Coonhounds are medium- to large-sized dogs, and there is a wide weight and height range among the six breeds. The largest breed is the Black and Tan Coonhound, with a weight range of 40 to 110 pounds and a height at the shoulder of 23 to 27 inches. Plott Hounds are the smallest of the coonhounds, weighing 40 to 60 pounds and measuring 20 to 25 inches tall.

The size a coonhound reaches at maturity depends on several factors. Genetics are key, as parental traits largely determine the dog’s potential size and build. Nutrition, exercise, health conditions, early-life care, and environmental factors such as living conditions and stress levels all play crucial roles in shaping their growth and development.

Most coonhounds will stop growing around two years old. They’ll reach their mature height around their first birthday but will continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until 18 to 24 months old. 

It’s advisable to switch them to adult food around the one-year mark, although this can vary depending on their specific growth rate and overall health. Milestone checkups with a vet are helpful during this period, as they can help ensure proper development, monitor growth patterns, and make personalized recommendations for diet transitions and care.

Coonhounds live an average of 10 to 15 years, with slight variation among the six breeds. The Redbone Coonhound has the longest average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, and the Black and Tan and American English Coonhounds have the shortest at 10 to 12 years. Their lifespans are comparable to those of similar hound breeds, such as the American and English Foxhounds.

The various coonhound breeds all have different coat color standards. The coat color standards for the six breeds are as follows:

• Black and Tan Coonhound: The coat is primarily black with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and beneath the tail.

• Bluetick Coonhound: Their coat has a dark blue, mottled pattern with black spots on the back, ears, and sides. They often have tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and below the tail.

• Redbone Coonhound: This breed has a shiny and solid red-colored coat, which sometimes features a small amount of white on the chest and feet.

• Treeing Walker Coonhound: A tri-color pattern of white, black, and tan is the standard coat for this breed. White is predominant with large black spots and tan markings, especially on the head and legs.

• American English Coonhound: The coat can come in a variety of color patterns, including red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-color with ticking, or a combination of these patterns. They may also be red, white, and black.

• Plott Hound: A Plott Hound’s coat is usually a brindle pattern, which can come in various shades such as black, brown, tan, or gray. Solid black or buckskin (a yellowish-tan color) is also acceptable.

Coonhounds shed a moderate amount throughout the year, with some seasonal increase. Depending on the breed, their coats are short and smooth to dense and coarse. Weekly brushing is typically sufficient to remove loose hairs, prevent matting, manage shedding, and keep their fur healthy. 

You can use a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt to effectively capture shed hair. During peak shedding seasons in spring and fall, more frequent brushing may be necessary. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils, promotes a shiny, healthy coat, and reduces the risk of skin issues.

Yes, coonhounds are good pets. Their friendly, energetic, and sociable nature makes them a good fit for households where there’s a lot of activity and social interaction. They enjoy engaging in games and outdoor activities, making them great playmates. Whether it’s a game of fetch in the backyard or going on a family hike, coonhounds are likely to be enthusiastic participants.

Coonhounds are well-loved for their affectionate and loyal demeanor. They tend to form strong bonds with their human family members and do best in homes where people are often home or can take their pup along with them on outings. Having a fenced-in yard is best for these pups as coonhounds need plenty of room to exercise but are prone to following their nose out of sight.

There are six types of coonhounds recognized as distinct breeds by the AKC: 

1. Bluetick Coonhound: Renowned for their cold nose, which means they can track older scents, Bluetick Coonhounds have a strong hunting instinct, making them effective at trailing game over long distances.

2. Black and Tan Coonhound: These coonhounds have a keen sense of smell and a strong, melodious bark. They are excellent trackers and display plenty of endurance and persistence in the field.

3. Redbone Coonhound: Redbones are versatile hunters who are agile and able to work in various terrains, from swamps to mountains. They are often friendly and affectionate family companions.

4. American English Coonhound: Also known as the English Coonhound, these dogs are highly adaptable hunters, prized for their speed and endurance. They are effective at tracking game both on the ground and in trees.

5. Treeing Walker Coonhound: Often referred to as “Walkers,” these coonhounds have speed, stamina, and a distinct tricolor coat. They are highly energetic and excel at treeing game, alerting hunters with their loud, ringing bark.

6. Plott Hounds: The only coonhound breed not descended from the English Foxhound, Plott Hounds have strength and tenacity. They were originally bred for hunting boar and bear, making them fierce and determined hunters with a distinctive high-pitched bark.

