Black and Tan Hound Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Black and Tan Hound Dog Overview

The modest build of the Black and Tan Coonhound allows for a combination of strength, speed, and agility.

This breed has average bones and is square or slightly longer than tall. The long ears of the Coonhound may aid to stir up ground scents, while the deep muzzle offers area for sensory gear.

The hair is short but dense, resulting in an all-weather coat. The term conveys alertness, friendliness, and eagerness.

With head and tail raised high, the stride is effortless and beautiful. The voice of the Coonhound is deep.

Black and Tan Hound Highlights

Recommended Posts:
  • Bays and howls like only a dog can; city life is not advised.
  • Easily distracted by different smells. You’ll have a hard time getting him to stop once he’s decided to pursue one – this dog has to be leashed!
  • Coonhounds are not homebodies and will take to the open road if given the opportunity. They can walk for miles before looking up and realizing they haven’t found their way home.
  • Makes a good jogging or running partner, but is also content with 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity and long walks with plenty of smelling opportunities.
  • This breed is good with kids, although while they’re young, they’re lively and bouncy.
  • If given the opportunity, easily acquires weight.
  • Can be obstinate and self-reliant, making training a challenge.
  • A bored Coonhound is a noisy, destructive Coonhound. He requires a great deal of human company and training.
  • Obedience training is highly recommended and likely to lead to a closer relationship with your dog.

Black and Tan Hound Breed Features & Ratings:

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:           4 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                  5 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:    5 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     5 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                               5 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                           5 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:           5 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                            5 Star
VOCALITY                                           5 Star

Black and Tan Hound Characteristics:

  • Dog Breed Group:  Hound Dogs
  • Height: 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
  • Life Span: 10 to 12 years
  • Type: Purebred
  • AREA OF ORIGIN: Austria
  • DATE OF ORIGIN: 1700s
  • OTHER NAMES: Brandlbracke, Vieräugl
  • Temperament: Good natured, Agreeable, Keen, Elegant
  • Activities: Lure coursing and hunting
  • Color: Fawn and Black
  • Litter Size: 6-8 puppies
  • Puppy Prices: Average $400 – $600 USD

Black and Tan Hound Health:

A responsible breeder would test breeding stock for health disorders such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and thyroid issues. The Black and Tan is a strong breed with few health problems.

Ears of the Black and Tan should be examined weekly for symptoms of infection. Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis, as with other breeds.

The National Breed Club recommends the following health tests:

  • Evaluation of the Hip
  • Evaluation by an ophthalmologist
  • Cardiac Examination

Black and Tan Hound Grooming:

The coat of the Black and Tan Coonhound is short and dense, and it sheds once or twice a year.

Dead hair can be removed from the furniture with a weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove.

Grooming encourages the growth of new hair and distributes skin oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy.

To avoid developing a doggy stench, Black and Tans should be bathed on a regular basis.

The Black and Tan’s nails, like those of all breeds, should be clipped on a regular basis because extremely long nails can cause pain as well as issues walking and running.

Black and Tan Hound Exercise:

Every day, whether it’s a play session in the yard or a lengthy walk, Black and Tan Coonhounds require moderate exercise.

Of course, because these hounds were taught to hunt and have a strong instinct to rush after any little animal they smell, the yard must be surrounded by a tall, robust fence, and the walk must be done on a leash.

A hunting expedition is an obvious option for exercise, and not just for raccoons, the Black and Tan may be trained to assist in hunting just about any game, from squirrels to deer, if local rules allow.

Black and Tans also like competing in coonhound field competitions, as one might assume.

Black and Tan Hound Training:

Early socialization and puppy training sessions are advised for all breeds. Intelligent, caring, and dedicated, Black and Tan Coonhounds can have an independent streak.

They can be trained, but rather than mindless obedience, it’s ideal to expect compliance.

They’ll be inclined to do something that way for the rest of their life if they learn it correctly the first time, thus it’s critical to train the behavior appropriately the first time.

Black and Tans yearn to be with their family, and a dog left alone in a yard for lengthy periods of time, bored and ignored, is likely to whine.

Black and Tan Hound Food and Nutrition:

The Black and Tan Coonound should be fed a high-quality dog food, either professionally manufactured or prepared at home under the supervision and consent of your veterinarian.

Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye on their calorie intake and weight.

Treats can be a useful training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity. Discover which human foods are suitable for dogs and which are not.

If you have any concerns regarding your dog’s weight or diet, consult your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.

Black and Tan Hound Temperament and Personality:

This working scenthound was bred to work among other hounds, so he understands how to get along with his canine companions.

He may be guarded among strangers, but he is never shy or vicious.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a headstrong dog who loves to have his way, but with rigorous, persistent, and patient training, he may be a well-mannered companion, albeit one who is slow to develop.

Expect to be responsible for a fun-loving puppy for at least three years. He’s a laid-back pal at home, but put him on a scent trail and he’ll give you a heart attack.

You won’t want to let him off the leash unless you’re in an enclosed location because of his need to follow his nose.

Black and Tan Hound Care/Upkeep:

The Black and Tan Coonhound, as a pack dog, is one of the few breeds that can adapt to kennel life and even live outside if the weather isn’t too cold, he’s with another sociable dog, and he’s given warm, dry cover.

If he’s an only dog, though, he should reside indoors with his human family to avoid becoming lonely. If you must keep him outside, do so solely during the day and bring him inside at night.

