American Black and Tan Coonhound
Narrated from: Dog BreedsDesigned specifically for scent hunting, the American Black and Tan Coonhound has won the hearts of many non-hunting people. Their warm colors of black and tan, their deep brown to black eyes and their large hearts are irresistible. They have long ears that hang down below their snout and you cannot help but play with all their excess skin. They also have an easy care coat that is short and very dense, making grooming a breeze. You will need to make sure their nails are clipped regularly so make sure they are comfortable with having the nails clipped on a regular basis at a very young age. A quick bath about once a month or so is ideal and drying them is not necessary. They do have a hound smell, so a mixture of vinegar and water sponged over him will cut the hound smell and will leave him fresh, clean and beautifully shiny!
The always loyal, very intelligent and eager to please nature of the breed makes him an excellent companion. He is a passionate working animal and will need to exercise both physically and mentally on a regular basis. Keeping him busy is the way to keeping him happy. He is a follower, not a leader, and he will need someone to lead him along in training and achieving his need to please attitude. He will be happiest in a busy family that allows him to participate as much as possible in their daily lives.
Always gentle and friendly, the American Black and Tan Coonhound will not be much of a watchdog. He is always alert, eager to please and passionate about his work whether it is pleasing you or hunting a raccoon. They are always gentle and friendly with people but are not generally recommended for families with small children. If the children are properly trained on dog etiquette they will be fine but he will not put up with a lot of pulling and tugging from a small child. By the same token the dog must be taught to respect the child as a member of the family and that the child is higher on the pecking order than he is. The American Black and Tan Coonhound needs ongoing training and leadership. If he is not properly exercised and does not get the attention he requires he can become very destructive, with chewing and howling.
Your American Black and Tan Coonhound must be properly leashed at all times. Being an avid hunter, he will follow a scent for miles! The breed is known for slobbering so keep a towel handy. He will grow to approximately 60 pounds and will stand about 25 inches tall at the shoulder. There are a few health problems you must be aware of if you choose to bring one of these honeys into your life, such as weight gain and hip dysplasia. You must pay close attention to his ears to ward off infections of the ear. You can expect about 12 years of love and devotion from your Coonhound.