Each of these breeds has unique characteristics, but all share a common ancestry and purpose of tracking and treeing game.

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.

Coonhounds are from the United States. Their ancestry traces back to European hunting dogs brought to America by English, French, and Irish settlers. These European dogs included various breeds, such as the English Foxhound, French Hound, Bloodhound, and Irish Hound. These breeds were chosen for their tracking abilities, endurance, strength, and vocal traits.

Yes, coonhounds can bark a lot. These pups have a distinctive and loud bark, a trait that has been bred into them over many generations as hunters. Their loud, resonant baying has been crucial for the success of hunting and treeing game.

Given this background, it’s no surprise that coonhounds have a natural inclination to bark. But this can sometimes lead to excessive barking, which can be challenging for pet parents who aren’t out on a hunt. Reducing and preventing excessive barking requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating enrichment, rest, exercise, and positive reinforcement training.

Enrichment is essential for these hounds as it keeps them mentally and physically stimulated, reducing the likelihood of boredom-induced barking. Providing a variety of toys, puzzle feeders, and regular exercise can help fulfill their need for activity and mental engagement. Activities that tap into their hunting instincts, like scent-tracking games or hide-and-seek with treats, can also be particularly effective in keeping them occupied and satisfied.

For those pups who are overstimulated, ensuring they have a comfortable and quiet place to relax can help reduce barking. Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding the dog for quiet behavior. When your pup begins to bark excessively, redirect their attention to a toy or a training task and reward them when they stop barking. Consistency is key in this training approach, as coonhounds, like all dogs, respond well to clear and predictable cues.

It’s important to note, however, that training to reduce barking should only be used in conjunction with making sure your dog’s enrichment, exercise, companionship, rest, and health needs are being met.

Yes, coonhounds can be good with kids. They can be quite playful and outgoing and aren’t easily overwhelmed by rambunctious kids, which can be a big plus if you have active children. These pups often enjoy engaging in games and outdoor activities, making them great playmates.

Of course, as with any breed, it is still recommended that young children are always supervised when interacting with your coonhound, especially because some high-energy hounds may accidentally knock over a small kid.

It’s also important to teach children how to respectfully interact with any dog. Explain how to gently pet dogs, when to give them space (such as when they’re eating, sleeping, or showing signs of discomfort), and to avoid rough handling or pulling on their long ears and tail.

Yes, coonhounds are often good with other dogs, and many are trained to hunt cooperatively in pairs or small packs. They can often handle the rough-and-tumble play that may occur between dogs without reacting defensively to minor provocations or becoming overwhelmed. This easy-going nature helps them integrate well into groups of dogs with varying personalities and energy levels.

However, it’s important to note that their compatibility with other dogs can also depend on proper socialization and positive life experiences. Early and consistent introductions to different dogs in a variety of settings help coonhounds learn appropriate behaviors and communication skills. Positive experiences with other dogs during their formative months can reinforce their naturally sociable instincts and prevent the development of defensive behaviors.

Yes, coonhounds can be good with cats, but this largely depends on their early socialization, training, and individual personality. By nature, coonhounds have a strong prey drive, having been bred to chase and tree small game such as raccoons. This instinct can make their relationship with cats tricky if not properly managed.

Early socialization is crucial. If a coonhound is introduced to cats during puppyhood and taught to see them as part of the family, they are more likely to accept and get along with them. Positive early experiences with cats can help a coonhound learn that kitties are not prey but rather companions. Supervised interactions between the puppy and the cat, where positive and calm behaviors are reinforced with treats and praise, can foster a peaceful relationship.

The coonhound’s individual personality is another important factor. Some may have a stronger prey drive or a more excitable nature, making them less suitable for living with cats. Others might be naturally more laid-back and tolerant, which can make cohabitation with a cat smoother.

Yes, coonhounds can be easy to train with engaging, fun, and rewarding training, but their independent nature means they can be easily bored by, aversive to, and distracted from repetitive training that isn’t exciting or positively motivating. 

Training sessions should be kept short and lively to prevent boredom. Incorporating a variety of activities and challenges can keep them mentally stimulated and eager to learn during training sessions. For instance, scent games that mimic hunting scenarios can be particularly engaging for them, allowing them to use their natural instincts while they learn specific tasks or cues.

