Black and Tan Coonhounds are social, friendly hunting dogs who are at their happiest when surrounded by company. They have an incredibly sensitive nose, which makes them the perfect hunting partner. Here are some fascinating facts about this intelligent breed.
Black and Tan Coonhounds were named for their specific coloring and “pumpkin seed” markings above the eyes, but they’re not the only Coonhounds to exist. Others include the American English Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Considered an All-American breed, the B&T was thought to descend from the Talbot Hound in England in the 11th century. They were later developed in America during its early settling and rose to popularity as a scenthound hunting dog.
WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock
They hold the title of first Coonhound to be recognized by AKC, which officially occurred in 1945.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are part of the Hound group and feature sensitive noses to help them capture a scent and follow it until they find the game. The breed shares a striking resemblance to the Bloodhound from their oversized ears, coloring, and large build.
Since they’re a social breed, they prefer being surrounded by people, but when they’re left alone, they have a distinct howl that sounds like a mournful song. You can also hear their howl when they find game, as it’s their way of alerting hunters they’ve found prey.
Racoons were traditionally the go-to- game for B&Ts to hunt, but they can be trained to find a variety of animals of all sizes such as squirrels, deer, bear, and even mountain lions.
©tierfoto-guenzburg - stock.adobe.com
After the war, the former President was driven to find a “superior” hunting dog. His early experiments resulted in the “Virginia hounds,” which are early ancestors of the B&T.
The breed is known for having some of the longest ears and in 2021, they earned the title of the dog with the longest ears. “Lou,” a B&T, has ears that measure at almost 14-inches long and his title can be found in the 2022 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Pix 'n Pages ©American Kennel Club
“Storm,” 4-year-old B&T was the only one of their breed to participate in the 2024 AKC Rally National Championship. She placed within the top 100, which was quite the achievement for a breed that’s known for its independence.
B&Ts are ranked among some of the largest dog breeds. Males can reach up to 27 inches and females up to 25 inches, and they can weigh as much as 110 pounds.
The post Black and Tan Coonhound Facts You May Not Know appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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They’re One of Six Coonhound Breeds
Black and Tan Coonhounds were named for their specific coloring and “pumpkin seed” markings above the eyes, but they’re not the only Coonhounds to exist. Others include the American English Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Their Roots Go Back to Early America
Considered an All-American breed, the B&T was thought to descend from the Talbot Hound in England in the 11th century. They were later developed in America during its early settling and rose to popularity as a scenthound hunting dog.
WilleeCole Photography/Shutterstock
B&Ts Were the First Coonhound Breed Recognized
They hold the title of first Coonhound to be recognized by AKC, which officially occurred in 1945.
They’re a Part of the Hound Group
Black and Tan Coonhounds are part of the Hound group and feature sensitive noses to help them capture a scent and follow it until they find the game. The breed shares a striking resemblance to the Bloodhound from their oversized ears, coloring, and large build.
Black and Tans Have an Iconic Bay
Since they’re a social breed, they prefer being surrounded by people, but when they’re left alone, they have a distinct howl that sounds like a mournful song. You can also hear their howl when they find game, as it’s their way of alerting hunters they’ve found prey.
They Can Hunt a Variety of Game
Racoons were traditionally the go-to- game for B&Ts to hunt, but they can be trained to find a variety of animals of all sizes such as squirrels, deer, bear, and even mountain lions.
©tierfoto-guenzburg - stock.adobe.com
George Washington Had a B&T
After the war, the former President was driven to find a “superior” hunting dog. His early experiments resulted in the “Virginia hounds,” which are early ancestors of the B&T.
They Hold a Guinness World Record
The breed is known for having some of the longest ears and in 2021, they earned the title of the dog with the longest ears. “Lou,” a B&T, has ears that measure at almost 14-inches long and his title can be found in the 2022 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.
A B&T Repped the Breed During the 2024 AKC Rally National Championship
Pix 'n Pages ©American Kennel Club
“Storm,” 4-year-old B&T was the only one of their breed to participate in the 2024 AKC Rally National Championship. She placed within the top 100, which was quite the achievement for a breed that’s known for its independence.
They’re One of the Largest Dog Breeds
B&Ts are ranked among some of the largest dog breeds. Males can reach up to 27 inches and females up to 25 inches, and they can weigh as much as 110 pounds.
The post Black and Tan Coonhound Facts You May Not Know appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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