About English Coonhounds

English coonhounds are a common hunting and family dog. They have a friendly demeanor that makes them good around other humans and other pets, in addition to the recognizable hound bawl when they bark. The American Kennel Club says they are relatively easy to groom and take care of, making them a good choice for a family pet.

  1. Physical Appearance

    • English coonhounds are normally 21 to 27 inches in height and between 40 to 65 lbs. in weight. The coats of these dogs are made from short and hard hairs. There are a few different possible color schemes for this breed, including blue and white-ticked; red and white-ticked; tri-colored with ticking; red and white; and white and black. According to the American Kennel Club, excessive amounts of red and black are considered a negative when showing these dogs in competitions. The tails are medium-length.

    Temperament

    • English coonhounds are known for being strong hunting dogs because of their sense of smell. Owners often describe them as being intelligent, active and loyal. They are known for trying to please their owners and also get along well with other dogs. English coonhounds are very active, which means they normally do better with older children because they can get rough when playing with younger children.

    Proper Living Conditions

    • English coonhounds need plenty of room to exercise and play, meaning they are not recommended for apartment living. English coonhounds should live on a farm or acreage to ensure enough outdoor exercise time. If they do live indoors, they need to be taken on brisk jogs daily or they may become destructive and high-strung. English coonhounds have a tendency to chase after new and odd scents, so they need to be leashed if they are in a new area. When proper living conditions are provided, this breed of dog tends to live between 11 and 12 years.

    History

    • The origins of the English coonhound can be traced back to the English foxhound. The United Kennel Club first recognized this breed in 1905 under the name English fox and coonhound. The name was selected because of the breed's similarities to the American and English foxhound. The breed was commonly used for fox hunting then and still is today. The variation in colors and looks is what separates the English coonhounds from other breeds.