American English Coonhound

The American English Coonhound, sometimes referred to as the Redtick Coonhound, has a rich history deeply rooted in the American South. Its ancestors were English Foxhounds brought to the United States by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly by figures like George Washington. These “Virginia Hounds” were initially used for fox hunting in the English tradition.

Over time, as settlers moved further inland and encountered different game and terrain, these hounds were selectively bred and adapted to hunt animals like raccoons and opossums, which often involved trailing them by scent at night and treeing them. Speed, endurance, a keen nose, and a strong voice to alert hunters to treed game were prized traits. Different strains of coonhounds developed, and the American English Coonhound emerged as a distinct breed known for its speed and ability to cover ground quickly. They were one of the original six coonhound breeds recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the early 20th century and later by the American Kennel Club in 2011.

The American English Coonhound is known for its sociable and generally friendly temperament, especially with people. They are often described as having a dual personality: on the hunt, they are intense, focused, and determined, driven by their powerful scenting instincts. At home, after a good day’s work or exercise, they are typically mellow, amiable, and enjoy being part of the family. They are generally good with children and can get along well with other dogs, especially if raised with them, due to their pack-hunting heritage.

However, their intelligence is often paired with an independent streak, and their strong hunting drive means they can be easily distracted by interesting scents. This can make training a challenge, requiring patience and consistency. They are known for their vocal nature, possessing a classic hound bay or bawl, which they will use readily when on a scent or sometimes when excited or seeking attention. Early socialization is important to ensure they develop into well-adjusted companions.

The American English Coonhound has a short, hard, and protective coat that is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. They are considered average shedders. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking healthy and sleek.

Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay fairly clean. One of the most important aspects of their grooming is regular ear care. Their long, floppy hound ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims are also essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort, and dental care, including regular teeth brushing, will contribute to their overall health.

American English Coonhounds are high-energy, athletic dogs with incredible stamina, bred for long nights of trailing game over challenging terrain. They require a significant amount of vigorous daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or apartment living without a serious commitment to extensive outdoor activity.

Aim for at least one to two hours of robust exercise per day. Excellent outlets for their energy include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned).
• Off-leash play in a very large, securely fenced area where they can run freely and explore scents. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured area.
• Hiking in varied terrains.
• Participating in scent work trials, tracking, or competitive coon hunting (where legal and ethical).

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, American English Coonhounds can become bored, frustrated, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or escape attempts. They thrive in active homes, ideally with access to plenty of space.

American English Coonhounds are generally a hardy and healthy breed, developed for stamina and resilience. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common in many medium to large breeds, involving malformation of these joints.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists; a risk for deep-chested breeds.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Very common due to their long, floppy ears trapping moisture.
• Eye Conditions: Such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, though less prevalent than in some other hound breeds.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Coonhound Paralysis (Polyradiculoneuritis): A rare neurological condition thought to be triggered by raccoon bites, causing sudden paralysis that usually resolves over time with supportive care.

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs relevant health screenings and providing regular veterinary check-ups, diligent ear care, a quality diet, and appropriate exercise are important for your Coonhound’s long-term health.

Training an American English Coonhound requires significant patience, consistency, and an understanding of their powerful scenting instincts and independent nature. They are intelligent and can learn, but their primary motivation is often following a scent, which can make them easily distracted and appear stubborn during formal training sessions.

Key aspects of training an American English Coonhound include:

• Early Socialization: Expose your Coonhound puppy to a wide variety of people, sights, sounds, and other animals from a young age to build a confident and well-adjusted adult.
• Positive Reinforcement: They respond best to reward-based training using high-value treats (especially scent-based ones), praise, and play. Harsh methods will be counterproductive.
• Keep it Engaging and Varied: Their attention can wander. Keep training sessions relatively short and incorporate activities that appeal to their senses.
• Recall (“Come” command): This is exceptionally challenging to train reliably due to their intense scent drive. It requires extensive, consistent practice in safe, enclosed areas, and even then, they should rarely be trusted off-leash in unsecured environments.
• Leash Training: Essential for managing them on walks when their nose is leading the way.
• Managing Vocalization: They are prone to baying and howling; training a “quiet” command can be helpful, but some vocalization is inherent to the breed.

Puppy classes and continued obedience training with a trainer experienced with scent hounds are highly recommended.