What are coonhounds bred for?

Coonhounds were bred to hunt raccoons and other small game. They have an excellent scenting ability, endurance, and loud, distinctive barking, which allows hunters to follow them through dense forests and rugged terrain. Their versatility, ability to cover large areas of land, and resilience in harsh conditions made them invaluable to hunters in the American South and other regions.

While the coonhound’s traits made them highly effective in locating and treeing game, especially raccoons, they were also used to hunt other game, such as opossums, bobcats, and even larger animals, including bears and mountain lions. 

The breeding of coonhounds aimed to develop dogs with a keen sense of smell, strong trailing instincts, and the ability to work independently in challenging environments. Their breeding history has endowed them with a strong work ethic, intelligence, and a sociable nature, making them well-suited to both hunting and family life, and today, coonhounds are used for hunting and are cherished as loyal and friendly companions.