Though a good-natured easy-going breed, Black and Tan Coonhounds have an innate drive to tree raccoons and will trail deer, or even bear or large cats. With this long-distance trailing ability, it is no surprise that when outside Black and Tan Coonhounds are quite active and that they require fairly strenuous daily exercise. A fenced yard and a leash when walking are imperative. If not constrained, it’s nearly impossible to keep them from trailing when they pick up a scent. Indoors, they are low-key. They are exceptionally tolerant of children and make a great playmate, especially as puppies. But they are a large, strong dog, so care should be taken around smaller children. They are good-natured, amiable, affectionate and can make excellent pets. Some tend to be aggressive toward strange dogs, and smaller pets can be perceived prey. Most are reserved around strangers. Each hound has its own distinctive voice, recognizable to its owners at a great distance– an exceptional hunting trait. If left alone for any length of time, they tend to howl. They make excellent watchdogs and, though not aggressive by nature, if pushed they will assert themselves as a guard dog. Many drool; owners should be ready with a towel. Generally bred for either show or field, show dogs tend to be calmer making them a better pet.

A large dog, the breed is known for its strength and power as a working hound. They range in height from 23 to 27 inches and their weight is between 55 and 75 pounds. They are well-proportioned dogs, with long ears. Exceptional scent hounds, they exhibit a graceful, rhythmic stride while trailing game. Black and Tan Coonhounds have a sleek black coat with tan markings on the chest, limbs, and muzzle reminiscent of a Doberman Pinscher. Their coat is short and straight but dense enough to withstand reasonable extremes of climate. Their short coat needs little grooming. But a regular brushing can reduce the hair found inside the house from their fairly heavy shedding.

Black and Tan Coonhounds require moderate socialization, mainly to help curb both their aggression toward strange dogs and their drive to track smaller animals. As with all dogs, they require training in basic manners. They make an excellent training partner when it comes to tracking or search and rescue efforts. In other areas, they are quite difficult, even resistive to training. It’s a challenge to tear this dog away from its scenting instincts. The best approach for motivating them in obedience and agility training is using fun, attention-getting activities with abundant treats and praise in short training sessions. Always remember, consistency, patience, and gentleness will help obtain the best results. Because of their size, and strength, combined with their resistance to confinement and training, it is not a breed for an unsophisticated owner.