The American English Coonhound, also called an American raccoon hunter, is a breed of American origin. We will recognize her for her slim body and energetic personality, always ready for action.
If you want to know what their behavior is like at home and with other pets, what care they need or what their weak points are, don’t miss all the information that we show you below.
Index of contents
- 1 American English Coonhound breed history
- 2 Characteristics of the American English Coonhound
- 3 What is the character of the American English Coonhound?
- 4 What care does this breed need?
- 5 Common diseases in the American English Coonhound breed
American English Coonhound breed history
The breed originated in North America from the 19th century, although its ancestors are from England, as it descends from the English Coonhound that was brought there by settlers.
With the passage of time, the dogs that brought them to the new continent crossed with other dog breeds to give rise to what we now know as the American English Coonhound. The objective was to obtain an ideal dog for night hunting, for hunting raccoons.
Characteristics of the American English Coonhound
We are facing a medium-sized dog, with a discreet but strong and precise musculature in its movements.
The head is proportionate to the size of its body. The muzzle is elongated, with slightly drooping cheeks and lips, in addition to a large black truffle.
The eyes are round and have a dark brown iris. The ears are long, thin and drooping to the sides.
The coat is of medium length, double and hard. The coat appears in various color combinations: reddish and white with spots, black and white or tricolor.
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Height of between 58 and 66 cm in males and females |
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Weight of between 20 and 30 kg in males and females |
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Short, hard hair with a coat in various colors |
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Sweet and sociable character |
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Strong health although prone to some diseases |
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Estimated life expectancy between 11 and 12 years |
What is the character of the American English Coonhound?
Adopting one of these American dogs is only recommended if we play sports that we can share with him. Its active nature requires constant activities. Otherwise, you will develop anxiety and destructive behaviors.
Some breeders consider adopting the American English Coonhound a bad decision if we have no experience in dog training. A patient personality is required to train him in activities other than hunting.
It is sweet when you are resting, but it tends to bark a lot if you are not offered outlets to release your energy.
What care does this breed need?
Frequent exercise is the main care we must give you. Daily trips to the park, search and find games, chasing the ball or hiding prizes at home are some ways to stimulate your intelligence.
As a puppy, it is recommended to train him to channel his tendency to bark. Thus we will achieve a harmonious coexistence at home.
Socializing with people and pets must also be done from an early age. Otherwise, this American dog could develop protection of resources, that is, become possessive with his belongings and territory.
As for the coat, it can be brushed 1 to 2 times a week. Bathing is recommended every 4 weeks. Your nails require a monthly cut if they do not wear out naturally.
Common diseases in the American English Coonhound breed
Despite being a strong dog of excellent physical condition, it is prone to suffer some diseases:
- Hip dysplasia: An inherited condition that affects the junction of the bones of the femur and the hip. It causes pain and lameness. The dog’s quality of life is improved with a proper diet and moderate exercise.
- Elbow dysplasia: It is a genetic disease that affects the joints of the dog. Osteoarthritis, difficulty performing physical activities, lameness and inflammation of the joints appear.
- Gastric torsion: It consists of the dilation of the vessels and arteries that cover the stomach. This disorder causes strangulation or choking of the stomach. As a result, the blood does not reach the rest of the body. It is fatal if not treated in time.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: canine optic nerve degenerative disease. It causes progressive loss of vision until causing blindness. Cataracts may appear during the degenerative process.