What Is a Coonhound Bred From?

Seven types of coonhounds exist, originating from many breeds. Hunters frequently breed their own lines of hound based on their individual needs, based on dogs from their own countries, eventually developing breeds of their own.

  1. English Foxhound Influence

    • According to the United Kennel Club (UKC) website, most coonhound breeds originated from English foxhounds. According to the UKC, English coonhounds were first registered as English fox and coonhounds, cementing the close relationship between those breeds. In addition, the UKC states that the bluetick coonhound, originally a variation of the English coonhound, probably came into being when English foxhounds were crossed with "various French hounds used for hunting big game"

    American Foxhound Influence

    • The American black and tan coonhound springs from a melting pot of breeds. Its immediate ancestors are the American foxhound and the Virginia foxhound. The bloodhound is a potential third ancestor, which may have contributed the color pattern to the breed. Tracing the black and tan ancestry a bit further back, the English foxhound, the French Tolbot hounds and St. Hubert hounds also make an appearance.

    Other Breed Influences

    • The Redbone coonhound, like other coonhounds, is descended from English foxhounds and bloodhounds. In addition, the Redbone includes Irish breeds, which contributed their red coats and occasional white foot and chest markings. The Plott hound, a lesser-known breed of coonhound, does not trace its ancestry back to foxhounds at all. Rather, it is descended from German boarhounds, brought to the United States by the breed's originator, Jonathon Plott. Like their ancestors, modern Plott hounds are sometimes used to hunt big game.