Black and Tan Coonhound: Size, Temperament, Health and Adoption Guide
Black and Tan Coonhound overview
The AKC places the Black and Tan Coonhound in the Hound Group and lists its origin as the United States. Its coat is short and smooth, and its color is black and tan.
Where does the Black and Tan Coonhound come from?
The breed probably arose from crosses of Bloodhounds and Foxhounds, bred for trailing raccoons, opossums and bear over rough mountain country. It has long been valued more as a hunting dog than a companion or show dog.
How big do coonhounds get?
The AKC puts the Black and Tan Coonhound in its Large size category. It lists heights of 25-27 inches for males and 23-25 inches for females, with weights of 65-110 pounds.
Black and Tan Coonhound temperament
The AKC describes the breed as easy-going, bright and brave. Many are mellow companions at home, usually get along with other dogs and strangers, and are often tolerant of children. They also tend to be independent and a little stubborn. They have a deep voice and may bay and howl, which some neighbors may not appreciate.
Exercise and scent drive
Most need a moderate amount of exercise, usually a good daily walk or jog, and they prefer outings that go somewhere so they can sniff and investigate. Because they are led by their noses, off-leash time is risky and a fence and leash help keep them safe.
Do coonhounds shed?
The coat needs a quick weekly brushing to keep shedding under control. Black and Tans can slobber, and their ears should be kept clean and dry.
Training a Black and Tan
They can be trained but respond poorly to traditional methods, so enticing rewards, short sessions and clicker training tend to work better.
Black and Tan Coonhound health issues and lifespan
VCA names hip dysplasia as the breed's major health concern, with hypothyroidism and ectropion of the eyelid also possible. The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 10-12 years.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Black and Tan Coonhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1945
- Height (AKC published)
- 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 65-110 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 10-12 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 2 of 5
- Affection toward family: 4 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Black and Tan Coonhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 9, 2026
- Black and Tan Coonhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
