Dog breed profile
Black and tan coonhound
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large American scent hound developed to track raccoons and larger game over long distances, often at night and across difficult terrain. Most adults stand around 58 to 69 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 29 to 34 kilograms, although some individuals are heavier. The breed has a substantial but athletic body, long hanging ears, loose facial skin and a short black coat with clearly defined tan markings.
Black and Tan Coonhounds have an exceptional sense of smell and are capable of following old or difficult scent trails for many kilometres. They are usually friendly, calm and affectionate with family members and often enjoy the company of other dogs. Their working history as pack and trail hounds gives them an independent nature. Once focused on a scent, they may pay little attention to recall or surrounding hazards. The breed has a deep, carrying voice and may bay, bark or howl when excited, tracking or left alone.
This can make it challenging in densely populated neighbourhoods. Young dogs can be energetic, physically enthusiastic and slow to mature. They are generally patient with respectful children, although their large size requires supervision. The Black and Tan Coonhound is best suited to an active owner with secure space who appreciates scent-hound behaviour and can provide regular exercise, patient training and opportunities to use the dog’s nose.
A household should evaluate a Black and tan coonhound by the demands of adult life, not solely by colour, size or puppy behaviour. People choosing a Black and tan coonhound should meet mature examples where possible, because adult energy, confidence and handling needs may be less obvious in an appealing puppy.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Black and tan coonhound requires substantial daily exercise, secure fencing and regular scent-based enrichment. Most healthy adults do well with at least one to two hours of activity each day, including long walks, hiking, tracking games and supervised running in a secure area. Build the Black and tan coonhound's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity.
The breed should usually remain on lead outside enclosed spaces because a scent may override recall. Fencing must be strong, high and checked for gaps or digging points. Training should begin early and use food rewards, praise and short, varied sessions. Recall, lead manners, quiet behaviour and calm greetings are important priorities, but physical management remains necessary.
The short coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Long ears should be inspected frequently for redness, moisture, discharge, odour or infection, especially after swimming or wet walks. Facial folds should be kept clean and dry. Teeth require regular brushing and nails should be trimmed before they become long.
A complete diet should be measured to maintain a lean body condition, as excess weight increases pressure on the joints. Meals should be divided into two or more portions, and strenuous exercise avoided immediately before and after eating because the breed’s deep chest may increase the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor hips, elbows, eyes, ears, thyroid function and heart health. Owners must be prepared to manage the breed’s loud voice and should provide companionship, as boredom or isolation can lead to prolonged baying, digging or escape attempts. Seek veterinary advice promptly if a Black and tan coonhound develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
Ectropion and Entropion
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Elbow Dysplasia
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Haemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency)
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Haemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency)
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Hip Dysplasia
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Osteochondrosis
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA)
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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