New Dog World: American English Coonhound Dog Breed: Athletic Hunting Dog

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

American English Coonhound Dog Breed: Athletic Hunting Dog

Breed: American English Coonhound

AKC Breed Group: Hound

Other Registries: UKC (Scenthound)

Weight: 40-65 lbs

Height: Male: 24-26, Female: 23-25 inches

Color: redtick, bluetick, tricolored and tricolored with ticking

Origin: United States

American English Coonhound Overview

A great hunter and a truly athletic dog breed. The American English Coonhound originated in the south-eastern United States where they were bred from American and English Foxhounds, other European hunting breeds, and native dogs for the purpose of trailing and treeing a variety of animals. Today, they are used to track and hunt raccoon, possum, cougar, deer, boar, and bear. The breed also makes a wonderful pet.

American English Coonhound Characteristics

This dog breed is best described as a highly-conditioned athlete. The American English Coonhound is agile, fast, moves effortlessly and possesses great endurance, vigor, and strength. They have the unique ability to climb trees.

American English Coonhound Temperament

The American English Coonhound is generally good-natured and very sociable dog. They are strong-willed and tend to be stubborn, and require more patience in training than other breeds. As young dogs, the American English Coonhound is extremely active and playful. They thrive on human attention and require plenty of exercise. English Coonhounds are incessant nesters and should be avoided by people who do not wish to have dogs on couches and beds. This Coonhound makes a superb family pet. Bred to hunt, the American English Coonhound prefers to be in a pack and generally gets on well with other dogs. English Coonhounds also make adequate watch dogs as they have extremely loud hound mouths, characterized by melodious, drawn-out bawls and short, explosive chops.

American English Coonhound Care

Regular brushing with a firm bristle brush is recommended for the American English Coonhound. This breed should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. American English Coonhound’s are prone to hip dysplasia.

American English Coonhound Coat

The coat of the American English Coonhound is stiff, harsh, and short. A variety of colors are acceptable, including redtick, bluetick, tricolored and tricolored with ticking, but red markings are most common.

American English Coonhound Training

The American English Coonhound requires early socialization. They do not respond well to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training should be done with firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. The American English Coonhound excels at trial events.

American English Coonhound Activity

As an extremely energetic breed, the American English Coonhound is not well-suited to apartment living. These dogs thrive in a rural setting and are well-suited to a lively owner. If excessively confined, they tend to become destructive out of boredom.