What makes the English Coonhound Unique?
The American English Coonhound, also referred to as the English Coonhound or the Redtick Coonhound, is a breed of dog. It is a type of coonhound that is typically bred in the Southern United States. It has origins from hunting hounds brought to America by settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries, resulting in the dogs known as the “Virginia Hounds”.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 56 to 69 cm (22 to 27 inches) Females – 53 to 64 cm (21 to 25 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 18.2 to 29.5 kg (40.1 to 65 pounds) Females – 18.2 to 29.5 kg (40.1 to 65 pounds) |
| Origin: | United States |
| Life Span: | 11 – 12 Years |
| Colour: | Redtick, Tri-color, Red & White, Bluetick, Lemon & White, Tri-color Ticked |
| Litter Size: | 4 to 6 puppies |
Is the English Coonhound Right For You?
In 5 Words
- Loyal
- Energetic
- Active
- Intelligent
- High-Strung
Characteristics
Learn About the English Coonhound
Description
English Coonhound dog breed traces its ancestry from Foxhounds brought to the United States by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries. It shares a common ancestry with all other coonhounds with the exception of the Plott Hound. The American English Coonhound was developed from a breed derived from the English Foxhound, known locally as Virginia Hounds to better handle the climate and rougher terrain. The breed was initially named the “English Fox and Coonhound”. With the exception of the Plott Hound, the American English Coonhound’s history is not terribly different from that of other treeing Coonhounds, which all descend from English Foxhounds. The history of the English Coonhound is the history of nearly all coonhounds. With the exception of the Plott Hound, all of the UKC breeds of coonhounds have a common ancestry that is deeply rooted in the English Foxhound.
Short History of the English Coonhound
Male American English Coonhounds measure between 22–27 inches (56–69 cm) at the withers, with females being slightly smaller at 21–25 inches (53–64 cm). The weight of a Coonhound should be in proportion to the dog’s height. Their coats come in three distinct colors and patterns. The most common is the “redtick” pattern, while others include tricolor markings with ticks, and a “bluetick” pattern.
The coat of the English Coonhound is short and hard. Coat colors include: blue and white ticked, red and white ticked, tricolored with ticking, red and white, and white and black. Excessive red or black is a fault in the show ring. Its bark sounds like a hound’s bawl. The tail is medium length and set high. Pleasant, alert, confident and sociable with humans and dogs.
Temperament
Usually good natured and sociable dogs. Although bred for hunting, they like human or other canine companionship, as well as, plenty of exercise. They are highly active so they are generally not suited to apartment living or small backyards. American English Coonhounds tend to be quiet in the house, and require regular exercise to keep in prime condition. English Coonhounds love to nest and usually make good house pets. They have a high prey drive, and will go after small animals unless trained otherwise.
Caring for Your English Coonhound
General Health
American English Coonhounds can be prone to overheating while on coon hunts during the summer months in the Southern United States. While the American English Coonhound is generally known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee, and bloat. Other health problems that may occur include ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and polyradiculoneuritis.
Grooming & Bathing
The short, hard coat is easy to care for. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. The American English Coonhound is a very low maintenance breed. These dogs should never require professional grooming; only a regular brushing is necessary. Owners do have to regularly clean their ears to prevent irritation and infections.
Exercise & Training
The American English Coonhound has lots of energy to burn. This is high-energy breed needs plenty of daily exercise. If you’re an active owner, make your American English Coonhound a jogging or biking partner. As a family, you can enjoy playing games such as fetch and hide-and-seek with your dog, along with long brisk walks. Another idea to consider is to get active in competitive outdoor canine sports, including field trials, tracking, agility and obedience.
English Coonhound Picture Gallery