No, coonhounds aren’t often good apartment dogs as they are quite vocal and active, requiring plenty of space to explore and exercise. They were bred to communicate with hunters through loud baying, which can be quite disruptive in an apartment setting with close neighbors. Their tendency to bark or howl, especially when they are bored or left alone for long periods, can cause noise complaints and stress.

Their origins as hunting dogs mean they have a lot of energy and stamina, which can be challenging to manage in the limited space of an apartment. Without adequate physical activity, coonhounds can become bored and restless, leading to potential behavioral issues such as excessive barking, chewing, or destructive behaviors.

They do best in rural settings where they have consistent access to natural spaces. However, with the right adjustments and care, they can still thrive in an apartment setting. You’ll need to commit to daily walks, runs, or trips to a dog park to ensure they get enough physical activity. During their daily walks, it’s best to allow them to sniff as much as they want and to choose the path when possible.

Engage them in activities that stimulate their natural hunting instincts, like scent-tracking games. Providing puzzle toys, interactive games, and engaging and rewarding training sessions can also keep their minds active and prevent boredom. 

Yes, coonhounds are smart, and their intelligence is often expressed in ways that align with their hunting heritage. They are particularly skilled at problem-solving and have an exceptional ability to follow scents. These dogs were developed to think independently and make decisions in the field, tracking, and treeing game without direct human guidance.

Coonhounds excel in activities that tap into their natural hunting and tracking abilities. One of the primary sports they shine in is scent work or nose work; competitions in scent work can be incredibly rewarding for coonhounds, providing both mental and physical stimulation. Coonhounds also perform well in tracking trials, events that simulate search-and-rescue missions where dogs follow a scent trail laid by a person. Given their history of tracking raccoons and other game, coonhounds can find these trials both engaging and fulfilling.

Yes, many coonhounds like to cuddle, which might come as a surprise given their robust and independent hunting background. Despite their origins as working dogs bred for tracking and treeing game, coonhounds are well-loved for their affectionate and sociable nature. At home, they are typically very affectionate dogs who enjoy being part of family activities and often seek out their pet parents for attention and comfort, including pets, scratches, and cuddles.

Yes, some coonhounds like to swim, although unlike some dogs specifically bred for water-related tasks, coonhounds were primarily developed for hunting on land. As a result, their natural inclination towards swimming is not as strong as it is in breeds like the Labrador Retriever or the Newfoundland, which are known for their love of water.

Redbone Coonhounds are the most water-loving of the coonhound breeds and have more pronounced webbing between their toes, making them agile and efficient swimmers. Black and Tan Coonhounds also tend to have a love for water-based activities. 

Introducing a coonhound to water should be done gradually and with care to ensure they have a positive experience. Start by letting them explore shallow water, such as the edge of a lake or a calm, shallow stream, where they can get their feet wet and become comfortable.

No, coonhounds are not inherently lazy dogs; in fact, they are quite the opposite when it comes to their activity needs. Bred for hunting, coonhounds possess a significant amount of stamina and are capable of working in the field for extended periods. Their natural inclination is to explore their environment and follow scents.

However, their energy level can sometimes give the impression of being lazy when they are not engaged in stimulating activities. At home, after they have had sufficient exercise, coonhounds can be quite laid-back and enjoy lounging around. They can often be found napping or relaxing with their family, which might make them seem lazy to some, but is more a reflection of coonhounds’ ability to strike a balance between being highly active and relaxing.

Coonhounds are quite a healthy, sturdy breed overall. Still, coonhounds can be prone to developing certain health problems, including: 

• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis over time. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage the symptoms, but severe cases may require surgery.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the elbow joint. It can lead to lameness and arthritis. Treatment options include weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes surgery.

• Cataracts: This condition causes cloudiness in the lens of the eye, leading to impaired vision. Cataracts can develop with age or due to genetics. In severe cases, surgical removal of the cataract can restore vision.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA is a group of genetic diseases that cause the retina to degenerate, leading to blindness. Early signs of PRA include difficulty seeing in low light conditions, such as at dusk or dawn, which is often referred to as night blindness. There is currently no cure, and treatment focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment for affected dogs. 

• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus): Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. This condition requires immediate veterinary attention. Preventative measures include feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating.

• Ear infections: Coonhounds have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and keeping ears dry can help prevent infections. Symptoms of ear infections include scratching, head shaking, and a foul odor from the ears.

Annual checkups, quick intervention of health issues, a nutritious diet, and adequate exercise are crucial in managing and preventing many of these health concerns in coonhounds.