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The Black and Tan Coonhound is a big, rough working dog who is most at home
trailing scents through the woods. Black and Tan Coonhounds are likely
descended from English Bloodhounds through Talbot Hounds and then through
Foxhounds from the 11th century on through to the 18th century. Black
and Tan Coonhounds were working dogs used by Scouts and Indian fighters in
the 1700s and prized for the 'cold-nose.' The cold nose refers to the Black
and Tan Coonhound's ability to find and follow a
cold trail or weak scent.
As a scenthound, Black and Tan Coonhounds can become fixated on a trail and
may be difficult to catch or follow over rough terrain. Black and Tan
Coonhounds make themselves easy to pinpoint though through their distinctive
loud, low howling bark. Hunters find them howling and barking at the
base of a tree after they have chased and cornered raccoons or other
animals.
As a household companion, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a large, friendly
dog who generally gets along well with both other dogs and humans.
They should be introduced to other pets like cats early on as they are apt
to chase anything.
Black and Tan Coonhound families need to take care that doors and back gates
are not left open as they may wander off after an interesting scent.
These are large, loud dogs with a distinctive howling bark that can be heard
more than a mile away. Left to their own devices in a backyard or
outdoor run, they are apt to annoy neighbors by barking at animals or humans
at night.
As hunting dogs meant to travel great distances in pursuit of their quarry,
Black and Tan Coonhounds require a good deal of exercise. Since they
are made to pursue independently of the hunter, they are intelligent and can
be difficult to train. They need to be kept engaged and interested or
they can become difficult.
They can also be difficult dogs if not allowed long walks through a variety
of environments. In suburban settings, they may pursue cats, skunks or
other small animals. They are happiest when allowed to pursue their
noses through forests or other natural settings. These are not the dog
for every family. |
