Skip to content

Black and Tan Coonhound - MAIN HUB

With velvety ears and a musical bay, this mellow tracker is a gentle giant at home. Loyal, athletic, and ready for adventure with your family!

BREED GROUP

Hound Dogs

Country of origin

United States

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

23 -

27 IN

58 -

69 cm

BREED WEIGHT

65 -

75 LB

29 -

34 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a versatile American breed, blending the Bloodhound’s scenting prowess with the Foxhound’s agility. These large, athletic dogs are famed for their striking coal-black coats, tan markings, and long, velvety ears. While tenacious and focused on the trail, they are remarkably mellow, gentle, and affectionate companions indoors. They are excellent with children and other dogs but require secure fencing due to a powerful prey drive. Owners should provide regular exercise and consistent, patient training to manage their independent nature and loud, musical baying, which makes them unsuitable for apartment living.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1945.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1954.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good family dogs?

Great

9 out of 10

The Black and Tan Coonhound makes a wonderful family pet as they are remarkably mellow, gentle, and affectionate companions indoors. They are specifically noted for being excellent with children, though owners must provide regular exercise and secure fencing to manage their athletic nature and strong prey drive.

Great

9 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds are exceptionally good with children, known for their patient, tolerant, and gentle nature. Their playful energy makes them great playmates, and they often become protective of the kids they grow up with. While their large size and exuberance mean supervision is recommended around toddlers, they are generally loyal and affectionate family companions.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds are generally not recommended for first-time owners due to their independent, stubborn nature and powerful tracking instincts. They require experienced handlers who can provide firm, consistent training and manage their high prey drive and loud, musical baying.

Poor

2 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds are not recommended for apartment living due to their large size, high exercise requirements, and loud, musical baying. They thrive in homes with ample space and a securely fenced yard where they can safely satisfy their powerful scenting instincts. Their independent nature and vocal personality make them poorly suited for compact, noise-sensitive environments.

Highly Recommended

9 out of 10

Highly recommended. While Black and Tan Coonhounds are mellow indoors, they are high-energy scent hounds that require a large, securely fenced yard to explore and burn energy safely. Because they are driven by their noses and prone to wandering or baying at scents, a sturdy fence is essential to keep them contained and prevent them from following a trail into danger.

Poor

2 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds do not handle being left alone for extended periods well, as they are highly social and thrive on human companionship. Prolonged isolation often leads to boredom and anxiety, which can manifest as destructive behavior or their signature loud, mournful howling. They are best suited for households where they can spend significant time with their owners.

Excellent

9 out of 10

Their high prey drive may make them less than "Excellent" with cats unless closely supervised and socialized from a young age.

Calm

8 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds are not inherently aggressive; they are typically outgoing, friendly, and even-tempered companions. Any aggressive behavior is usually the result of unmet needs, lack of training, or a lack of clear leadership. With consistent socialization and regular exercise, they remain gentle and mellow family pets.

Moderate

5 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds possess a dual nature, acting as mellow couch potatoes indoors while displaying high energy and athletic tenacity when outdoors or on a scent. They require moderate daily exercise, such as long walks or play sessions in a fenced yard, to maintain their calm temperament and prevent boredom-induced behaviors.

~90 min a day

8 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds require approximately 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and maintain their calm demeanor indoors. As high-stamina trackers, they thrive on activities like long walks, hikes, and scent-based games that engage their powerful sense of smell. Because of their intense tracking instincts and independent nature, they must always be exercised on a leash or within a securely fenced area to prevent them from wandering off after a scent.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds generally tolerate warm weather well, as they were bred to withstand the extreme temperatures of the Southern United States. However, their large size and dark coats can make them prone to overheating during strenuous activity. Owners should provide ample shade and fresh water, and expect increased drooling in high temperatures.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds generally tolerate warm weather well, as they were bred to withstand the extreme temperatures of the Southern United States. However, their large size and dark coats can make them prone to overheating during strenuous activity. Owners should provide ample shade and fresh water, and expect increased drooling in high temperatures.

Likely Banned

3 out of 10

Black and Tan Coonhounds are rarely included on breed-specific ban lists, but they often face restrictions in apartments due to their large size and loud, musical baying. Their weight typically exceeds standard rental limits, and their tendency to howl can lead to noise complaints. Prospective owners should always verify individual landlord policies regarding weight and noise restrictions.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Black and Tan Coonhounds are generally healthy, mellow companions, but their large size and unique anatomy require specific veterinary attention. As a veterinarian, I prioritize monitoring for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds; feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding exercise around feeding times is essential. They are also genetically predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, making weight management and joint supplements like glucosamine vital for long-term mobility. Their long, velvety ears frequently trap moisture and debris, necessitating weekly cleanings to prevent chronic infections. Additionally, owners should be aware of risks for hypothyroidism, eye conditions like ectropion or cataracts, and rare bleeding disorders like hemophilia B. Early socialization and consistent dental care are strongly recommended to ensure these gentle trackers live a full, healthy life."

Other Hound Dogs