English Coonhound Guide: History, Size, Temperament and Adoption
English Coonhound overview
The UKC standard portrays the English Coonhound as sturdily built, with notable speed and stamina, and as balanced, graceful and free of exaggeration. The coat is hard, protective and of medium length, and colors include redtick, bluetick, tri color with ticking and several white-and-colored combinations.
English Coonhound history
Apart from the Plott Hound, the UKC coonhound breeds share a common ancestry rooted in the English Foxhound. The breed entered the UKC registry at the start of the twentieth century under the name English Fox & Coonhound, a time when the dogs saw far more work on fox than they do now. Hounds imported from England, including those brought over for George Washington, were the foundation of the Virginia Hounds, from which today's English Coonhound was developed. Americans adapted the hounds to rougher terrain and climate and to local game such as raccoon, opossum, cougar and bear.
How big do coonhounds get?
For English Coonhound size, the United Kennel Club gives a height at the withers of 22 to 27 inches for adult males and 21 to 25 inches for adult females. Coonhound weight is not given as a figure in that standard, which says only that weight should be in proportion to height, keeping in mind the breed's strong build.
Coonhound temperament and traits
The UKC describes the breed as pleasant and sociable with strong hunting instincts, and its voice is a good hound bawl. Among coonhound dog traits, a related description of American English Coonhounds says they tend to be loving and devoted to their families, very intelligent, and confident yet stubborn.
Exercise and activity needs
These hounds tend to be extremely energetic and fast, so they often suit active families who will provide a long walk or run every day. Without enough activity they can become bored and frustrated, which may show up as chewing, barking and property destruction.
Grooming
The hard-haired coat is low maintenance, with weekly brushing handling the average shedding, an occasional bath after a chase through the woods, and a weekly check of the ears.
Training
They enjoy mental stimulation but need patience, firmness and a consistent set of rules, and an untrained dog may try to take charge of the house.
Coonhound lifespan and health
The references provided do not state a coonhound lifespan or life expectancy, so ask a veterinarian how long coonhounds typically live. VCA describes the related American English Coonhound as a healthy, hardy breed that has been known to suffer from hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, and its deep chest means it may be prone to bloat. VCA also says these dogs need watching for overheating in summer because they do not know when to quit.
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
- Breed Standards : English Coonhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- American English Coonhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
