The American English Coonhound, a hunting dog breed descended from the English Foxhound, is well-known for its speed, stamina, and distinctive bark. They'll bark and bay at home as well, so don't get one if you have any nearby neighbours who could object. They require a great deal of physical activity.
The American English Coonhound is a medium-sized dog with a powerful, yet racy body type that combines speed and endurance. It's practically square in shape, with a little more length than height. As a result of its robust coat, the dog is well-protected from rough handling and the elements.
The olfactory organs have a lot of room to work with because the muzzle is quite wide. Flews and drooping ears may be able to sweep and trap odour molecules. An easy trot with good reach and drive gives the appearance of great stamina. There is a piercing bawl in the voice that can be heard for miles around.
It's easy to care for these dogs because they're kind, intelligent, and easy to teach. Novice pet owners, on the other hand, should exercise caution. They also require a lot of physical and mentally exercise, as well as hard and constant instruction. If you're having trouble keeping up with your dog's apparently never-ending supply of energy, you might want to look into a less active breed. In order to keep your dog happy and healthy, you'll need to offer him plenty of exercise and a safe place to run around.
The traits of the American English Coonhound are listed in the table below.
Highlights
- Coonhounds from the United States are rated as "Not Evaluated." This means that their conservation is not under jeopardy.
- The American English Coonhound is a large to medium-sized dog with a well-built and robust frame. They have the typical foxhound eyes that they have been bred from.
- The forelimbs of the American English Coonhound are straight, and the shoulders dip smoothly into them. With a flat back, they have a barrel chest. Because of their well-angled hind legs, it's best to remove their dew claws before handling them.
- English spoken in America Coonhounds have huge, dark brown eyes that look almost beseeching.
- English spoken in America Coonhounds can be utilised as watchdogs because of their loud and deep bark. When they feel frightened or angry, they growl loudly.
- This kind of dog is extremely fast, with a top speed of 28 miles per hour. Most Coonhounds are faster than an American English, but American English Coonhounds are the fastest.
- American English Coonhounds are loyal and affectionate dogs. As a result, I am eager to be satisfied as well. American English Coonhounds are known for their sociability because of their pack heritage.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
How adaptable a species is to change. Changes in living conditions, noise, weather, routines, and other aspects of day-to-day life are examples of this.
Sensitivity Level
A strong rebuke may slide right off the back of certain dogs, but simply a filthy glance might frighten them. It's easier for dogs with low sensitivity to handle a noisy, chaotic home, a louder or more demanding owner, as well as an inconsistent or varied routine. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that has a low threshold for pain.
Protective nature
The propensity of a breed to warn you when outsiders are nearby. The mailman or a squirrel outside the window won't faze these dogs, which are more alert to potential danger. Strangers entering the house will likely feel welcomed by these dogs, and they will be accepted by their family as well.
Potential for Playfulness
What a breed's propensity for play is like, even when it's not a puppy anymore. The desire to play tug-of-war or fetch can last into a dog's adulthood for some breeds, while for others, it's all about relaxing on the couch with you.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
Sheepdogs, which were intended to herd animals and require a high level of intelligence and attention, need mental exercise just as much as dogs raised to gallop all day do. Without cerebral stimulation, they'll make their own work often with activities you despise, such as digging and chewing—which you'll have to put up with. A dog's brain can be exercised through obedience training and interactive dog toys, as well as dog sports and occupations like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Dogs with a high level of energy are always ready for action. Due to their heritage as working dogs, such as retrieving game for hunters or shepherding livestock, they have the endurance to put in long days at the office. They're more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and exploring new sights and smells if they're getting the activity and cerebral stimulation they require.
The canine version of a couch potato, a low-energy dog is satisfied to lounge around all day. Consider your own level of activity and lifestyle when choosing a breed, and whether or not you'll find a rambunctious, lively dog energising or irritating.
Easy To Train
It is easier for dogs that are easy to teach to build associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward (like a treat) than it is for dogs who are more difficult to train. Other dogs require a greater investment of time, patience, and repetition.
Although many dog breeds are intelligent, you'll need to utilize incentives and games to motivate them to follow your instructions if they have a "What's in it for me?" mentality.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Even if they've been nurtured by the same person since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others bond strongly with one person and are indifferent to others; and yet others shower the entire family with love. It's not just the breed that affects a dog's amount of affection; canines reared in a home with humans around have an easier time bonding and feel more at ease with humans.
Kid-Friendly
A kid-friendly dog must be kind with children, strong enough to withstand the hefty pets and embraces they can give out, and tolerant of running, scream-inducing toddlers. There are a few names on there that you would not expect: Fierce-looking It is widely accepted that boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are excellent pets for families with young children (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, being little, sensitive, and prone to snapping, aren't always the most family-friendly of dogs.
