There is a lot to love about the American English Coonhound dog breed. This doggo is known to be friendly with most people, energetic, and a great watchdog. To learn more about this breed, keep reading.
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| American English Coonhound Dog Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | English Hound Dog, English Redtick Coonhound, Red Tick Hound, Red Tick Dog, Coon Dog |
| Height | 23 - 26 inches |
| Weight | 45 - 65 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11 - 12 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Friendly, Active, Social |
| Suitable For | Experienced dog owners, active families |
History Of The American English Coonhound Dog Breed
The American English Coonhound is part of the hound group. This breed originated in America, but they have English ancestry. It’s believed that this breed was developed by English Foxhounds and brought to the United States in the 1800s.
American English Coonhound dogs are one of six Coonhound breeds. These breeds specialized in hunting and catching rabbits and the raccoon. Raccoons were used for their fat, fur, and were an excellent food source.
George Washington was interested in horse and hound foxhunts and used American English Coonhounds to aid these hunts.
Today, this breed is known for its endurance and speed. They are the fastest Coonhound breed.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized this breed in 2011.
What Do American English Coonhound Dogs Look Like?
According to the breed standard, American English Coonhounds have a racy appearance. They’re a strong athlete with deep chests and powerful legs to move fast.
This breed is a large-sized dog with males growing slightly bigger than females. For example, male American English Coonhounds can grow about 24 to 26 inches tall.
On the other hand, females can grow to be about 23 to 25 inches tall.
Bother genders typically weigh between 45 and 65 pounds.
This dog breed has a broad head with a square muzzle. Their eyes are generally dark brown, and their ears hang low.
Overall, their body is muscular with long legs. However, they’re well-balanced.
In addition, the American English Coonhound has medium-length hair that can come in many colors and patterns.
What Coat Colors Do American English Coonhounds Have?
An American English Coonhound coat can have many colors and markings. For example, American English Coonhound colors may be the following:
- Black
- Black & Tan
- Blue
- Brown
- Red
- Red & White
- White & Tan
- Tri-Colored
- Ticked
American English Coonhound Pet Care
Caring for your American English Coonhound is easy once you figure out their needs. Let’s go over how to care for your doggo properly.
Grooming
These Coon dogs have a hard protective coat. American English Coonhound shedding is moderate, so you’ll need to brush their coat at least once weekly.
In addition, you can bathe them once every four to six weeks to help keep their coat and skin healthy.
Finally, remember to clean their ears once a week, trim their nails regularly, and brush their teeth regularly.
Diet
This dog breed requires high-quality dog food to thrive. They’re an active breed, so high-protein kibble is ideal.
With your vet’s approval, you can provide your pup with dry dog food, wet canned food, or homemade dog food.
Be sure the food is always appropriate for your dog’s breed size, age, weight, and metabolism.
Find high-protein dog food here.
Exercise
American English Coonhounds are a high-energy dog breed. They require at least 90 minutes of physical activity per day.
This doggo will do well with an active family that enjoys bringing their dog on hikes and jogs.
American English Coonhound dogs need a large, fenced-in yard to run around. They won’t do well in an apartment since they’re bigger, bark a lot, and need a lot of leg space.
In addition, this doggo has a high prey drive. So, you can leave them in a fenced-in yard on their own, but in public places, they must always be on a leash.
Training
This dog breed will do better with experienced dog owners when it comes to training. American English Coonhounds are intelligent, but they can be stubborn. On some days, training will be easier than on other days.
This particular breed needs early socialization and training. Otherwise, they may become possessive over food and toys, especially if you have other animals in the house.
Health Problems
American English Coonhounds have an average lifespan of about 11 to 12 years. This lifespan is possible with proper dieting, regular vet visits, and healthy exercise.
This breed is relatively healthy, but they’re known to get some health conditions. For example, some health issues they may be prone to are the following:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (Bloat)
- Ear Infections
As a puppy, bring your pup to the vet a few times during their first year. You can keep track of their growth and development while keeping them up to date on all vaccinations.
