Home → Dog Breeds → Hound Group → Black and Tan Coonhound
A Black and Tan Coonhound is a large Hound Group breed.
It’s a true American original, descended from Bloodhound and Foxhound crosses. Hunters bred it to trail raccoons through Southern night woods. It was the first coonhound breed the AKC recognized, back in 1945. This guide covers where the breed originated, its temperament, how big Black and Tan 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 a Black and Tan Coonhound and Where Did the Breed Originate?
A Black and Tan Coonhound belongs to the AKC’s Hound Group. Its ancestry traces back to the Talbot hound of 11th-century medieval England. Its more direct line runs through Bloodhounds and Foxhounds. The breed carries their scenting power, size, and coloring. In 1945, it became the first of six coonhound breeds the AKC recognized. The other five followed decades later, in 2010.
The American Kennel Club defines the breed in its “Official Standard for the Black and Tan Coonhound”, approved December 11, 1990, which sets out the size, coat, and temperament a Black and Tan Coonhound should have. As of September 2026, the AKC ranks the Black and Tan Coonhound 151st of 210 breeds in popularity.
What Is a Black and Tan Coonhound’s Temperament Like?
A Black and Tan Coonhound’s temperament is outgoing, loyal, and genuinely laid-back. The breed is calm and easygoing indoors, in particular once its exercise needs are met. It’s affectionate with children and other dogs. Some individuals stay reserved around strangers at first. The breed’s strong prey drive means smaller pets like cats or rabbits may be seen as something to chase.
How Big Do Black and Tan Coonhounds Get?
Black and Tan Coonhounds are a large, powerful breed. The coat is short, black with tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, and on the chest and legs. Long, floppy ears are one of the breed’s most recognizable traits.
What Is the Average Black and Tan Coonhound Height and Weight?
| Measure | American Kennel Club figure |
|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-110 pounds |
| Life expectancy | 10-12 years |
Figures are from the American Kennel Club Black and Tan Coonhound breed profile, retrieved September 2026.
How Long Do Black and Tan Coonhounds Live?
Black and Tan Coonhounds live 10 to 12 years. The breed is generally healthy. Regular veterinary care supports a full lifespan, in particular given the breed’s documented ear infection risk.
What Health Problems Are Black and Tan Coonhounds Prone To?
Black and Tan Coonhounds are documented as being at higher risk for the following conditions.
- Ear infections. The breed’s most common health concern. Long, hanging ears trap moisture, so regular cleaning matters.
- Hip dysplasia. A joint condition where the hip doesn’t fit together properly, potentially causing arthritis.
- Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). A life-threatening emergency in deep-chested breeds. It needs immediate veterinary care.
- Eye conditions. A CAER eye exam is recommended for breeding stock to screen for inherited issues.
How Do You Groom a Black and Tan Coonhound?
Black and Tan Coonhounds have short, minimal-grooming coats. Occasional brushing keeps shedding under control. The floppy ears need regular, dedicated cleaning to prevent infection.
How Much Exercise Does a Black and Tan Coonhound Need?
A Black and Tan Coonhound needs one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily. Long walks, running, and scent-based games all suit the breed well. Given the strong nose and wandering instinct, a leash or fully fenced area is essential outdoors.
Are Black and Tan Coonhounds Easy to Train?
Black and Tan Coonhounds are moderately trainable. The breed thinks independently and can test boundaries. Reward-based, structured training works best. Recall is genuinely difficult once a scent grabs the dog’s attention.
What Should You Feed a Black and Tan Coonhound?
A Black and Tan Coonhound does well on a formula suited to its age and genuinely active lifestyle. A veterinarian can help set appropriate portions given the breed’s large size.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Black and Tan Coonhound?
Here are the main advantages of owning a Black and Tan Coonhound.
- Outgoing, loyal, genuinely laid-back temperament
- Good with children and other dogs
- Low-maintenance short coat
- Calm indoors once exercised
Here are the main drawbacks of owning a Black and Tan Coonhound.
- Strong prey drive can complicate life with small pets
- Prone to ear infections given long, floppy ears
- Difficult recall once a scent trail is picked up
- Needs one to two hours of vigorous exercise daily
Black and Tan Coonhound rescue organizations place adult dogs regularly, worth a look for anyone drawn to this breed’s laid-back personality but not set on a breeder search.
What Else Do People Ask About the Black and Tan Coonhound?
The questions below cover how much a Black and Tan Coonhound costs, whether Black and Tan Coonhounds are good family dogs, why the Black and Tan Coonhound is hard to recall outdoors, and the difference between the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound.
How much does a Black and Tan Coonhound cost?
Prices run $600 to $1,200 from a reputable breeder. Adopting an adult dog through a rescue is usually cheaper.
Are Black and Tan Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes. The breed is affectionate, calm, and good with kids. Its high prey drive means small pets need careful, supervised introductions.
Why is the Black and Tan Coonhound hard to recall outdoors?
The breed was bred to trail scent independently through dark woods, far from a handler. That instinct still runs strong today. A dog on an interesting trail will often ignore a recall command entirely.
What Is the Difference Between the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Bluetick Coonhound?
Both are scent hounds bred for coon hunting with a similar temperament. The Black and Tan has a solid black coat with tan points, while the Bluetick has a distinctive blue-ticked pattern.
Related Guides
More guides on The Dogs Wiki cover behavior, health, grooming, training, nutrition, and adoption.
| Guide |
|---|
| Behavior |
| Health |
| Grooming |
| Training |
| Nutrition |
| Adoption |