Dog Friendly
Friendship with canines is one thing, but friendship with people is quite another. When faced with a fight, some dogs may attack or try to dominate their opponents, even if they are friendly to people. Other dogs choose to play instead of fight, and yet others will flee in terror. It's not just the animal's breed that matters. At six to eight weeks of age, puppies should have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother, and they are more likely to have good social skills.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in the house. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely between breeds. Depending on the breed, some dogs will shed all year long, while others will only shed during certain times of the year. Pick a breed that sheds less or lower your requirements if cleanliness is important to you. You can get an excellent deshedding gadget to assist keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
Slobbery dogs may drape ropes of slobber around your arm and create large wet patches on your clothing when they come to say hello. For those who don't mind a little drool, any dog will do, but for those who are, you may want to look for a pup who is low on the drool scale.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. Consider if you have the time and patience to deal with a dog that requires a lot of grooming, or the money to hire someone else to do it.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, strenuous exercise.
These breeds may put on weight if they don't get enough exercise, and their pent-up energy may manifest itself in unwanted behaviours like barking, chewing, and digging. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors or engaging in high-intensity canine sports, such as agility, should consider a breed that requires a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
45-65 lb
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder
History
The American English Coonhound is as American as you can get, save for the English portion, with colours of red, white, and blue. As a result of English hunting hounds imported to America in the 17th and 18th centuries, Virginia Hounds were born in the United States.
Dogs bred specifically for the Southeast United States' tangled terrain and for hunting a wide variety of mammals, including fox, raccoon, opossum, boar, and cougar, were developed through selective breeding. The English Fox and Coonhound was recognised by the UKC in 1905.
English Coonhound, the breed's original name before it was abbreviated, is the name it goes by in the UKC. After being recognised by the AKC in 2011, the American English Coonhound Association changed their name to the American English Coonhound Organization to honour their parent club.
Because they were already American citizens, no one opposed their becoming Americanized. Although the majority of Coonhounds have the red ticked pattern, they also appear in other combinations of red, blue, and white. This adds to the confusion. For a time, Blueticks and Treeing Walker Coonhounds shared a common ancestor in the late 1940s.
There are still a few people in the United States who speak English in the Bluetick or Walker family, despite the fact that the majority of Americans speak red ticked. As a symbol of American work ethic and fun, the breed is a must-have. As a top-notch hunting hound, it's always been its major job Top hunters are sought after because of their speed, endurance, and beautiful voice.
Personality and Temperament
This breed enjoys going on walks and exploring new places, as befits its heritage as a hunting dog. When they're at home, they tend to be quiet and tranquil, but when they're out and about, they become extremely active and need constant mental and physical stimulation.
A well-socialized child enjoys spending time with others and making new acquaintances. Also, they like to huddle up in warm spots throughout the house, like blankets and pillows.
English Coonhounds make wonderful pets for families, but they can be aggressive against strangers if they feel threatened. This dog will bark and howl to notify you of an intruder. These canines can also howl with a ferocious and deafening volume. Barking may not be ideal if you're sleeping in an apartment, especially if it's going on for a long period of time.
Fun-loving and mischievous by nature, they like outwitting their owners by finding mischief. First and foremost, they adore hunting. They have a strong sense of self-reliance and aren't afraid to follow a scent trail. A laid-back at home, ready for a reward and reluctant to oppose authority dogs, they are readily distracted by scents during training.
They enjoy spending time with other dogs, and if they've been raised with them, they'll get along with even the tiniest animals. They perform a good job as a watchdog team. A dog that hasn't been properly socialised as a puppy is more likely to target smaller animals as prey, such as cats and dogs.
Care
Owners that are familiar with the American Coonhound dietary, grooming, and activity needs will be able to properly care for their dog. Considering the breed's typical health issues can help owners decide how to best care for their dog on a daily basis, whether it's a puppy or an adult.
Health
American English Coonhounds, like most dog breeds, are susceptible to a variety of health problems.
Ear Infections
The ears of English Coonhounds, like those of other dogs, are long and floppy. These ears could become infected or irritated if they aren't cleaned properly. Maintaining regular ear cleanings can help prevent this issue.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in this breed, as are other large breeds. An inherited knee and elbow dislocation causes the dog to have joint problems. You should have your dog tested by the breeder to find out whether it has these conditions.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
These degenerative illnesses impact these photoreceptor cells in the eyes. It can lead to blindness if your dog is infected with this condition.
Pulmonary Histoplasmosis
This persistent, non-contagious fungus illness can affect English Coonhounds and is caused by soil-dwelling fungi. Watch for signs like fever, depression, weight loss, and loss of appetite to see if your dog has this infection.