You can bring your doggo to the vet annually for a checkup as an adult.
American English Coonhound Temperament
There is much to love about this dog breed. American English Coonhounds are used to being in a pack. So, they’ll do well in a household with young kids and other dogs.
However, they have a strong prey drive, so they may not get along with smaller dogs, cats, and other small animals.
Otherwise, this breed is friendly with others. They’ll get along well with strangers, not making a great guard dog. On the other hand, they make an excellent watchdog.
American English Coonhounds are well known for baying and howling, especially at sirens and loud trucks. They will alert you when they believe something or someone is invading their territory.
Overall, they’re affectionate with their family members. This doggo will fit in any household with early socialization and proper training.
Are There Any Differences Between Males And Females?
Aside from males being slightly taller than females, there aren’t many temperament differences between American English Coonhound males and females.
Who Should Own The American English Coonhound?
Anyone would be lucky to have this breed as part of their family. However, given this dog’s exercise needs, they’ll do well with an experienced, active family. This doggo will enjoy going on long hikes to tire out.
In addition, a family with a large, fenced-in yard and dog training experience is also a plus.
Where Can You Get An American English Coonhound Dog?
You should be able to find this dog breed anywhere you can adopt dogs. A great place to start will be your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization.
These places may have American Coonhound puppies, adults, seniors, or mixed breeds looking for forever, loving homes.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to adopt and not shop. You can save a dog’s life.
A great place to start looking for this rescue dog breed would be at the Coonhound Rescue.
However, if you can’t find this breed at a shelter, you can go through a reputable breeder.
An American English Coonhound breeder will do the following:
- Meet with you in person to get to know you and allow you to meet the puppies
- Ensure the puppies are up to date with all of their vaccinations
- Socialize and train the puppies as early as possible
- Won’t allow the puppies to leave their mother before eight weeks old
- Provide you with health documents and family tree history upon adoption
In addition, an ethical breeder will help you out every step of the way. They won’t use kennels (unless it’s for crate training), treating the dogs as part of the family.
Also, a good breeder will health screen and test the parents before breeding to ensure it’s safe and healthy for both of them.
Beware of puppy mills and backyard breeders. These places do not breed dogs in healthy conditions and are only in it for profit.
To find ethical American English Coonhound breeders, head to the AKC Marketplace.
Question Corner: FAQs About The American English Coonhound Dog Breed
Are you in love with this dog breed yet? To learn more, read the frequently asked questions answered below.
How Much Does An American English Coonhound Cost?
The average American English Coonhound price is between $800 and $1,200. The cost may be more or less, depending on how popular the breed is, where the breeder is located if you get the dog from a shelter, and more.
What’s The Average Litter Size Of American English Coonhounds?
These Coonhounds can have an average of four to six puppies in one litter. It is possible for them to have less or a tad more than that, but four to six is the average.
Are American English Coonhounds Good Pets?
Absolutely. This dog breed is an excellent addition to any home. Whether you have children or not, other pets or not, the American English Coonhound is a fun, loving, and loyal companion.
Do American English Coonhounds Shed?
Yes, this breed does shed a moderate amount. However, if you keep your house clean and brush your dog’s coat at least once weekly, you can control the shedding.
Are American English Coonhounds Hypoallergenic?
No, this doggo is not considered to be hypoallergenic. While they have short fur, they do shed a decent amount.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Foxhound Vs A Coonhound?
The major difference between the two is their coloring. Dogs that are mostly white with a sprinkle of color are most likely Foxhounds. On the other hand, Foxhounds and Coonhounds were bread to hunt different species.
Is The American English Coonhound Right For You?
This dog breed is a delight to have as part of the family. If you can keep up with their exercise needs and have ample space for them to run around, then the American English Coonhound might be right for you.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.