• Bays and howls as only a hound can; city living is not recommended
• Easily distracted by various scents. Once he has decided to follow one you'll have a very hard time calling him off--this dog needs to be leashed!
• Coonhounds are not homebodies and will roam if given the chance. They can go for miles before looking up and realizing that home is nowhere to be found.
• Makes a good jogging or running companion but is also more than satisfied with 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise, and walks that allow for plenty of sniffing time.
• This breed does well with children, but is active and bouncy when young.
• Easily gains weight if given the chance.
• Can be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge.
• A bored Coonhound is a noisy, destructive Coonhound. He needs lots human companionship and training.
• Obedience training is highly recommended and likely to lead to a closer relationship with your dog.
• Never buy a Black and Tan Coonhound from a puppy broker or pet store. Reputable breeders do not sell to middlemen or retailers, and there are no guarantees as to whether the puppy had healthy parents. Interview breeders thoroughly, and make sure the puppy's parents have been screened for genetic diseases pertinent to that breed. Ask breeders about the health issues they've encountered in their dogs, and don't believe anyone who claims that her dogs never have any health problems. Ask for references so you can contact other puppy buyers to see if they're happy with their Coonhound. Doing your homework may save you a lot of heartbreak later.

« History | Next: Rescue groups »