Bloating
When food isn't properly digested, your dog may become bloated. In addition to affecting your dog's regular blood supply, bloating can also cause harm to your pet.
Recommended Health Test
X-Rays
Eye examination
Full Physical Examination
Nutrition
The cost of feeding an English Coonhound is a major consideration once you have one. About 3 cups of food a day is needed by this medium to large-sized dog. Dogs, like humans, are constantly on the go and require a steady supply of calories to keep up with their physical exertion.
Your dog's level of activity, metabolism and age will determine how many times a day he or she should eat a meal. Make sure that your puppy's daily diet is rich in protein to ensure that he or she grows properly.
Grooming
In terms of grooming, English Coonhounds require little effort. There is less shedding in their short, rough coat. Brushing your hair once a week can help reduce the amount of hair that falls out. Shampoo should only be used sparingly in order to avoid dehydrating the skin.
In addition, trimming your nails around once a month would be beneficial. You may either learn how to do it yourself or have a professional groomer take care of it for you. You should also brush your dog's teeth twice or three times a week to keep them in good condition.
Their droopy ears could be a breeding ground for disease. Ear infections should be checked for every week, so make a habit of cleaning them out. You can prevent earwax buildup and ear infections by doing this.
Exercise
This breed's stamina is unmatched. As a result, they'll have to work out every day to get rid of it. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 to 90 minutes of activity every day, or combine it into a jog or a trip.
In the event that your dog picks up a smell or chases a smaller animal as prey, it's best to keep it on a leash. By commanding them, it may be difficult to get them to calm down. Dog parks are a great place for these pets to meet new friends. Keep them active by playing a game of fetch.
This breed is not suitable for those who live in apartments or residences without yards, due to its high level of physical activity requirements. A lack of physical activity might cause it to become bored, depressed, worried, or hyperactive, all of which can lead to destructive behaviour. Choose another breed if you don't have a large yard for the dog to romp around in.
Another option is to enrol your dog in an outdoor dog sport league. In order to promote hunting, several groups organise activities like night hunts and field trials. All of these activities can be done to keep your pet busy.
Training
English Coonhounds have a strong desire to please. This makes it easy to teach children to follow orders. As a result, they learn more quickly if instructions are delivered calmly and without a scolding tone.
In order to speed up their learning process, you should begin socialising and training them as young as possible. Poor socialisation could cause them to be aggressive and dominating, making training difficult. People, places, sounds, and animals all need to be introduced to them.
The most difficult element of training is when you have small dogs. A strong prey drive makes it difficult for them to streamline, particularly if they were not socialised early.
Children and other pets
These Coonhounds have a pleasant disposition and are loyal to their owners. They have a good rapport with children of all ages, regardless of their maturity level. These dogs can be a bit of a handful for tiny children, so it's important to keep an eye on them when they're around them. A frisky American Coonhound may accidentally knock a tiny toddler down in all the excitement when it bumps against him.
English Coonhounds get along well with other dogs because of their pack mentality. This happens when they are in a group with other dogs of the same breed. Cats, on the other hand, will treat them as prey if they aren't properly socialised.
Small pets, such as cats and rabbits, must be kept apart from the dog until they are well-adjusted at home.
Puppies
You can't beat a puppy for cuteness and fun! Do not forget that these puppies are quite energetic and require a secure space to play. Keep in mind that this puppy is a coonhound, which is known for its loud barking and howling.
The cost of an English Coonhound ranges from $800 to $2,000 on average. The price of this breed is influenced by its popularity in the United States.
In order to buy a high-quality dog from an established top-tier show breeder, you'll have to spend a premium price. To avoid shady puppy mills, pet stores and backyard breeders, make sure you get your puppy from a trustworthy breeder.
Rescue organisations often have a good supply of these dogs due to their widespread popularity. Shelter puppies are often less expensive than those purchased from a breeder.
Due to the fact that this is a competitive dog, the pedigree and their show dog potential dictate the price. You'll have to pay more for a dog with excellent agility or a powerful lineage if you want it to compete.
Obtain the breeder's health records before bringing the puppy home to gain an idea of the dog's health and ancestry. In addition, the breeder should demonstrate their methods for caring for their babies. You'll be better prepared to care for your dog in the event of a medical emergency if you do this.
American Coonhound-related dog breeds
The American foxhound, Basenji, and beagle are all dog breeds that are comparable to the American Coonhound.
American Foxhound
Both the American Coonhound and the American Foxhound are closely related in terms of size and weight. American Coonhounds, on the other hand, are a lot easier to train.
Basenji
Both American Coonhounds and Basenjis are known for their high energy levels. Compared to American Coonhounds, Basenjis are smaller and lighter.
Beagle
Dogs of the Beagle breed have a devoted nature and a deep bark. Beagles are shorter in stature and heavier in weight than American Coonhounds.
