Home → Dog Breeds → Hound Group → American English Coonhound
An American English Coonhound, also called the Redtick Coonhound, is a medium-sized Hound Group breed.
It descends from English Foxhounds brought to America by 17th- and 18th-century settlers. Southern hunters refined the breed to trail raccoons through the night. The AKC fully recognized it in 2011, its 171st breed. This guide covers where the breed originated, its temperament, how big American English Coonhounds get, how long they live, the health problems they are prone to, grooming, how much exercise they need, how easy they are to train, what to feed them, the pros and cons of owning one, and what else people ask.
What Is an American English Coonhound and Where Did the Breed Originate?
An American English Coonhound belongs to the AKC’s Hound Group. It’s descended from Virginia hounds, themselves descendants of English Foxhounds settlers brought to America. The breed first gained recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1905 as the English Fox and Coonhound. The AKC granted full hound group recognition in 2011.
The American Kennel Club defines the breed in its “Official Standard for the American English Coonhound”, approved 2009, which sets out the size, coat, and temperament an American English Coonhound should have. As of September 2026, the AKC ranks the American English Coonhound 171st of 210 breeds in popularity.
What Is an American English Coonhound’s Temperament Like?
An American English Coonhound’s temperament is energetic, friendly, and genuinely sociable. The breed bonds closely with its family and generally welcomes strangers and other dogs. It carries a strong prey drive, so smaller animals like rabbits or cats can trigger a chase. The breed’s independent streak can make it a real handful for first-time owners.
How Big Do American English Coonhounds Get?
American English Coonhounds are a medium-sized, sleek, muscular breed. The coat is short to medium-length with a distinctive ticked marking. Colors include black, blue, brown, red, and tricolor combinations.
What Is the Average American English Coonhound Height and Weight?
| Measure | American Kennel Club figure |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-26 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 45-65 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 11-12 years |
Figures are from the American Kennel Club American English Coonhound breed profile, retrieved September 2026.
How Long Do American English Coonhounds Live?
American English Coonhounds live 11 to 12 years. The breed is generally healthy. Regular veterinary care supports a full lifespan.
What Health Problems Are American English Coonhounds Prone To?
American English Coonhounds are documented as being at higher risk for the following conditions.
- Hip dysplasia. A joint condition common in active, medium-to-large breeds, screened for with x-rays.
- Ear infections. Common given the breed’s low-hung, floppy ears.
- Obesity. A genuine risk if food and treats aren’t monitored, worsening joint strain over time.
- Eye conditions. Recognized concerns worth screening for with a veterinarian.
How Do You Groom an American English Coonhound?
American English Coonhounds have a short to medium coat that’s genuinely low-maintenance. Weekly brushing controls shedding. Routine ear checks matter given the breed’s floppy ears.
How Much Exercise Does an American English Coonhound Need?
An American English Coonhound needs substantial daily exercise. Long walks, jogging, and running suit this genuinely high-energy breed. Without enough space to run, restlessness and destructive habits become likely.
Are American English Coonhounds Easy to Train?
American English Coonhounds are intelligent but genuinely independent. The breed can be challenging for novice owners. Consistent, positive reinforcement training works best, and early socialization matters.
What Should You Feed an American English Coonhound?
An American English Coonhound does well on a formula suited to its age and activity level. Because the breed is prone to weight gain, portion control matters.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning an American English Coonhound?
Here are the main advantages of owning an American English Coonhound.
- Energetic, friendly, genuinely sociable temperament
- Good with kids and other dogs when socialized
- Low-maintenance short to medium coat
- Excellent watchdog given its loud, distinctive bark
Here are the main drawbacks of owning an American English Coonhound.
- Strong prey drive can complicate life with small pets
- Independent streak makes training a real challenge
- Genuinely prone to weight gain
- Needs substantial daily exercise, not suited to sedentary households
American English Coonhound rescue organizations place adult dogs regularly, worth a look for anyone drawn to this breed’s energy but not set on a breeder search.
What Else Do People Ask About the American English Coonhound?
The questions below cover how much an American English Coonhound costs, whether American English Coonhounds are good family dogs, the difference between the American English Coonhound and the Black and Tan Coonhound, and why the American English Coonhound is not recommended for beginners.
How much does an American English Coonhound cost?
Prices vary by region and breeder reputation. A puppy from a health-tested breeder typically costs more than average. Adopting an adult dog through a rescue is usually cheaper.
Are American English Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, in particular in active households. The breed is sociable and good with kids, though its high energy and prey drive mean families need a real exercise plan and secure fencing.
What Is the Difference Between the American English Coonhound and the Black and Tan Coonhound?
Both are American scent hounds bred for coon hunting. The English Coonhound runs somewhat leaner and faster, with a wider range of accepted coat colors, while the Black and Tan has a fixed black-and-tan coat and a calmer indoor demeanor.
Why is the American English Coonhound not recommended for beginners?
The breed’s high energy and genuine independence mean it needs consistent, confident handling from day one. An inexperienced owner can quickly end up with an unmanageable, bored dog.
Related Guides
More guides on The Dogs Wiki cover behavior, health, grooming, training, nutrition, and adoption.
| Guide |
|---|
| Behavior |
| Health |
| Grooming |
| Training |
| Nutrition |
| Adoption |