Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is the first coonhound breed to receive AKC recognition (1945) — one of the quintessential American hunting hound breeds, developed in the Appalachian Mountains and used for night hunting of raccoon, bear, and mountain lion.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
23–34 kg (50–75 lbs)
Height
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food for a large active hound.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Black and Tan Coonhound is the first coonhound breed to receive AKC recognition (1945) — one of the quintessential American hunting hound breeds, developed in the Appalachian Mountains and used for night hunting of raccoon, bear, and mountain lion. Descended from Bloodhound and Foxhound crosses, the Black and Tan has exceptional scenting ability and tracks by night by scenting ground trails. The baying voice is legendary — long, deep, musical baying that can be heard for miles, designed to let the hunter locate the dog in darkness. The same mellow, gentle temperament that makes it a beloved family dog makes it frustratingly difficult to recall on a scent trail.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A large, well-muscled, deep-chested hound always in jet black with rich mahogany-tan markings. The Bloodhound heritage shows in the pendulous ears, loose skin, and deep-set eyes. Short, dense, shining coat. The overall impression is of a powerful, elegant, noble hound.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Mellow, friendly, and gentle — one of the most pleasant-tempered large hounds. Excellent with families and children. The determination and nose-to-ground independence that make it a superb hunter make recall essentially non-existent on a scent.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 30°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
baying, escape attempts, destructive chewing, pacing, aloofness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. Very low grooming. Ear cleaning weekly — the long pendant ears trap moisture. Secure fencing mandatory.
Nutrition Notes
Working hound — calorie-dense food when active. Ear infections due to long ears. Bloat risk. Generally hardy breed with few dietary restrictions. Obesity possible if under-exercised.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. Ectropion. Ear infections lifelong. Bloat risk increases with age. Hypothyroidism. Very vocal — baying can be problematic in urban settings. First coonhound breed recognized by AKC (1945). Hardy and long-lived (10-12 years).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1000 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Ear infections — elevated from the long pendant ears. Bloat (GDV). Progressive retinal atrophy.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Primarily American breed — uncommon outside USA. Loud baying makes apartment living impossible. India: extremely rare. Working lines most common.
Purchase Price
$500 to $1,500
Adoption Fee
$50 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Black and Tan Coonhound hunts exclusively at night — raccoon hunting in the American tradition is a night sport. The hunters follow the distant baying of their dogs through the darkness, guided by the changing note of the bay that signals "I've treed the quarry."
