The Black and Tan Coonhound, is a distinctive, athletically built dog that excels at hunting and tracking.

These medium-to-large sized dogs are predominantly black with tan markings on the muzzle, chest and legs. In common with many hound breeds they have long ears, lanky legs and loose fitting skin. Black and tans can be up to 27 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 55 and75 pounds.

The breed was developed by crossing the Talbot Hound with the Bloodhound and Foxhound. The Black and Tan was the first dog developed specifically to track and tree raccoons. However, their supreme tracking ability, and appetite for hard work, soon saw them being used to hunt all kinds of game, including deer, bear, and even mountain lions.

These are loyal, affectionate and good-natured dogs who form close bonds with humans. The are also intelligent and fast learners which makes them excellent pets for an appropriate owner.

Be warned though that this is a dog that requires a lot of exercise and can become destructive if those needs are not met. The ideal owner is an active individual or family that involves the dog in lots of activities. Black and Tans also suffer separation anxiety and are prone to howling if left alone for too long.

Consistent pack leadership is a must with this breed, as are training and socialization. Dogs that have not been socialized may be aggressive towards other dogs. The hunting instinct is still strong, and these dogs will follow any scent they encounter.

These dogs are generally good with children, but you should watch them around small kids as their exuberant play can quite easily knock a youngster over.With the right amount of exercise though, plus a good training program, this is a wonderful pet and loving companion.

These are generally healthy dogs who suffer from few of the diseases that typically afflict purebred dogs. As with many large breeds, hip dysplasia is a risk, while ear and eye problems are also known to occur.

The Black and Tan can be prone to obesity, because it loves to eat. You will need to strictly manage the dog’s food intake.

Grooming is quite easy as the short coat only needs to be brushed once a week. You should also take care to inspect and clean the ears and eyes regularly.

It goes without saying that the Black and Tan Coonhound is not a dog to be kept in an apartment. They need at least a medium to large garden to move around in, but will still need to get out for a long daily walk. Although they can live outdoors, they do much better when they are close to their human ‘pack’.

Good names for a Black and Tan Coonhound can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online dog names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of cool dog names to pick from.

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