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Quick Summary
- Coonhounds are often misunderstood and fill many animal shelters, but they are not loudmouths by default. While some breeds are skilled at hunting and vocalizing, others are quiet indoors. They are not aggressive and make good companions for families.
- Coonhound breeds like the Redbone Coonhound, Plott Hound, and Bluetick Coonhound make fantastic family dogs due to their close historical connection with humans and their cleverness, discipline, and thoughtfulness.
- They’re attractive dogs with few health issues and are happy wanderers.
- They have a strong sense of smell, but they can also be couch potatoes and adapt well to social environments, getting along with other dogs, adults, and even cats if raised together.
When Bo, an 11-year-old champion Black and Tan Coonhound, was laid to rest in October at the Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery in Tuscumbia, Ala., the Associated Press reported that nearly 400 mourners attended his funeral.
Such an outpouring of grief for one dog probably comes as no surprise to many Coonhound pet parents, who almost unanimously describe their dogs as sweet, loving and extremely social with adults, children and other dogs. In fact, one of the only negatives they may cite is the misconception that these dogs are nothing more than loud, smelly, hunting dogs that have no business being indoor house pets.
Contrary to what some might think, Coonhound breeds like the Redbone Coonhound, Plott Hound, Bluetick Coonhound, and others, are all fantastic family dogs because of how closely they worked with humans in the past. Hailing from a proud tradition of hunting raccoons and other sly game animals, Coonhounds are incredibly clever, disciplined, and thoughtful hunting hounds, who are fantastic choices for dog owners who want a quieter home. But that certainly doesn’t mean they’re boring. They’re gentle, but they’re very playful and great companions. That’s just one of the usual Coonhound myths, and experienced dog owners who have handled Coonhounds, such as myself, have heard them all before. Today, let’s bust some of the more persistent ones.
Coonhounds: Separating Fact from Fiction
“People think they’re stupid, wild dogs, climbing trees in the countryside,” said Anna Nirva of Coonhound Companions, an advocacy group formed last year.
Because of these misconceptions, Coonhounds – whose six breeds, all of which originated in the United States, are the American English; Black and Tan; Bluetick; Plott; Redbone and Treeing Walker – fill many animal shelters in the southern and eastern regions of the country. Even Pit Bulls, the breed most likely to be found in shelters elsewhere, are adopted more frequently in these areas than Coonhounds.
Somehow Beagles – which were also bred as hunting dogs – have managed to escape the negative stereotype. According to the most recent American Kennel Club (AKC) registration statistics, the Beagle is the fourth most popular dog in the U.S.
The AKC itself has pretty much ignored Coonhounds until very recently. While the Black and Tan Coonhound has been recognized since 1945, Plotts weren’t accepted into the AKC registry until 2006; Redbones and Blueticks in 2009; and the American English just this year. Next year, Treeing Walkers will finally receive AKC recognition.
Last September, Steve Fielder, director of the AKC’s Coonhound division, optimistically wrote in a “Coonhounds at the AKC” article, “There’s no doubt the Coonhound breeds will flourish with AKC’s acceptance.”
Coonhound Companions is working hard to make Fielder’s prediction a reality. Nirva and other members of the “Coonie-crazy team,” as its website describes them, made an effort to bust some myths and spread the good word about these dogs.
Myth: Coonhounds Are Loudmouths
Although potential adopters might fear a Coonhound would be too vocal (and Elvis didn’t help their image any by singing, “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time”), many of these dogs end up homeless for precisely the opposite reason – they can be too quiet, even when their owners need them to be. This can make them poor guard dogs, and on occasion even bad at hunting, which they were originally bred for.
However, certain Coonhound breeds like the Plott Hound and Bluetick Coonhound are particularly skilled at keeping up their hunting tradition. And other breeds, like the Redbone Coonhound, are very vocal whether on the hunt or relaxing at home.
Mary Beth Hall, who is the chief dog warden of Union County, Ohio, said, “It’s a misconception that they’re loud. They’re quiet indoors.” This is true even for breeds like the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Treeing Walker Coonhounds were bred for treeing, or the practice of cornering an animal up a tree by scaring them with loud barking.
But that doesn’t mean a Coonhound won’t occasionally serenade you – Redbone Coonhounds are particularly expressive with their vocalizations. As Jerry Dunham, the founder of Tejas Coonhound Rescue, noted, “They tend to peel the paint when they vocalize.”
Nirva said Austin, her rescued Treeing Walker Coonhound, literally sings for his supper. “But otherwise, he’s quiet,” she added.
Emily Plishner, whose two Redbone Coonhounds compete in United Kennel Club events, said Coonhounds are “the most musical dogs in the world.”
Along with the singing, Plishner said dogs like the Redbone Coonhound have an incredible vocabulary. “They have a whole range of voices,” she said. “You can tell which neighbor is approaching just by the tone of their bark.”While their barking might make them good watchdogs, Jean Stone, the founder of Gentle Jake’s Coonhound Rescue in Ontario, Canada, noted that Coonhounds were not bred to be aggressive. “If you’re looking for a guard dog, don’t get a Coonhound,” she advised. “They don’t have a mean bone in their bodies, and would do anything to avoid a fight.” That’s great for potential dog owners who are concerned about the dog biting their kids.
