Coonhound
The Coonhound is a group of American scenthound breeds developed specifically for hunting raccoon and other game across the diverse terrain of North America.
Several distinct varieties are recognised, including the Black and Tan, Bluetick, Redbone, Treeing Walker, American English, and Plott.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Coonhound
All share a common heritage as pack hunters and retain the physical and temperamental traits that made them successful in the field. These are large, athletic dogs standing 51–61 centimetres at the shoulder and weighing 25–34 kilograms, with short, dense coats in distinctive colourings. Their powerful build and outstanding sense of smell allow them to cover rough ground efficiently whilst following cold trails. Coonhounds are generally friendly, energetic, and sociable dogs that typically get along well with people and other dogs, reflecting their pack-working history. However, they retain a strong instinct to follow scents, which can make reliable recall challenging without dedicated training. As a vocal breed, they express themselves freely with a characteristic deep bark, which may be a consideration for those in urban settings. These dogs require substantial daily exercise and thrive in active households with outdoor space. They are best suited to owners who can provide the physical activity, training commitment, and environmental setting these intelligent, driven dogs need to flourish.
Coonhound at a Glance
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £800–£1500
Coonhound Lifestyle
The Coonhound is happiest in a spacious home and is happiest with plenty of outdoor space at home. A country setting suits them well.
Dog Food for Coonhound
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Coonhound
Coonhound Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Coonhound weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Coonhound Characteristics
The Coonhound requires a great deal of exercise and does best with an active owner and picks up new commands with very little repetition. They are incredibly tolerant of the rough-and-tumble nature of family life, but cope reasonably well on their own as long as they're well exercised first. The coat is reasonably straightforward to keep well-groomed and sheds at a fairly average rate. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Coonhound Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and gentle at home, with a calm and devoted disposition
- Distinctive short black and tan coat that is easy to maintain
- Thrives with active owners who enjoy the outdoors and scent-based activities
- Generally good with older children and with dogs they have been socialised with
Cons
- Not suited to first-time owners given their strong prey drive and independent streak
- Needs a secure, spacious garden to prevent escape attempts
- A vocal breed, with a tendency to bay loudly, which can disturb neighbours
- Strong scent drive makes recall unreliable and challenging to train outdoors
