What to Know Before Buying a Coonhound Puppy
Quick answer: “Coonhound” isn’t one breed but a family of American scent hounds bred to track and tree raccoons and other game. The AKC recognizes six: the Black and Tan, Bluetick, Redbone, American English, Treeing Walker, and Plott. They share core traits, a phenomenal nose, loud baying voice, strong prey drive, friendly nature, and a need for exercise and secure fencing, but differ in size, coat, and style. This guide covers what they have in common; see each breed’s own page for specifics.
At a Glance
| Type | Family of breeds (Hound Group / scent hounds) |
| Origin | United States |
| AKC-recognized coonhounds | Black and Tan, Bluetick, Redbone, American English, Treeing Walker, Plott |
| Size range | Medium to large (roughly 40–110 lbs across breeds) |
| Lifespan | Roughly 10–12 years (varies by breed) |
| Coat | Generally short, dense, low-maintenance (Plott can vary) |
| Temperament | Friendly, even-tempered, determined, vocal, scent-driven |
| Good for | Active owners with secure fencing and tolerance for a loud, nose-led hound |
1. “Coonhound” Is a Group, Not a Single Breed
If you’re researching a “coonhound,” the first thing to know is that it refers to several distinct American scent-hound breeds developed to hunt raccoons (and historically bigger game) at night. The AKC recognizes six: the Black and Tan (the oldest), the Bluetick, the Redbone, the American English, the Treeing Walker, and the Plott. They share a heritage and many traits but differ in size, coat, color, and hunting style.
2. What All Coonhounds Share
Across the family you’ll find an extraordinary sense of smell, a powerful prey drive, and a loud, carrying bawl or bugle bred to be heard across the woods. They’re friendly, even-tempered, and generally good with people and families, but once a coonhound locks onto a scent, recall goes out the window, so secure fencing and leashed walks are essential, and small pets can be a challenge.
3. Exercise, Training, and Voice
These are athletic working hounds that need substantial daily exercise and a chance to use their noses (scent games, tracking, long sniffy walks). They’re intelligent but independent and easily distracted by smells, so training takes patience and reward-based consistency. The signature voice is a real consideration for apartments and close neighbors.
4. Grooming and Health
Most coonhounds have short, low-maintenance coats needing only occasional brushing, plus routine care of their long, infection-prone ears. Health varies by breed but commonly includes hip dysplasia, ear infections, and, in the larger breeds, awareness of bloat (GDV).
5. Choosing the Right Coonhound
Decide which of the six fits your home, then go to that breed’s dedicated page for size, temperament, and health details. Verify any breeder against the AKC Marketplace, and note that many coonhounds come from hunting lines and are also commonly available through breed-specific rescues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “coonhound” a single breed?
No. It’s a family of American scent-hound breeds. The AKC recognizes six: the Black and Tan, Bluetick, Redbone, American English, Treeing Walker, and Plott coonhounds.
Which coonhound is right for me?
It depends on your home and activity level, as they vary in size and style. Read the individual breed pages, but all coonhounds need exercise, secure fencing, and tolerance for a loud voice.
Do all coonhounds bark a lot?
Yes, they’re bred to bawl and bugle loudly on a trail. That carrying voice is characteristic of the whole family and a real consideration for close neighbors.
Are coonhounds good family dogs?
Generally yes. They tend to be friendly and even-tempered, but their prey drive, roaming instinct, and exercise needs suit active homes with secure fencing best.
Read the official AKC breed standard
Sources
American Kennel Club – Black and Tan Coonhound
American Kennel Club – Bluetick Coonhound
American Kennel Club – Redbone Coonhound
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
AKC – Bloat in Dogs
AKC Marketplace