Truth: Coonhounds Are Lookers
Not only would a Coonhound be a shoo-in to win “American Dog Idol,” but they’re also major crowd pleasers, thanks to their doggie-matinee-idol looks.
“Those big brown eyes and long, floppy ears … they could beg the last crust of bread from a beggar, they’re so irresistible,” Plishner said.
Angela Faeth, owner of Map Adventures, said that when she walks Olivia, her Black and Tan Coonhound, her dog becomes a “total guy magnet.”
And because they were bred to be good hunters rather than good lookers, Coonhound breeds generally have few health issues. The most common is easily treatable ear infections due to those adorably floppy ears. Coonhound owners just have to master how to treat dog ear infections given how common these are in Coonhounds compared to other breeds.
“Beagles and Bassett Hounds tend to have more health problems – and more difficult personalities – than Coonhounds, yet they are more popular,” noted Stone. Just remember that the health issues Coonhounds are susceptible to can become a problem if their owners aren’t on the lookout for them — frequent checkups and the occasional blood test should let pet parents keep on top of that.
Truth: Coonhounds Are Happy Wanderers
When they take their Coonhounds out to meet their adoring public, pet parents must be sure to keep them on leash. So you better get the best dog leashes for Fido.
“They can quickly cover many miles,” Stone said. “In fact, some Coonhounds end up in shelters because they became lost after they were separated from their owners.”
Nirva said the popular conception that these dogs require yards with 6-foot fences “may be true for some Coonhounds, but for not all of them.” She said Austin has never left her property, even though there are raccoons and other dogs roaming the neighborhood. “He’ll wander over to the driveway, but won’t go farther,” she said.
Just to be safe, it’s probably a good idea to invest in the best wireless dog fence if you’re looking to own a Coonhound; or better yet, get the best GPS dog trackers to cover every eventuality.
Truth: Coonhounds Are Very Nosy
Because they are scenthounds bred to chase raccoons (and bears) up trees, Coonhounds have incredible senses of smell[1].
“It’s amazing how their noses work,” Plishner said. “Their nostrils open and they take in the world. They know what’s passed through the yard overnight. There are no secrets with a Coonhound.”
Faeth said that when a Coonhound’s nose is down, his ears are closed. Hale agrees: “If they’re focused on something else, it’s like talking to a wall.”
Although you might think a Coonhound would only be happy if he were hot on the trail of some varmint, these dogs tend to have an indoor/outdoor switch, and can be perfectly happy couch potatoes.
Myth: Coonhounds Smell Bad
Another persistent myth concerns H.O. – hound odor. But most Coonhound pet parents say their dogs are funk free, even if they’re only bathed a couple times a year.
Faeth said dogs that aren’t neutered or spayed, and those kept outdoors, may be more odiferous. She noted that her own dog does have a slight scent around his ears, but it’s a very pleasant musk she likes to call “hound elixir.” As always though you must care for Fido by practicing dog grooming regularly. There are no excuses for dog owners in this day and age not to stay on top of their dog’s hygiene.
Truth: Coonhounds Are Social Networkers
Because they were bred to hunt in packs of two to four dogs, Coonhounds are extremely social.
“A great advantage is that you never have to worry about Coonhounds with other dogs,” Hall said. “They do really well at the dog park.”
Coonhounds also get along fine with both adults and children. If they’re raised with cats, they can even get along with them as well.
Release the Hounds (From Shelters)!
If all of these accolades have you thinking about adopting a Coonhound of your own, be sure to do your homework first (just as you should for any breed). Dunham recommends that you contact a rescue group for their assistance in finding the perfect Coonhound for you.
For more information about Coonhounds or to find out how you can help spread the positive word about these dogs, visit the Coonhound Companions website.
We adopted an approximately 7-year old coon hound from the shelter a few months ago. This article is so true. She is social, a charmer, and good indoor pet. She is fairly quiet unless she has something to say, then she bellows! She is very polite, and even a bit of a silly clown at times. We had beagles before, and while they are smaller and a bit cuter, the coon hound is easier to handle and deserves a better rep than they get. We have a tall fence and she enjoys laying outside when it is nice. She is the biggest couch potato we have ever had! She can go from super active to super sleepy in no time flat! We love her and glad we adopted her!
I have a Walker-hound mix. I call him my “soul dog” Best dog i have ever had the privilege to love!
Even if they aren’t raised with cats, they can learn to not only tolerate them, but also love them as a pack member. We adopted a blue tick that was 3 years olds, and while we had to watch him carefully at first with our 8 pound cat, once he learned (within just a week or so) that she was a member of the family and not a toy to chase, all was well. They love to snuggle together on the same dog bed now. I am so in love with this breed and own two. The other is a black and tan. Best! Dogs! Ever!
The truth of hounds in shelters is not only their noisy reputation, but the horrible habit of over breeding and releasing unwanted hounds, which some hunters employ to avoid feeding dogs through the winter. While many hunters care for their hounds very well, many do not.
