Coonhound (American English)
Other names
English Coonhound, Redtick Coonhound
Origin & history
The American English Coonhound, also known as the English Coonhound or Redtick Coonhound, originated in the southern United States. Its ancestors descend from English foxhounds brought to America in the 17th and 18th centuries. Through crossbreeding and targeted selection, a breed developed that excelled at hunting raccoons ("coons") and wild foxes—with a keen sense of smell, great stamina, and a powerful voice as its most important weapons.
In 1905, the breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as the English Fox & Coonhound. It wasn't until 2011 that the breed received full recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) within the hound group.
Appearance & body shape
The American English Coonhound is an athletic, muscular, and well-balanced dog. It has a deep chest, a strong back, long legs, and an agile, energetic gait. Its build exudes strength and elegance—precisely what makes it so well-suited for long-term field work.
Size & weight
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Males: approximately 61 to 66 cm height at the withers
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Bitches: approximately 58 to 63 cm height at the withers
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Weight: usually between 20 and 30 kilograms, depending on body shape
Coat & color
The coat is short, smooth, and fairly coarse, which provides good protection when working outdoors. Grooming is simple: regular brushing is sufficient. Colors vary widely—red tick, blue tick, tricolor with ticking, red and white, or black and white are all possible. The ears are long, soft, and hang close to the head, often long enough to touch the tip of the nose when held forward. The head is medium-wide with a friendly expression and dark, alert eyes.
Character & temperament
The American English Coonhound is known for its friendly, loyal, and sociable nature. It thrives within a family or pack and enjoys company, both with people and other dogs.
Quiet, yet passionate about hunting
When not working, the Coonhound is usually calm and relaxed. But once it picks up a scent, it transforms into a tireless worker: focused, tenacious, and completely focused on its task.
Vocal and alert
The Coonhound is a distinctly vocal dog. Its characteristic "baying"—a deep, melodious hunting howl—is part of its character and function. This makes it a lively companion, but in densely populated neighborhoods its voice can sometimes be overly enthusiastic.
Smart, independent and sometimes quirky
This breed is intelligent and eager to learn, but also independent. It likes to think for itself and doesn't always blindly follow commands. Early socialization, positive training, and clear guidance are therefore essential. With gentle, consistent guidance, it will develop into an obedient and reliable dog.
Good with family and other animals
The Coonhound is generally good with children and other dogs, especially if raised with them from a young age. Because of its strong prey drive, it may sometimes view small animals like cats, rabbits, or birds as prey unless properly socialized.
Needs & Care
Movement & challenge
The American English Coonhound is an energetic dog with tremendous stamina. Bred to travel long distances while hunting, it needs plenty of daily exercise. Long walks, tracking, running, or hunting training are ideal. Without sufficient exercise, it can become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior or obesity.
Training & stimulation
Training works best when it's positive, consistent, and varied. Coonhounds respond well to rewards and praise, but quickly become bored by repetition. Short, playful sessions and mental challenges, such as tracking games, keep them motivated and satisfied.
Care & health
The short coat is easy to maintain with a weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Pay special attention to the ears: their length and shape can make them more prone to getting dirty or retaining moisture, which can cause inflammation.
The Coonhound is generally a healthy breed, but like many medium- to large-sized dogs, hip dysplasia sometimes occurs. Eye problems and bloat can also occur. Regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and sufficient exercise are important for a long and healthy life.
Life expectancy
On average, the American English Coonhound lives 11 to 12 years.
Summary
The American English Coonhound is an energetic, intelligent, and friendly hunting dog with a big heart for its owner. It combines strong instincts with an affectionate nature and thrives best with active owners who enjoy being outdoors. With sufficient exercise, attention, and training, it makes a loyal, cheerful, and lively companion—a true American with character.