American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound is a scent hound that originated in the United States and is known for its endurance and hunting abilities.

American English Coonhound Breed overview

The American English Coonhound is a friendly and affectionate breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. They have a natural hunting instinct, which makes them excellent hunters and trackers. They are not well-suited for apartment living and require a yard where they can run and play. They shed moderately year-round and require weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This breed is not recommended for allergy sufferers. They have a moderate tendency to chew, mouth, or bite objects or people, and may become destructive or anxious if left alone for too long.

Height:
23-26 inches
Weight:
Life expectancy:

What To Expect When Caring For a American English Coonhound

Nutrition

The American English Coonhound requires a high-quality diet that is rich in protein and essential nutrients to support their athleticism and activity level.

The exact amount and type of food will depend on their age, weight, and activity level, but it is important not to overfeed or underfeed them. Regular exercise and portion control can help prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems later in life.

Grooming

American English Coonhounds have a short and dense coat that is easy to maintain. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and prevent matting.

They are prone to ear infections due to their low-hanging ears, so regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection is important. Nail trimming and dental care should also be part of their grooming routine.

Training

Early socialization and training is essential for the American English Coonhound, as they can have a strong independent streak.

Positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and playtime are effective for training, as they respond poorly to punishment or harsh correction.

They are natural hunters with a strong prey drive, so training should include leash manners and recall to prevent them from chasing small animals.

Health

American English Coonhounds are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 11-12 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity.

Regular vet check-ups and preventative measures such as proper grooming and a balanced diet can help prevent or detect health issues early on.

Exercise

Exercise is essential for the physical and mental well-being of the American English Coonhound. They require at least 30-60 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise per day, which can include walks, jogs, hikes, or playing in a fenced-in yard.

They also enjoy mental stimulation such as puzzle toys or scent work, which can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

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American English Coonhound Traits & Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, male American English Coonhounds typically weigh between 55-75 pounds, while females weigh between 40-65 pounds. They stand between 22-27 inches at the shoulder.

American English Coonhounds are a highly athletic breed and require plenty of exercise. They enjoy long walks, jogs, and hikes with their owners.

They are also known for their excellent sense of smell and are often used for hunting small game such as raccoons or opossums. Because of their natural hunting instincts, it is important to keep them on a leash when out for walks or hikes.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The American English Coonhound is known for being an extremely affectionate breed. They are loyal and loving towards their owners, but can be reserved with strangers.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

American English Coonhounds are generally good with children, but can be boisterous and may accidentally knock down small kids. They are energetic and playful, making them great companions for active families.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

These hounds have a natural affinity towards other dogs and are generally friendly and sociable when meeting them. They have a natural hunting instinct, so they may chase small dogs or animals.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

American English Coonhounds are friendly dogs, but can be reserved and wary of strangers. They may bark or howl to alert their owners of a newcomer, making them good watchdogs.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

These hounds are playful and have an abundance of energy. They require regular exercise and playtime to avoid destructive behavior and excessive barking.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The American English Coonhound is an alert breed, always ready to follow its nose and chase its prey. They are quick and agile, making them ideal for hunting activities.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

This breed can adapt to different living environments, but it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They may become stressed if left alone for long periods.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The American English Coonhound sheds moderately year-round and requires weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This breed is not recommended for allergy sufferers.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

This breed has a short and dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They only need an occasional bath and weekly brushing to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

American English Coonhounds are moderate droolers, which means that they produce some saliva, but not excessively. Owners should clean their drool occasionally to avoid potential drool-related issues.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

American English Coonhounds are medium-sized dogs, with a weight between 40-65 pounds and a height of 23-27 inches at the shoulder.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

American English Coonhounds have a high energy level, which requires regular exercise and playtime. They have a natural hunting instinct, so owners should provide them with activities that allow them to use their nose and chase their prey.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

American English Coonhounds require regular exercise and playtime to maintain their physical and mental health. They are active and have a natural hunting instinct, so activities that involve using their nose and tracking skills are ideal.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

This breed is a working dog, originally bred for hunting foxes and other small game. They have a natural hunting instinct, which makes them excellent hunters and trackers.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

American English Coonhounds have a natural hunting instinct and are excellent hunters and trackers. They have a keen sense of smell and can follow a scent for miles, making them ideal for hunting activities.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

American English Coonhounds have a high physical stamina and endurance, which makes them ideal for hunting and tracking activities. They require regular exercise and playtime to maintain their vigor and overall health.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

This breed is generally healthy, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups and preventative care can help ensure their overall health and well-being.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

American English Coonhounds are prone to obesity if they are overfed or lack exercise. Owners should monitor their weight and provide them with regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain their ideal weight.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

These hounds have a short and dense coat, which provides some protection against the cold weather. However, they may require extra warmth and protection, such as a sweater or coat, when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

American English Coonhounds are not well-suited for hot weather conditions, as they are prone to overheating. Owners should provide them with access to shade and plenty of water to avoid heat stroke.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

American English Coonhounds are not suitable for apartment living, as they require regular exercise and space to roam. They are active and need a yard where they can run and play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

American English Coonhounds have a strong urge to roam and follow their nose. They may become lost if allowed to wander freely and require supervision when outdoors. A secure fence and leash training are recommended.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

This breed is moderately sensitive and may become stressed or anxious if subjected to negative reinforcement. They respond well to positive training methods and require consistency and patience from their owners.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