My Red Bone is simply the best dog. He is supper intelligent and lazy. I am sure there will never be another dog I will love as much as I do him.
They are truly the best dogs ever!!! I had a bluetick Coonhound and she was my first coonhound. She was perfection in a fur suit!! She loved everyone she met and they loved her. I was a complete afterthought when I would walk in a room with her because all you would hear is “Georgie’s here!!!” and people would coming running to give her pets and treats – her two favorite things!! They truly steal your heart!!!
We adopted our second Treeing Walker and they are the best, most loving wonderful dogs!
Bo, the hound referred to in the beginning of this story is my Ruthie’s grandfather. She was my very best friend. I miss her so much. I laid her to rest a month ago at the young age of four. She had severe seizures due to a brain tumor. They get sick just as humans do. We currently have nine Black and Tans. We have had as many as 13. They are loud, when hunting. They are loud when they are playing. That’s what they do. They are lookers. They look for food, for anything they want to look for. Wanderers? Oh yea. If not on a leash they can wander far. Nosy? Well I have learned don’t bend over in front of them unless you want a nose in your behind! Smelly? Bathe them. Social? They are pack dogs. They prefer company. They need a job. All in all my hounds have made some of they very best friends and pets I have ever had.
I’ve had Coonhounds for 25 years now. My dad and grandfather had Coonhounds. My dad and grandfather grew up in the country. I live just outside Chicago. When people ask why I have Coonhounds. I tell them, “it’s in my blood.” These dogs don’t just come in your house and take over. They come into your heart and take over. My 2 B&T’s I have now are the sweetest little girls. Of course their both 100% Daddy’s girls. LOVE my Coonhounds!
I’m so in love with my two coon hounds. They are truly my best friends. My older one is highly intelligent and so helpful with my elderly mom. She’s incredibly loyal. My younger one has the best sense of humor. He needs lots of attention and loving.
These dogs have changed my life for ever!
I found a young coonhound in a cemetery. Never could find who she belonged to either. No microchip. I’ve now had her 4 yrs. This article is on point. She’s very mellow and not as active now. She loves everyone and everything. She’s a tree walking coonhound.
I’ve always liked them, don’t see them often though. They’re lovely dogs, so friendly.
I’m about to get an Airedale, and was thinking that a coonhound might make a good second dog, they’d be well matched, both love having fun. I’ve got a couple of cats, so Id have to get a puppy so he’d be socialized to them as a baby.
Brad, this guide really a dog owner should read, well explained tips with proofs.
Many thanks Becky – I appreciate your feedback!
I adopted a 6 year old Treeing Walker last year who was found stray. He is quiet almost all the time and only howls when I leave the house (my husband calls him Thurston Howl) he has a bit of separation anxiety probably from being a stray and now wants to make sure I don’t leave him. Funny enough he does fine when everyone leaves, but if I go and leave him with the family that’s when he plays to his audience. Outside he had boundless energy, in the house he’s a couch potato. Love him
We had a coonhound show up at our front porch. She was quite malnourished her ribs were quite visible. My wife was able to coax her into our garage, cleaned her up and fed her. We took her to vet to check for a chip,none. We then took her to the humane society to see if anyone reported her missing. After a week no one had claimed her we adopted her. She’s been a God send we had to put down one of our beagles and she’s been a great companion for our other beagle. She is a real cuddlier doesn’t realize how big she is, she loves to lay on our lap.
We have 2 coonhounds right now. One is a Bloodhound / Bluetick and the other is a Bluetick. Including them, we have rescued 6 Hounds so far. 2 Black and Tan, One American English and 3 Blueticks. they are the most lovable, goofy and intelligent dogs we have ever had the pleasure of living with. They are also couch potatoes. Very quiet in the house, just lay around wherever they want. They rough house outside in the yard.
Only howl when they feel is necessary. We will always have hounds. Doesn’t matter if they are females or males. Both are extremely lovable. They have a fan club wherever we go. People stop and ask about them. We ask everyone we meet to adopt hounds.
We take excellent care of them. We love them very much.
We adopted our beautiful Redbone in 2015, we found him in the shelter. He passed last October suddenly and we miss him so much. He was truly the best! It took couple of years for him to show his true personality, he was possibly abused, had lots of scars and had hard time to trust us at first. It took some time for him to come out of his shell but once he did he definitely was lovable, affectionate companion. Wonderful pet, not very vocal indoors. He would get noisy when asking for treats, I loved his howling. We will always remember our handsome Jackson, life is not the same without him, he brought so much joy to us everyday.. People definitely do not give hounds enough credit! That was our first hound but we are ready to get another one soon. We ❤️Hounds.
Adopted a BlueTick/Treeing Walker mix that was taken to the shelter pregnant with 13 puppies. She went up for adoption after she had puppies and my pittie passed away from a tumor. She is the goofiest most wonderful baby! She is very quiet unless something is out of order, ie a trash can that has never been put in that spot. She does not smell at all! That must be a myth. She is very intelligent/she tells you when she is hungry when she is ready to go outside wants a snack whatever. She has become a bit on the chubby side I am not sure if was having puppies maybe a thyroid issue. However, you cannot go wrong. Love this breed