American English Coonhound
About the American English Coonhound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-26" |
| Weight | 45-65 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $500-$1,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, American English Coonhounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your American English Coonhound
The story behind the American English Coonhound
English foxhounds brought to the American colonies during the 1600s and 1700s form the base of this breed, but colonial hunters wanted something different from what worked in England. Terrain was rougher, the quarry was raccoon and opossum rather than fox, and the work happened after dark, so breeders selected for speed, a hot nose, endurance and the ability to trail and tree game rather than follow a mounted field. Virginia and the southern states were the centre of that development through the 1800s. Several distinct coonhound varieties emerged from the same broad pool, and this one was separated out and registered under its own name during the 1900s, with major-registry recognition arriving later still. It remains predominantly a working hunting dog across the American South rather than a common household companion.
Originally bred for: Hunting, Treeing, Trailing. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a American English Coonhound
High-drive endurance hounds burn serious fuel in season and far less out of it, so calorie density should track the hunting calendar rather than staying fixed year-round. A quality adult food supports lean muscular condition, and ribs on a working coonhound ought to remain readily felt.
Watch for: Nothing specific is documented across the breed, and reactions occur dog by dog. Long drop ears trap moisture, so ear inflammation sometimes blamed on food deserves proper investigation. Ask a veterinarian to supervise any elimination trial or planned change of food.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a American English Coonhound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.