Black and Tan Coonhound

Breed Type: Hound
Common nicknames: Black and Tan, ABTC
Coat: Smooth
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, intelligent, affectionate
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Color & patterns: Black and tan
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Black and Tan Coonhound - black and tan
Black and Tan Coonhound - black and tan
With their distinctive black and tan coats and soulful eyes, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a striking breed. But these dogs are more than their good looks — they’re also known for their exceptional tracking abilities, keen sense of smell, and friendly and sociable natures. These dogs get along well with humans and other animals, so whether sniffing out a trail or showing off their impressive howling skills or playful antics, Black and Tan Coonhounds are masters at keeping their families, to whom they are loyal and loving, entertained. If you’re looking for a versatile and intelligent breed that excels in both work and play, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a top choice.

Black and Tan Coonhound characteristics

Learn about about Black and Tan Coonhound basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Black and Tan Coonhound facts.

Average height

23-27 inches (58.4-68.6cm)

Average weight

48-85 pounds (21.8-38.6 kg)

Average lifespan

10-12 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
When do Black and Tan Coonhounds stop growing?

Black and Tan Coonhounds stop growing in height by around 12 to 15 months of age. However, they might continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about 18 to 24 months old. Like many large breeds, they mature more slowly than smaller dogs, so they might not reach their full physical and mental maturity until they’re about two years old.

What colors do Black and Tan Coonhounds come in?

Black and Tan Coonhounds are exclusively black with tan markings, as their name suggests. The black forms the base color of their coat, while the tan markings are typically found above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, chest, and legs.

How big do Black and Tan Coonhounds get?

Black and Tan Coonhounds are a large breed. Males are typically 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, usually 23 to 25 inches. In terms of weight, males usually weigh 65 to 110 pounds. Females generally weigh 55 to 90 pounds.

Do Black and Tan Coonhounds shed?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds shed. Their short, dense coat sheds moderately throughout the year and slightly more during seasonal changes, such as spring and fall. Brushing once a week can help manage the shedding. Despite their shedding, their grooming needs are relatively low compared to some other breeds.

Black and Tan Coonhound temperament

Learn about about the Black and Tan Coonhound temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good with kids?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are good with kids. They are friendly, affectionate, patient, and tolerant, which makes them good family pets and excellent companions for children.

However, supervision of these dogs with children is important due to their size and energy level, especially around very young children. Black and Tan Coonhounds can be quite boisterous, and their enthusiasm might accidentally knock over smaller kids.

Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs of any breed is also crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good with cats?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds can be good with cats, but it depends on the individual dog’s temperament, early socialization, and training. Given their strong prey drive, some Black and Tan Coonhounds might have a strong instinct to chase small animals like cats. 

Introducing them to cats at a young age can help them learn to coexist peacefully. Supervise initial interactions to ensure both the dog and cat are safe. Provide the cat with high perches or safe areas where they can retreat if they feel threatened to help them feel secure.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good with other dogs?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are good with other dogs, especially if they have been properly socialized from a young age. Their friendly and outgoing nature often makes them good companions for other dogs, but their strong prey drive might sometimes cause them to be overly excited or pushy. Early and ongoing socialization with other dogs can help Black and Tan Coonhounds learn appropriate behaviors.

Do Black and Tan Coonhounds bark?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds bark. Their distinctive bark is often described as a deep, baying sound, which helps hunters locate them while tracking game. They have a strong instinct to bark or bay when they pick up a scent, making them more vocal than some other breeds.

Their barking can be loud and persistent, especially if they are bored, under-exercised, or left alone for long periods. Proper training and socialization can help manage their barking, but this is a natural behavior for the breed.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds hard to train?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are hard to train compared to some other breeds, but they are intelligent and capable of learning with the right approach. Black and Tan Coonhounds can be headstrong and are not always eager to please. Additionally, their powerful scent-tracking instincts can sometimes distract them from training tasks, especially if they pick up an interesting smell.

Use rewards like treats, praise, and playtime to motivate them and make training more enjoyable. Keep training sessions short and engaging to help maintain their attention and prevent boredom. Although Black and Tan Coonhounds have their quirks, they can learn a variety of commands and behaviors with consistent, positive training methods.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds smart?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are smart dogs, but their intelligence is often more geared toward their specialized skills, such as tracking scents and hunting. They have an exceptional sense of smell and are very skilled at following scents. Black and Tan Coonhounds can solve problems related to their tracking and hunting tasks, showing cleverness in those contexts.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds friendly?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are friendly and affectionate. They are usually outgoing and enjoy interacting with people and other animals. Black and Tan Coonhounds form strong bonds with their pet parents and enjoy being part of family activities. Their friendly demeanor makes them great companions for people of all ages and well-suited for family environments.

