American English Coonhound
Also called English Coonhound, Redtick Coonhound, English Fox and Coonhound
From United States, particularly the South, from English foxhounds of the colonial era.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
PetMD gives 40-65 lb and Purina 50-75 lb; UKC asks only that weight be in proportion to height.
Coat and looks how to spot one
hard, protective hound coat
A lean, fast, athletic hound with a hard, protective coat of short to medium length.12
Personality what they are like
Good-natured, friendly and loyal, it is sociable with people and other dogs. It has a strong hunting instinct, so small animals can look like something to chase.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A high-energy hound built to hunt through the night; it needs plenty of daily exercise such as long walks, jogging, hiking, scent work or dog sports.34
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat is low-maintenance: brushing once or twice a week handles shedding. Check and clean the floppy ears regularly.34
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Adults usually eat twice a day and puppies three to four small meals; choose a complete, balanced food and adjust portions to age and activity.3
Company who they like around
Enjoys company, whether human or canine; a hound that fits well into a busy, active household.41
The story where it all began
English hounds came to America with settlers such as Robert Brooke in 1650, and later imports by Thomas Walker and George Washington helped shape the Virginia Hounds. Hunters adapted these dogs for raccoon and other quarry over rough terrain at night. The UKC recognised the breed in 1905 and the AKC in 2011.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- First recognised in 1905 as the English Fox and Coonhound; now registered as English Coonhound in the Scenthound Group.1
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service 1995, Miscellaneous Class 2010, full recognition in the Hound Group on 30 June 2011.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American English Coonhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my American English Coonhound, and at what times?
Adult American English Coonhounds usually eat twice a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and adjust portions based on your dog's age and activity level. Always follow the food label and check with your vet for exact amounts.35
What should an American English Coonhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete and balanced dog food suited to your hound's age and activity. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onion, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Never give raw meat, eggs, or bones, and keep human treats like avocado and dairy away.36
How often should I bathe an American English Coonhound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors. Their short, hard coat doesn't need frequent bathing, so once every three months is often enough.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does an American English Coonhound need brushing?
Brush your American English Coonhound once or twice a week to keep shedding under control. Their short to medium coat is low-maintenance, and weekly brushing is usually enough to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy.347 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim an American English Coonhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does an American English Coonhound need?
This high-energy hound needs plenty of daily exercise, such as long walks, jogging, hiking, or scent work. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day, and include playtime or dog sports to keep them happy and fit.34 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an American English Coonhound's teeth and ears?
Brush your hound's teeth ideally daily, or at least a few times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check and dry their floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup and infections, never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care keeps both healthy.347 Furry Diary plan
How long does an American English Coonhound live?
American English Coonhounds typically live 11 to 12 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, active life.3
Is an American English Coonhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are friendly and loyal with children and other dogs, making them great family companions. However, their strong hunting instinct means small animals like cats or rabbits may trigger a chase, so early socialization and supervision are important.1234
Can an American English Coonhound be left alone?
This sociable hound loves company and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. They fit best in a busy, active household where someone is often home. For your specific situation, ask a good breeder or vet for advice.41
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- UKC Breed Standard: English Coonhound ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: American English Coonhound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition, height, colours, fun facts
- PetMD: American English Coonhound petmd.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, diet
- Purina: American English Coonhound purina.comused for weight, height, grooming, exercise, voice
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.