American English Coonhounds can tolerate being alone for short periods, but they may become destructive or anxious if left alone for too long. They require mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

This breed is prone to barking and howling, which makes them a good watchdog. Excessive barking can be a problem, and owners should train them to control their vocalization.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

American English Coonhounds have a moderate need for mental stimulation and engagement. They have a natural hunting instinct, so activities that involve using their nose and tracking skills are ideal. Puzzle toys and obedience training can also help challenge their minds.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

While American English Coonhounds are loyal and loving dogs, they are independent and require consistent training with positive reinforcement. They may be challenging for novice owners and require patience and dedication.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

American English Coonhounds can be stubborn and independent. They require consistent and patient training with positive reinforcement. They have a natural prey drive, so recall training may be a challenge.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The American English Coonhound is known for being an extremely affectionate breed. They are loyal and loving towards their owners, but can be reserved with strangers.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

American English Coonhounds are generally good with children, but can be boisterous and may accidentally knock down small kids. They are energetic and playful, making them great companions for active families.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

These hounds have a natural affinity towards other dogs and are generally friendly and sociable when meeting them. They have a natural hunting instinct, so they may chase small dogs or animals.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

American English Coonhounds are friendly dogs, but can be reserved and wary of strangers. They may bark or howl to alert their owners of a newcomer, making them good watchdogs.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

These hounds are playful and have an abundance of energy. They require regular exercise and playtime to avoid destructive behavior and excessive barking.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The American English Coonhound is an alert breed, always ready to follow its nose and chase its prey. They are quick and agile, making them ideal for hunting activities.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

This breed can adapt to different living environments, but it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. They may become stressed if left alone for long periods.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The American English Coonhound sheds moderately year-round and requires weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This breed is not recommended for allergy sufferers.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

This breed has a short and dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They only need an occasional bath and weekly brushing to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

American English Coonhounds are moderate droolers, which means that they produce some saliva, but not excessively. Owners should clean their drool occasionally to avoid potential drool-related issues.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

American English Coonhounds are medium-sized dogs, with a weight between 40-65 pounds and a height of 23-27 inches at the shoulder.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

American English Coonhounds have a high energy level, which requires regular exercise and playtime. They have a natural hunting instinct, so owners should provide them with activities that allow them to use their nose and chase their prey.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

American English Coonhounds require regular exercise and playtime to maintain their physical and mental health. They are active and have a natural hunting instinct, so activities that involve using their nose and tracking skills are ideal.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

This breed is a working dog, originally bred for hunting foxes and other small game. They have a natural hunting instinct, which makes them excellent hunters and trackers.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

American English Coonhounds have a natural hunting instinct and are excellent hunters and trackers. They have a keen sense of smell and can follow a scent for miles, making them ideal for hunting activities.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

American English Coonhounds have a high physical stamina and endurance, which makes them ideal for hunting and tracking activities. They require regular exercise and playtime to maintain their vigor and overall health.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

This breed is generally healthy, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups and preventative care can help ensure their overall health and well-being.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

American English Coonhounds are prone to obesity if they are overfed or lack exercise. Owners should monitor their weight and provide them with regular exercise and a healthy diet to maintain their ideal weight.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

These hounds have a short and dense coat, which provides some protection against the cold weather. However, they may require extra warmth and protection, such as a sweater or coat, when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

American English Coonhounds are not well-suited for hot weather conditions, as they are prone to overheating. Owners should provide them with access to shade and plenty of water to avoid heat stroke.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

American English Coonhounds are not suitable for apartment living, as they require regular exercise and space to roam. They are active and need a yard where they can run and play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

American English Coonhounds have a strong urge to roam and follow their nose. They may become lost if allowed to wander freely and require supervision when outdoors. A secure fence and leash training are recommended.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

This breed is moderately sensitive and may become stressed or anxious if subjected to negative reinforcement. They respond well to positive training methods and require consistency and patience from their owners.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

American English Coonhounds can tolerate being alone for short periods, but they may become destructive or anxious if left alone for too long. They require mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

This breed is prone to barking and howling, which makes them a good watchdog. Excessive barking can be a problem, and owners should train them to control their vocalization.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

American English Coonhounds have a moderate need for mental stimulation and engagement. They have a natural hunting instinct, so activities that involve using their nose and tracking skills are ideal. Puzzle toys and obedience training can also help challenge their minds.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

While American English Coonhounds are loyal and loving dogs, they are independent and require consistent training with positive reinforcement. They may be challenging for novice owners and require patience and dedication.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

American English Coonhounds can be stubborn and independent. They require consistent and patient training with positive reinforcement. They have a natural prey drive, so recall training may be a challenge.

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History of the American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound was developed in the southern United States from various breeds, including the English Foxhound, Virginia Hound, and French Foxhound.

They were originally used for hunting raccoons and other small game, and their excellent sense of smell and stamina made them a popular choice among hunters. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1905 and by the American Kennel Club in 2011.

American English Coonhound Puppies

American English Coonhound puppies are born with a light coat, which darkens as they age. They are highly energetic and curious, but also have a tendency to be stubborn and independent. Early socialization and training is essential to their development.

As with all puppies, house training and crate training should begin as early as possible to establish good habits. American English Coonhounds typically reach maturity between 1-2 years of age.