The Black and Tan Coonhound is a north-American breed developed in the 18th century. The Virginia Foxhound, from which he supposedly got its colors, and the ancient Talbot Hound are thought to be its ancestors. Other bloodhounds and foxhounds may be in his bloodline.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is mostly a hunting dog, being able to track a trail in very difficult conditions. He is a valuable help in hunting mammals, even bears and deer, however he is especially good in tracking raccoons, which he can do very swiftly. When this dog trees the prey, he usually emits a distinctive howl, calling the owner to finish the job.

The Black and Tan Coonhound has never gained much popularity as a pet or a show dog. Probably because of his keen instincts, especially the sense of smell, breeders have improving him for the field. Nowadays, the Black and Tan Coonhound has actually been seen on the ring more often and some start to point out the existence of two varieties of this breed: the field and the show, being the dogs of the last group larger and heavier. Nonetheless, depending on the type of prey, there are some hunters who prefer the larger dogs, so there is a great diversity of this dog’s characteristics when it comes to height and weight.

The Black and Tan Coonhound was the only Coonhound to be recognized by the AKC as a hound, which happened in 1945. Other existing Coonhounds are: Redbone Coonhound, the Plott Hound, the Bluetick Coonhound, the English Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a hound built to hunt. This breed has 58 to 69 cm of height and 23 to 34 kg.

Powerful and agile, the Black and Tan Coonhound has clean lines and a well-proportioned figure. His reliable nose is black with wide nostrils and the ears are long and hang on the sides of the head. The eyes that give him an alert and friendly expression are hazel to dark brown. The coat is short, dense and black with rich tan markings on the eyes, muzzle, chest, and legs. 

Active, energetic and friendly, the Black and Tan Coonhound is great hunting dog. This breed isn´t the usual pet: he is independent, calm inside the house and not very playful. The Black and Tan Coonhound is reserved towards strangers and isn´t much keen on other dogs or pets as well. He makes a good watchdog as well as a guard dog.

Due to its intelligence and sharp sense of smell, the Black and Tan Coonhound can get distracted by scents. These dogs shouldn´t be allowed to wander unleashed since they can get lost following a track.

These dogs like human company and they can verbalize a lot when they feel lonely. This breed has a tendency to drool.  

An early socialization is mandatory for the Black and Tan Coonhound as well as firm and consisting training.

The Black and Tan Coonhound isn´t a dog for the city life, he needs space to explore. The exercise should be daily and extensive. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a dog fit for every temperature and he will do ok leaving outdoors.

 The Black and Tan Coonhound is prone to overweight, so pay attention to its diet.

The grooming is minimal; an occasional brush will be enough.

This breed is susceptible to hip dysplasia, ectropion and hypothyroidism.

The expression “Barking up the wrong tree” comes from the hunting method treeing, mostly used by Coonhounds. These dogs force the prey to climb into a tree for refuge and them bark to call and hunter to finish the job.