Black and tan coonhounds make perfect family dogs since they like human companionship. They're also good with other dogs and children.
Their friendly and playful nature makes them good pets. Meanwhile, their gentle temperament means they're a treat to have at home.
Caring for a black and tan coonhound is relatively easy, as they have a short coat. However, you need to provide socialization and obedience training to keep your pet in line.
Characteristics of Black and Tan Coonhounds
Black and tan coonhounds are affectionate with children, family members, and other pets. They're also slightly heavier than other breeds. Therefore, familiarity with black and tan coonhound traits is essential for owners.
Physical
Black and tan coonhounds weigh 65 pounds to 110 pounds. The males typically grow 25 inches to 27 inches tall, while the females grow 23 inches to 25 inches tall. A black and tan coonhound life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
They have a short, smooth coat that is easy to clean and groom. Moreover, they shed moderately, which means you won't find hair everywhere, but you'll still have to clean your upholstery every once in a while.
You need to groom their coat every other week. They have long velvety ears and a sensitive nose.
The coat has tan accents that give the breed a regal look. However, coonhounds are generally large and powerful, covering the ground with effortless strides when they move.
Social
Tan and black coonhounds' traits include openness to strangers. The breed is also quite playful. One of the most appealing qualities of the coonhounds is that they are highly adaptable. If you're on the move, they will adjust to your routine easily.
They're also moderately easy to train and have decent energy levels. They are also very vocal and tend to bark a lot. At the same time, they need some kind of activity to keep them busy since they have high mental stimulation needs.
They're very good with children, so they make perfect pets for families with kids. If you already have other dogs at home, Coonhounds will be friendly with them, too. They tend to crave human companionship and are quite lovey-dovey with their owners.
Caring for Black and Tan Coonhounds
Caring for black and tan coonhounds means monitoring their health, nutrition, training, and exercise.
Health
You should see that your black and tan coonhound is tested for a few health issues, like thyroid problems, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. You should take your pet in for a cardiac exam, ophthalmologist evaluation, and hip exam at least once a year.
You should also brush their teeth regularly and check their ears every week to spot signs of infection before they become a problem.
Black and tan Coonhounds are also susceptible to certain viral and bacterial infections, such as rabies, parvo, distemper, etc. You must take your dog in for vaccinations. The vet will recommend particular vaccinations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and exposure risk.
Exercise
The black and tan coonhound temperament is rather playful, and your pet will need a considerable amount of exercise daily. You can take your Coonhound for a walk, or you can play with them in the yard.
Since coonhounds were initially bred for hunting and have a strong chase instinct, you should put them on a leash when taking them out for a walk. If you're interested, you can also train your pet for field events since black and tan coonhounds can be trained for hunting and participating in such events.
Grooming
Black and tan coonhounds have a dense and short coat that they shed every year. Every week, you need to brush the breed's coat with a grooming mitt or medium-bristle brush. You can also use a hound glove to rid the coat of dead hair.
While brushing their coat, also check for ticks and fleas. If you notice any parasites, you should immediately take your dog to the vet. Take steps to provide year-round heartworm prevention.
Weekly grooming helps promote hair growth. It also stimulates the distribution of skin oils, keeping the coat healthy.
Black and tan coonhounds are prone to developing a characteristic odor. You can prevent this by bathing your dog when they get dirty. Also, trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth daily. Long nails can cause problems for the coonhounds, making it difficult to run and walk. It can also cause them pain.
Training
Puppy training and socialization exercises can help ensure that coonhounds stay affectionate and playful. Obedience training is critical for black and tan coonhounds because of their hunter instincts. Owners need to be able to control their pets when necessary.
If you train them to behave a certain way from a young age, they will behave the same way throughout their lives. While training, make sure you stay with your dog since they don't like to be alone for too long.
Nutrition
Whether you make your dog food at home or buy it from the market, it's essential to feed your black and tan coonhound a high-quality diet. Consult with your vet to ensure the diet is appropriate to your dog's age and nutritional needs.
You can also give treats to your coonhound during training or just regularly. However, treats should not make up more than 10% of your pet's caloric intake since they're prone to getting obese.
If you have a habit of feeding human food to your pets, check with your vet if it's okay to feed a specific food to the coonhound. Talk to the vet if you have other concerns about your dog's nutritional intake or weight.
Health Problems to Watch for With Black and Tan Coonhounds
Black and tan coonhounds have a genetic susceptibility to developing hemophilia. This condition is caused by the deficiency of Factor VIII, which is a clotting factor.
Dogs with hemophilia bleed spontaneously into their muscles or joints. This can lead to swelling in the area and lameness in the long run. In addition, if your dog has hemophilia and they undergo surgery, they may bleed excessively at the site of the surgery.
In some cases, hemophilia is so severe that a dog may die within a few weeks of birth. Other types of hemophilia are relatively mild.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
The black and tan coonhound's size makes them susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia since the condition is common in larger breeds. Dysplasia is a painful condition that can lower your pet's quality of life and make it difficult to do regular activities, such as walking and running.
The symptoms of hip dysplasia depend on how severe the disease is and how loose your pet's joints have become. It also depends on the duration of the condition.
Some common symptoms include decreased range of motion, lesser activity, lameness in the hind legs, and difficulty in climbing stairs, jumping, or running.
If you notice these or similar symptoms in your coonhound, you should take them to the vet. The vet will conduct a physical exam and ask you specific questions about your dog's activity level. They will also check your dog's hind legs to determine how loose the joints are and whether there's a reduction in the range of motion.
Hip and elbow dysplasia also lead to inflammation in the body. Your pet's diagnosis will involve X-rays and blood work.
Eye Problems
Black and tan coonhounds can inherit some eye conditions that can lead to blindness if timely treatment is not provided. Eye issues can also be very painful for your dog.
A common condition in older coonhounds is cataracts. In this condition, the eye lenses become more opaque. Depending on your dog's condition, the vet may recommend surgery to remove cataracts and restore their eyesight.
Special Considerations for the Black and Tan Coonhounds
Black and tan Coonhounds don't drool excessively, but you can expect them to drool more than many other breeds. Since black and tan Coonhounds are hounds, they are aroused by prey in their vicinity.
Thus, you should keep them on a leash when taking them out for a walk. Even at home, it's crucial to have a sturdy fence around the house if your coonhound likes to play out in the yard.
People who don't prefer vocal dogs or lack time to train their dogs properly should consider getting other breeds as pets since the black and tan coonhound temperament might not fit their lifestyle.
History of Black and Tan Coonhound
When discussing black and tan coonhound facts, it's helpful to consider the breeds' history. Coonhounds are a cross between the black and tan Virginia foxhound and the bloodhound.
They were bred for hunting. This breed can track all kinds of game, including cougars, bears, and deer, due to their strong smelling abilities. Today, coonhounds are usually kept as pets at home. They also participate in gaming events for dogs.
