How to Care for a Black and Tan Coonhound

Coonhounds are unique dogs because they are scent hounds.

Just as humans come in different varieties--so do Coonhounds--six to be exact: Black and Tan, Bluetick, English, Plott, Redbone and Treeing Walker. For this little article, we will focus on the Black and Tan (the dog, not the brewskie), which traces its origins to the good old American South--where some crafty breeder decided to cross a Foxhound with a Bloodhound. Here are some ways to care for this gentle and loyal dog.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Spay/Neuter your Coonhound. Spaying females before the first heat prevents breast cancer and decreases the likelihood of uterine infections. Neutering males before the age of four prevents testicular cancer, helps maintain a healthy prostate and curbs aggression.

2. Stay current on your Coonhound's vaccinations, flea and heartworm preventative and schedule regular medical exams, including eye exams, since the breed is prone to entropian and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Both are inherited eye disorders that could lead to blindness. You can also do a monthly home exam of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, teeth and gums.

3. Have your Coonhound's teeth professionally cleaned and scaled on a regular basis as suggested by your veterinarian.

4. Feed your Black and Tan a quality dog food with meat listed as the first ingredient and the proper balance of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals or a homemade diet...and don't overfeed. Their ideal weight should be between 55 and 75 lbs.

5. Give your Coonhound plenty of exercise and playtime. At home, your Black and Tan may seem like a couch potato, but when you get her outside, forget about it. It's an energetic breed.

6. Grooming the Black and Tan is pretty easy. Their short, shiny coat requires minimal brushing. But give them a break every once in a while because they enjoy it.

7. Bathe your Coonhound when necessary. Every three to four months is a good rule of thumb, unless of course, they take mud baths. Their coat has a tendency to get dry from too much bathing.

Tips & Warnings

• Black and Tans get along well with children and other dogs. They love people and are normally outgoing, but can be reserved around strangers.

• These dogs are highly intelligent and for the most part should be easy to train. Once trained they make great jogging partners.

• Their expressive faces and body language let you know when they're sad to see you leave or their feelings are hurt, and by the same token, there's no mistaking when they're happy.

• The breed is prone to hip dysplasia and Hemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency). There is also a neurological disorder called "Coonhound Paralysis" that can come from contact with a racoon or overstimulation of the immune system. The early symptoms are weakness, stiffness, or paralysis of the limbs and loss of voice, which can lead to breathing trouble in the more advanced stages. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, take her to the vet, who may recommend a neurology specialist. Although there are no drugs available, most dogs have a full recovery.

• The Coonhound was originally bred to hunt small animals, so be extra cautious if they are around cats and other small non-canine pets. If they are socialized with small animals as puppies, they should do okay.

• Coonhounds need a fenced yard in case they spot a varmint or a scent to chase after. They are also the "Houdinis" of the dog world. Make sure the yard is completely escape-proof. If there is the slightest way to get out, the Black and Tan Coonhound will find it, and if not, they will try to dig their way out.

• Black and Tans love to bark...really love to bark...and loudly. Give them less of a reason by keeping them busy and affording them plenty of exercise and playtime. They are not good at being left alone for extended periods.

Resources

• American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue