to train and groom. They also do not drool too much or shed large amounts of hair.
2. Bluetick Coonhound
This is the oldest breed of Coonhound, dating back to colonial times. They are native to Louisiana and have a short, smooth coat and long, floppy ears that are easy to clean. Bluetick Coonhounds are friendly and relate well with other pets. They are active and loyal but hard to train.
These dogs are well-muscled but sleek, with an incredible prey drive. Most Bluetick Coonhounds weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and can grow to 27 inches tall. Like many Coonhounds, they have a life expectancy of between 11 and 12 years. They enjoy spending time in outdoor settings.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the most outgoing and passionate dogs you can have. They are mainly bred for hunting raccoons and night hunting. These Coonhounds have long ears that droop downward and a strong tail. Their eyes are dark brown or hazel, and they have a short black coat with tan markings. They are generally loyal, friendly, intelligent, and responsive. Training them is a bit challenging compared to other Coonhounds, though.
These dogs have an average weight of between 65 and 110 pounds and a height of between 23 and 27 inches. They live between 10 and 12 years. These Coonhounds require a lot of exercise and are very playful—ideal for kids. They shed excessively and drool quite a bit, though.
4. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound was typically bred for chasing prey up into a tree. These dogs are brave, loyal, intelligent, and friendly to people (kids and strangers included) and other dogs. With proper training, they can mingle with other pets, such as cats.
They have dark eyes, long-hanging ears, and a short, soft coat that easily repels mud and dirt. This makes these dogs easy to maintain and clean. Their high endurance level makes them excellent hiking companions.
These dogs are tricolored, usually black with white and tan markings. They need a lot of exercise to make them happy. In addition, they are easy to groom but challenging to train. Sometimes, they tend to act aloof but firm training can easily tame them.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds have an average weight of between 50 and 70 pounds and an average height of between 22 and 27 inches. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 13 years.
5. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds were first bred by Scottish settlers specifically for raccoon meat provision. They make tenacious hunters since they have exceptional tracking abilities and plenty of energy. These dogs have long-hanging ears and elegant red coats. Their hair is short and silky and needs minimal care. Also, they shed less hair than other Coonhound breeds and are easy to clean.
They are active, making them ideal for athletes or outdoorsy owners. However, they are susceptible to wanderlust, which can cause inconvenience to the owner if they wander off in unlatched areas. The good thing about these dogs is that they are easy to train.
Redbone Coonhounds can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, with an average height of 22 to 27 inches. They live between 12 and 15 years.
6. Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is unique, and they are the only Coonhounds without an English origin, since they descend from Germany. They have smooth, refined, and glossy coats. Their hanging ears are medium-sized, and they have black rims over their noses, eyes, and ears.
They do not drool too much and shed a low amount of hair, making them easier to maintain. You only need to bathe them regularly to keep them healthy. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, and easy to train. You don’t have to worry when they break off the leash outdoors since they are very loyal.
These Coonhounds average 45 to 60 pounds and are 20 to 25 inches tall. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Are There Other Coonhound Breeds?
Yes! The six Coonhounds discussed here are formally recognized by the AKC. However, other kennel clubs internationally recognize breeds differently. For example, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes seven Coonhound breeds: all six on this list and the American Leopard Hound. The UKC formally recognized the latter breed in 2016. Maybe the AKC will follow and add them to its list of Coonhounds!
Conclusion
This list highlighted the common types of Coonhounds and their different characteristics. Most of them have unmatched energy and endurance, making them ideal hunting and hiking companions.
If you want to purchase a Coonhound, ensure that you consider a dog with the ideal temperaments for your lifestyle and home.
Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