Because hounds are the original “traveling man,” they will roam for miles if they catch a smell of something interesting. He’ll require a huge enclosed yard.

Your Black and Tan Coonhound is safe at home with a fence.

A Coonhound must be tattooed, microchipped, and constantly worn a collar with identification tags because of his proclivity to wander.

Coonhounds are large enough to countersurf and will consume everything you leave in their path.

Put the garbage up high, and don’t leave pies, bread, roasts, or any other goodies cooling on the counter, or they’ll be gone when you turn your head.

Crate training your Coonhound dog is crucial. Puppies investigate, get into things they shouldn’t, and chew on things that are dangerous to them.

Repairing and replacing damaged things, not to mention vet fees, can be costly. Crate training protects not just your puppy’s safety, but also the safety of your valuables.

Black and Tan Coonhounds have the independent and tenacious temperament of hounds, yet being mostly pleasant and placid.

They’ve been bred to work independently and don’t see why they should have to follow your instructions. On the positive side, they are usually easy to housetrain.

Although obedience training is strongly suggested, don’t expect flawless compliance. This is a dog who enjoys twisting obedience commands to his liking.

To urge your Black and Tan to do as you ask, use treats and positive reinforcement strategies. And the key word here is “ask.” If you try to command the hounds, they will simply ignore you.

When teaching a Black and Tan Coonhound, remember the old adage that honey catches more flies than vinegar.

Black and Tan Hound Relationship with Children and Other Pets

With youngsters, Black and Tan Coonhounds are patient and tolerant. However, it is never a good idea to leave a dog and a small child alone together.

They should always be supervised to prevent either party from biting their ears or pulling their tails.

Black and Tan Coonhounds enjoy being in the company of other dogs because they are pack dogs. If no one is home during the day, it’s ideal if he has at least one canine pal.

A bored hound will find ways to entertain himself — destructive methods that you won’t enjoy — so if no one is home during the day, it’s best if he has at least one canine buddy.

If they’ve been raised with cats, rabbits, and other similar pets, they’ll get along fine. Keep an eye on them and don’t let them alone with other pets unless you’re certain they’ll get along.

Black and Tan Hound Names

RankBoysGirls
01JackMolly
02LuckyBella
03BaileyEmma
04DexterLuna
05OliverCoco
06TobyChloe
07LouieAnnie
08BearGracie
09HenryStella
10RileyMisie

All About Black and Tan Hound

Black and Tan Coonhounds are amiable, easygoing hounds who enjoy company. They are large, energetic hunters who work overnight.

They’re snoozy by the fire, yet tenacious when it comes to tracking down the cunning raccoon. The B&T is a true American classic.

Black and Tans have a sweet disposition, a sensitive nose, and long, velvety ears.

The rich tan accents on the coal-black coat, notably the characteristic ‘pumpkin seeds’ above acutely expressive eyes, are a standout feature.

These are large, powerful hounds: A man of average size can stand 27 inches tall at the shoulder and cover ground with quick, easy strides. B&Ts are gregarious hounds.

With loud, mournful music, a lonely B&T will serenade the neighborhood. B&Ts can keep up with the most energetic household, yet they may also hog the couch for hours.

A passing squirrel can quickly awaken B&T prey drive, thus a strong leash and a sturdy fence are essential. B&Ts may be too much hound for some owners’ lifestyles.

Black and Tan Hound History:

Scenthounds are descended from the Talbot Hound, a hunting dog once used by nobility and kings.

The English Foxhound is the Black and Tan Coonhound’s direct progenitor, but the coonhound breeds are a distinctly American innovation.

The Black and Tan Coonhound, which originated in the 1700s in the southern United States, gets his size, coloration, long ears, and scenting skills from the foxhounds and bloodhounds in his family tree.

He was raised to hunt tree raccoons and possums, but he’s also capable of chasing down larger prey.

His adaptability made him a perfect companion for colonial settlers who bred him to be a “trail and tree” dog, which meant he could track down and tree his prey until the hunter arrived.

In 1945, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. Grand Mere Big Rock Molly was the first Black and Tan Coonhound to be registered with the AKC.

Despite his excellent traits, the Coonhound has never become a popular companion dog, which his admirers are likely grateful for.

Among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC, he is ranked 131st.

Where to Adopt Black and Tan Hound:

Look for Black and Tan Coonhounds in need of a permanent home at your local animal shelters and rescue groups.

National rescue groups like the American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue can provide you with valuable information to assist you in your search for your new best buddy.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research:

When selecting a dog breed, be careful to conduct your research.

To learn more about this breed and how to care for it, talk to other Black and Tan Coonhound owners, reputable breeders, and rescue organizations.

There are many different dog breeds to choose from, and with a little research, you’ll be able to choose the perfect dog to bring home.

Consider these alternative coonhound breeds if you want to learn more about similar dogs:

Black and Tan Hound Fun Facts:

  • Compared to the human nose, a Coonhound can detect a scent up to one hundred million times fainter. 
  • While the smell of dinner cooking on the stove can get even humans salivating, the Black and Tan Coonhound can smell every single individual ingredient used. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do Coonhounds slobber?

Black and Tan Coonhounds drool when it’s hot, slobber after drinking water, and shed heavily.

How smart are Black and Tan Coonhounds?

As with all breeds, early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Black and Tan Coonhounds are intelligent, affectionate, and devoted and also have an independent streak. They can be trained, but it’s best to expect compliance rather than blind obedience.

Recommended Posts: