Black and Tan Coonhound

On the English side of the pond, my ancestors way back in the 11th century were Talbot Hounds and Bloodhounds. Arriving in the United States, some Foxhound was added to produce a hunter that can chase and tree raccoons and is big enough (23-27 inches at the shoulder and up to 77 pounds of muscle and bone) to track bigger game (deer or bear). My short, thick coat is colored coal black with rich tan markings. On the American frontier in the late 1700s scouts and Indian fighters owned us. The AKC recognized our breed in 1945.

• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Cats should keep their distance
• Coat needs regular care
• Confident and self-assured
• Courageous canine
• Energizer doggie
• Even-tempered, good-natured

• Hardy hunter
• Independent thinker
• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Lives to work
• Loves kids and vice-versa
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Pleased to please
• Caters to the country, tolerates town
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent

I need you to understand what you're getting before you put your nickel down on a Black and Tan Coonhound. Sure, I'm a stunningly handsome canine. And a joy to watch when I'm running full tilt -- my effortless, easy, graceful stride with plenty of "reach" ahead and "drive" behind, and all the other attributes hunters brag about when they get back to the club. But that's exactly the point: I'm a hunter and a runner. If you're looking for a running buddy, on leash, I hope you're training for a marathon. Otherwise, I'll need a secure, fenced-in place to let me loose. Or, of course, the opportunity to hunt. Then at the end of the day, we'll all hang out and talk about my stride.

Be sure to ask breeders about any hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, tendency to bloat, cardiac, and eye conditions in the parents. Also ask about temperament tests.