About English Coonhound Dogs

The English coonhound, also known as the redtick coonhound or the American English coonhound, is a breed of dog in the hound group. The breed is misleadingly named, as the English coonhound first emerged in the United States. The breed is derived from foxhounds brought to the country from Europe in America's colonial days, and was created to handle more rigorous terrain. English coonhounds were initially used to hunt raccoons and foxes, hence the title "coonhound."

A medium-sized breed, English coonhounds can measure 21 to 27 inches in height at the shoulders, with females' being slightly smaller than males. English coonhounds typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, and each dog's weight should be proportional to its height.

There are three recognized coat colors and patterns among English coonhounds. The most common coloration is redtick, or a light reddish-brown and white coat with ticking. English coonhounds may also be bluetick, meaning they may have a white and blackish coat with ticking, or tricolor, a combination of the aforementioned "red," "blue," and white with ticking. Their coat is fairly short in length and feels hard and coarse.

English coonhounds are still used for the purpose for which they were initially bred: assisting on raccoon hunts. They are also used to hunt larger game, including cougars and even bears, particularly at night. English coonhounds also make great companions, and many are owned as pets.

English coonhounds tend to be pleasant and sociable. They are typically good with children, and make good family pets, as they have been bred to fare well in packs. However, their high prey drive makes them a poor choice for homes with other, smaller pets. English coonhounds are eager to please and very loyal. However, they tend to be stubborn, meaning that they may require extra patience while training. They are inclined to "nest," meaning that they are not a good choice for someone who wishes to keep their dogs off of furniture such as beds and couches.

As an active breed, English coonhounds require a fair amount of exercise. English coonhounds require a daily walk to satisfy their instinctual drive to walk, and need additional exercise to be happy. They fare best when given more space, and therefore are best suited to homes with adequate outdoor space.

English coonhounds' coats do not require significant maintenance, typically needing only to be brushed with a firm-bristled brush. Shampooing may be necessary occasionally, but should not be done regularly.

English coonhounds are known to be prone to overheating. However, this is an ailment associated with their use in long hunts during the hot summer in the south of the United States, and should not be a major concern for those who own English coonhounds simply as pets. On average, the English coonhound lives for about 11 to 12 years.