American English Coonhound

The breed's ancestry can be traced back to foxhounds brought to the United States by European settlers during the 17th and 18th centuries.[3] It shares a common ancestry with all other coonhounds, with the exception of the Plott Hound.[4] The breed developed from 'Virginia Hounds', which were developed over time from dogs imported to the United States by Robert Brooke, Thomas Walker and the first President of the United States, George Washington.[5] The terrain here was much rougher than what they were used to, so the breed was specifically bred over time to better adapt to these new conditions.[3] It was traditionally used to hunt raccoons by night and the American red fox by day.[6] The United Kennel Club (UKC) first recognized it in 1905 as the English Fox and Coonhound.[3]

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was recognized separately by the UKC in 1945, separating it from the English Fox and Coonhound breed. The following year, the Bluetick Coonhound was also split into an entirely different breed.[3]

The English Coonhound was accepted into the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service as the American English Coonhound in 1995.[7] On 1 January, 2010, it was moved up to the Miscellaneous Class.[8] Following the recognition of the breed by the AKC in the hound group on 30 June 2011 as the 171st breed,[7] the American English Coonhound became eligible to compete in the National Dog Show in 2011, followed by its eligibility for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship for the first time in 2012.[9][10][11]

A redticked English Coonhound.

Male English Coonhounds measure between 22–27 inches (56–69 cm) at the withers, with females being slightly smaller at 21–25 inches (53–64 cm). The weight of a Coonhound should be in proportion to the dog's height.[3]

Unlike the other breeds of coonhounds, a variety of colorations is acceptable to meet English Coonhound breed standards. Coloration can be redtick, bluetick, tricolored and tricolored with ticking. However, red markings are predominant and "Redtick" is a common term for English Coonhounds. Some believe this lack of emphasis on specific coloration has allowed breeders to focus breeding programs on traits such as intelligence and hunting ability rather than appearance and coat standards. Color variations are common even among pups from the same litter of English Coonhounds, indicating high levels of DNA diversity in the breed. The coat is short and coarse.[3]

English Coonhounds require regular exercise to keep in prime condition, but are generally mellow when not on the prey's tail. English Coonhounds usually make good house pets. However, they have a high prey drive and will go after small animals unless time is taken to train them otherwise.[4] Because of this, they are not usually recommended for households with small pets unless they have been raised around small animals. They are generally good with children and tend to be very loyal dogs that are eager to please their owners.[4] Like most puppies, younger English Coonhounds can be quite inquisitive and destructive; therefore, obedience training early on is highly recommended, as is providing them with plenty of attention and exercise.[4] As they are known to bark when caged, crate training from a young age is strongly recommended, as well.

Like all coonhounds, English Coonhounds are generally good-natured and very sociable dogs. Skittishness or aggression is considered a defect, according to UKC breed standards. They are strong-willed, if not downright stubborn, and require more patience in training than other breeds. English Coonhounds are incessant nesters and should be avoided by people who do not wish to have dogs on their furniture. They make excellent family pets, as they have been bred to coexist amiably within a pack, as well as to be efficient hunters. English Coonhounds also make adequate watch dogs, as their vocalizations are characterized by melodious, drawn-out bawls and short, explosive chops typical of hound-type dogs.

English Coonhounds can be prone to overheating while on coon hunts during the summer months in the Southern United States.[3] Breeders who specialize in this breed screen their potential pairs for hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as any eye disorders.[1] Like any other floppy-eared dog breed, the English Coonhound should have its ears checked frequently to ensure minimal wax and debris buildup. Owners should also learn the symptoms of bloat, as their large size and deep chest makes them susceptible to this life-threatening disease.[1]