At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives no weight; figures are from Wikipedia (males 50-75 lb, females 40-65 lb).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense coat
A big, powerful, athletic hound with long, low-hanging ears and a short, thick coat that protects it in rough country and bad weather.13
Personality what they are like
Even-tempered and sociable, this hound is happy to doze by the fire at home but turns single-minded once it picks up a scent. It is patient with children, cooperates well with other hounds, and can be a little aloof with strangers.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working scent hound that needs regular, long walks or tracking outings; its strong nose means a lead or secure area is the safe choice outdoors.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. The long ears are worth checking and cleaning regularly.12
Home where they are happiest
Does best with a securely fenced garden and neighbours who will not mind its deep, baying voice.2
Company who they like around
Enjoys company, both human and canine, and was bred to work alongside other hounds.31
The story where it all began
The breed traces back through Bloodhound and Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound lines to the old Talbot hounds of England. American hunters shaped it into a specialist night-time raccoon hound, and in 1945 it became the first coonhound recognised by the AKC.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Owners say each hound's bay is so individual that they can tell whose dog is calling from far away.2
- 2
Although bred for raccoons, the breed also trails deer, bear and even mountain lion.1
- 3
It was the first coonhound breed to be recognised by the AKC, in 1945.2
- 4
The AKC calls it 'a real American original' that works the night shift.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 300, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1 Large-sized hounds; no working trial; standard published 30.01.1991, country of origin USA.1
- AKC
- Hound Group; recognised in 1945, the first coonhound breed the AKC accepted.2
- UKC
- Has a UKC breed standard (per Wikipedia).2
Popularity Ranked 137th of AKC-registered breeds4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black and Tan 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
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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.
- FCI Standard No. 300, Black and Tan Coonhound fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, use
- Black and Tan Coonhound, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, AKC recognition, weight, height, lifespan, fun facts
- AKC Black and Tan Coonhound breed page akc.orgused for temperament, traits
- AKC, The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.