Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Guide: Temperament and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a large American scent hound with a glossy black-and-tan coat, long ears and a deep, musical bay. It was bred to trail raccoons and other game at night, and it is friendly and easygoing at home.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in the United States from Virginia Foxhounds and Bloodhound-type dogs. Black and Tans are large and athletic, with a long head, long, low-set ears, loose lips, a short, dense coat in black with tan markings and a strong tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, affectionate and easygoing. They are usually good with children and other dogs. They are independent and persistent. They can be vocal. They dislike being left alone and may howl.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, ideally with sniffing time on a long line. They enjoy tracking and hiking. Secure fencing is essential, since they follow scents and can climb or dig.

Training

They are intelligent but independent. Use positive methods, patience and food rewards. Do not expect a reliable off-lead recall. Early socialization helps. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The short coat needs weekly brushing. Clean the ears often, wipe the lips, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Ectropion and entropion
• Hereditary conditions, including some blood disorders
• Obesity. See obesity risks in dogs

Living with a Black and Tan Coonhound

They suit active families with a secure yard and tolerance for noise. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to apartments or long hours alone.

A typical day

A Coonhound wants a long morning outing, a long nap, family time and an evening sniffing walk. Many are calm indoors.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are clumsy and curious. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a large dog and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well with a sturdy crate or harness.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include trusting the dog off lead, neglecting the ears, overfeeding and leaving the dog alone.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip tests, hereditary conditions and the parents' temperaments. Meet the parents and see how they live.

A voice for the night hunt

Coonhounds are bred to bay when they have trailed game, so owners hear that voice in the yard. Neighbors may notice. Exercise, mental work and not leaving the dog outside alone can reduce nuisance baying, but the voice is part of the breed.

Nose first, always

A coonhound on a scent can ignore commands and travel far. Use a long line, a sturdy harness and secure fencing. Scent games at home give the nose legal outlets.

Daily care checklist

• A long walk with time to sniff.
• Ear checks and cleaning as advised.
• Weekly brushing and lip wipes.
• Measured meals.
• Company and a soft bed.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Black and Tan Coonhound suits easygoing owners who want a friendly scent hound and accept noise and independence. It may not suit those in apartments or wanting an off-lead dog. For another coonhound, see the Bluetick Coonhound.

The takeaway

Black and Tan Coonhounds are friendly, vocal and scent-driven, and they need exercise, secure fencing and patience.