Spotlight Breed: The Black and Tan Coonhound
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by Dianna Conrad
History
The Black and Tan Coonhound probably descended from the Talbot hound which was
known in
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a working dog, historically used to track and
tree raccoons. They are powerful and agile dogs with great courage and
stamina. The Black and Tan Coonhound works his trail with consummate
skill and determination. They trail Bloodhound style, entirely by scent,
with nose to the ground, "barking up" or giving voice the moment his
quarry is treed.
The Basics
The Black and Tan Coonhound is first and fundamentally a working dog, a trail
and tree hound, capable of withstanding the rigors of winter, the heat of
summer, and the difficult terrain over which he is called upon to work.
They are large dogs (65-100 pounds), and can adapt to most living
situations. They have moderate bone structure and good muscle tone, with
the males being heavier in bone and muscle tone. They have a short
dense coat that tends to shed all year long and requires regular
brushing. They have long, low set ears that hang in graceful folds giving
these Coonhounds a majestic appearance. As their name implies, they are
coal black with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle,
chest, legs, and toes.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are known for their even temperament and for being
outgoing and friendly. They tend to get along well with other dogs since
they are bred to be scent hounds and must be able to work in close contact with
other hounds. Due to their hunting instincts, care should be taken
in introducing these dogs to cats or other small pets. Also due to their
hunting instincts, they should never be turned loose or exercised unless within
the confines of a securely fenced yard.
The Not-So-Basics
Black and Tan Coonhounds are devoted, loving, and entertaining members of the
family. As adults, they are typically not overly active and prefer
to relax where you are. Coonhounds are also typically not big chewers,
although if you buy them a chew toy, they will work on it for hours in the
evening while you and the family watch TV.
As members of the hound family, they tend to be very sensitive dogs and
don’t like to be in trouble. They’re prone to cuddling and
snuggling and despite their large size, will turn into canine pretzels in order
to fit in that little spot next to you in bed or on the couch.
Another characteristic of hounds is their determined nature, which calls for
obedience classes and immediate establishment of “who’s the
boss” in the house – you, not the dog. Since Black and Tan
Coonhounds are large dogs, they would do best in a house vs. a condo or
apartment. Also, due to their hunting instincts, a fenced yard (a
physical fence, not an invisible fence) is preferable. But, under any
circumstance, they need to be monitored even in a fenced yard, as they may dig
their way out if they catch a scent.
On
a Personal Note
As the owner of a Black and Tan mix, I can attest to their cuddlicity.
My girl does what I affectionately call “the small
package”….she will curl her 70 pound frame into the smallest ball
just to lay next to me. As if she were more concerned about my comfort
than her own. She is a devoted friend who greets me with a bright smile
and wagging tail every morning when I leave for work and every evening when I
return. She is also a fantastic watchdog…though sometimes I’m
not sure what exactly she’s barking at! And, she
“sings” every time a fire truck or police siren is in
earshot…the famous houndly yodel. After
her puppy years…which were filled with chewing, lots of puppy energy, and
lots of obedience training…she has transformed into a beautiful, sweet,
friendly, cuddly, trustworthy companion for life. One of my best friends!
We’d like to give a special thanks to Coonhound Rescue,
who provided these pictures. Please remember that there are a lot of wonderful
hounds out there looking for a home, and Coonhound Rescue is a great place to
check.
Information distilled from American Kennel Club and the American Black and Tan
Coonhound Club. For more information:
http://www.abtcc.com/
http://www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/blkntan.cfm
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