Black and Tan Coonhound, purebred dog

Black and Tan Coonhound

Known in French as Coonhound Noir et Feu

179th most popular breed in France · 16 puppies registered in 2025 (LOF)
Height at the withers
58 to 69 cm
Weight
29 to 50 kg
Life expectancy
10 to 12 years
Daily activity
90 minutes
Origin
United States
FCI group
6 · Scent hounds
Is it right for me?

Who is it for?

Ideal for

  • a family with children

Less suited to

  • an apartment: it needs space
  • a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
  • long absences: it struggles when left alone
  • a home with cats

Overview

A large, powerful American scent hound with a distinctive black and tan coat and long ears, known for its exceptional nose, its loud bay and its determination on the trail.

FriendlyOutgoingIntelligentAlertAdaptableEasygoing

History and origins

Developed in the southern United States by 18th-century settlers, from crosses between the English Foxhound, the Bloodhound and the Talbot, for raccoon hunting and trailing over the rugged terrain of the Appalachians.

Health

Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Ectropion
  • Ear infections
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  • Hypothyroidism

Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.

Coat and care

Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.

All ratings

Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.

Lifestyle

Energy
Moderate, 3 out of 5
Apartment
Impossible, 1 out of 5
Home alone
Poorly, 2 out of 5

Family and sociability

With children
Good, 4 out of 5
With other dogs
Good, 4 out of 5
With cats
Caution, 2 out of 5
With strangers
Polite, 3 out of 5

Training and temperament

Ease of training
Hard, 2 out of 5
For a first-time owner
Poor fit, 2 out of 5
Guarding instinct
Low, 2 out of 5
Prey drive
Very strong, 5 out of 5
Tendency to roam
Very high, 5 out of 5

Care and neighbors

Coat care
Minimal, 1 out of 5
Shedding
Moderate, 3 out of 5
Drooling
A little, 3 out of 5
Barking
Very vocal, 5 out of 5

Climate and health

Heat tolerance
Average, 3 out of 5
Cold tolerance
Average, 3 out of 5
Hardiness
Good, 4 out of 5

In our lists

Black and Tan Coonhound FAQ

How big does the Black and Tan Coonhound get?

The Black and Tan Coonhound stands 58 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 29 to 50 kg. It is a large dog.

Does the Black and Tan Coonhound shed a lot?

It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.

Can the Black and Tan Coonhound live in an apartment?

It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.

How much exercise does the Black and Tan Coonhound need each day?

Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.

Is the Black and Tan Coonhound good with children?

Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.

How long does the Black and Tan Coonhound live?

Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and ectropion.

Similar breeds

Same size and similar ratings. All scent hounds

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