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American English Coonhound - MAIN HUB

Meet the American English Coonhound: a sweet, athletic soul with boundless energy for outdoor adventures and a mellow heart for family lounging.

BREED GROUP

Hound Dogs

Country of origin

United States

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

23 -

26 IN

58 -

66 cm

BREED WEIGHT

45 -

65 LB

20 -

29 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The American English Coonhound is a sleek, athletic hound originating from the United States, bred primarily for hunting raccoons and foxes. Known for their incredible speed and endurance, they are passionate workers with a strong prey drive. They have a lifespan of 11-13 years. At home, they are sweet, sociable, and mellow companions. They require significant daily exercise to channel their energy positively. Their short coat is easy to maintain, but their loud, ringing bark means they aren't suited for quiet neighborhoods.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 2011.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 1989.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are American English Coonhounds good family dogs?

Very Good

8 out of 10

The American English Coonhound can be a wonderful family dog for active households, as they are known for being sweet, sociable, and mellow companions at home. However, they require significant daily exercise to manage their high energy and may not be suitable for quiet neighborhoods due to their loud, ringing bark.

Good

8 out of 10

They are typically very good with children, being tolerant and playful. Their sturdy build allows them to handle enthusiastic play. However, as with any breed, interactions with young children should be supervised to ensure play remains gentle and safe for both the dog and child.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

They are not ideal for first-time owners. Coonhounds are independent thinkers bred to trail scents without human direction. This can make training challenging, as they are easily distracted by smells. They require patient, consistent training and an owner who understands hound behavior.

Below Average

4 out of 10

American English Coonhounds are poor candidates for apartment living. They are highly active dogs that need plenty of space. Furthermore, they possess a loud, carrying bay (bark) that they use frequently, which would quickly become a nuisance to neighbors in close quarters.

Very High

2 out of 10

A securely fenced yard is highly recommended. They have a powerful hunting instinct and will relentlessly follow a scent, ignoring commands to return. A tall, sturdy fence is necessary to keep them safe and prevent them from wandering off on a hunt.

Very Good

8 out of 10

They can tolerate being left alone for moderate periods if they have been thoroughly exercised first. However, they are pack-oriented dogs. If left alone too long or under-exercised, they may resort to loud baying and destructive chewing to alleviate their boredom.

Good

6 out of 10

Due to their strong hunting instincts and high prey drive, caution is needed with cats. While they can learn to live with indoor cats if raised with them from puppyhood, they may still be tempted to chase them, especially if the cat runs.

Gentle

9 out of 10

American English Coonhounds are generally not aggressive. They are bred to work in packs with other dogs and are usually very sociable with humans and other canines. They are alert and will bark at strangers, but they are too friendly to be effective guard dogs.

High

5 out of 10

Yes, they are very high-energy dogs. Bred for endurance hunting over rugged terrain, they possess boundless stamina. They require vigorous daily exercise to burn off energy; a simple walk around the block will not suffice for this athletic breed.

~90 min a day

8 out of 10

They need at least 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise daily. This should include long, brisk walks, jogging, or running in a safe, enclosed area. Engaging their sense of smell through tracking games or nose work is also excellent mental and physical stimulation.

Great

8 out of 10

They tolerate hot weather reasonably well due to their short coat and athletic build. However, as with any dog, they should not be over-exercised in extreme heat. Always provide plenty of shade and fresh water, and exercise them during the cooler parts of the day.

Great

8 out of 10

They tolerate hot weather reasonably well due to their short coat and athletic build. However, as with any dog, they should not be over-exercised in extreme heat. Always provide plenty of shade and fresh water, and exercise them during the cooler parts of the day.

Often Restricted

4 out of 10

They are rarely subject to formal breed-specific bans. However, their size (45-65 lbs) and, more importantly, their loud and frequent baying make them unsuitable for most rental situations, and landlords may reject them based on noise concerns.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"The American English Coonhound is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 11-13 years. Veterinarians recommend monitoring them for hip dysplasia and ear infections, as their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning is essential. Because they are deep-chested, they are also susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Keeping them lean and well-exercised is crucial for their overall joint and cardiovascular health."

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