Can Black and Tan Coonhounds be left alone?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds can be left alone, but they might not always enjoy it. They are social dogs who thrive on companionship and can become bored or anxious if left alone for long periods, which can lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. 

If they’re not used to being alone, gradually increase the time spent alone to help them adjust. Ensure they get plenty of physical and mental exercise before you leave to help tire them out. Provide toys and puzzle feeders to keep their minds occupied, and consider having another pet or arranging for a dog walker if you need to be away for extended periods.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds cuddly?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are typically cuddly and affectionate. Their cuddly behavior can vary based on the individual dog’s personality and level of socialization, but many Black and Tan Coonhounds will happily curl up next to you or lean in for some affection.

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good pets?

Yes, Black and Tan Coonhounds are good pets for the right families that can provide them with the exercise, mental stimulation, and training they need. They are known for their friendly and loving nature, making them good companions. They especially enjoy physical activities and playtime, which can be great for active families.

Black and Tan Coonhounds tend to get along well with children and can be good family dogs, but pet parents should always supervise interactions between any dogs and kids to ensure that both the dog and the child understand how to behave appropriately around each other.

This breed does have specific characteristics and needs that should be considered before deciding if they are a good fit for your family. They have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Their baying and barking can be loud and frequent, which might not be ideal for all households. They also have a strong prey drive and might follow scents, which could lead them to wander if not properly secured.

Black and Tan Coonhound history

Learn about where this Black and Tan Coonhound came from!

Where are Black and Tan Coonhounds from?

Black and Tan Coonhounds are from the United States. They were developed in the southern United States during the 18th century by crossing Bloodhounds with Foxhounds. The breed was specifically developed for hunting raccoons and other small game. The Black and Tan Coonhound’s excellent scent-tracking ability and endurance made it a popular choice among hunters.

How many types of Black and Tan Coonhounds are there?

There is only one type of Black and Tan Coonhound. However, the breed belongs to a broader group of coonhound breeds, each with distinct characteristics and coat colors. The primary coonhound breeds are the American English Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, and Treeing Walker Coonhound.

How long do Black and Tan Coonhounds live?

Black and Tan Coonhounds live 10 to 12 years on average. With proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary checkups, some might live even longer.

Black and Tan Coonhound health

Learn about about the Black and Tan Coonhound health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do Black and Tan Coonhounds have health issues?

Black and Tan Coonhounds are mostly a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. It’s important for potential pet parents to be aware of these conditions and ensure that their dogs receive regular veterinary care to monitor and manage their health.

What diseases are Black and Tan Coonhounds prone to?

Some diseases Black and Tan Coonhounds are prone to include:

  • Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition in which the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain.

  • Ear infections: The Black and Tan Coonhound’s long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection can help prevent this.

  • Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus): This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening. It’s more common in deep-chested breeds.

  • Obesity: Due to lower activity levels as they age, Black and Tan Coonhounds can be prone to weight gain, which can lead to other health problems. 

  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues.

  • Eye issues: Black and Tan Coonhounds can develop ectropion (the eyelid rolls outward), entropion (the eyelid rolls inward), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, a group of eye diseases that can cause premature vision loss), and cataracts (a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision).

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds hypoallergenic?

No, Black and Tan Coonhounds are not hypoallergenic. Although they do not shed as much as some long-haired breeds, their shedding and dander could still be a concern for people with allergies.

Popular Black and Tan Coonhound mixes

Black and Tan Coonhounds are sometimes mixed with other breeds to create unique combinations. These mixes can vary widely in appearance and temperament, depending on the traits inherited from each parent breed. Some popular mixes include:

  • Labcoonhound (Black and Tan Coonhound + Labrador Retriever)

  • Black and Tan Coonoodle (Black and Tan Coonhound + Poodle)

  • German Shepherd Coonhound (Black and Tan Coonhound + German Shepherd)

Black and Tan Coonhound Mixes picture

Find Black and Tan Coonhound puppies near you

Adopting a Black and Tan Coonhound

Learn about acquiring a Black and Tan Coonhound - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.