The Breed History
The origins of this breed likely trace back to the Talbot Hound in
11th century England. Later, admixture with American Foxhound
and Bloodhound, and the black and tan Virginia Foxhound is likely.
The AKC registry admitted the first of this breed in 1945 after a
period of breed development in the Southern USA of approximately
200 years.
Breeding for Function
These dogs were bred for hunting raccoons and opossum. Their
manner of hunting is similar to the Bloodhound. They move slowly
at a determined pace with head down and follow the scent, giving
loud voice when ready for the hunter. This signal means the quarry
is treed. The dog has also been used for other game such as deer
and bear. They are bred to withstand temperature extremes and
rough terrain.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 23-25" (58.5-63.5 cm), male 25-27"
(63.5-68.5 cm).
Weight: 55-75 lb (25-34 kg).
Coat: The coat is glossy, short and dense with a black background
highlighted by rich tan markings. This includes a small pumpkin
seed sized tan marking above each eye. Any white except a tiny
patch of less than 1" (2.5 cm) is a disqualification.
Longevity: 11-12 years
Points of Conformation: An athletic hound with long smooth gait,
and moderate musculature and bone, the males are more heavily
built. The head is about 9" (23 cm) long, expression is alert, nose is
black colored. The flews are well developed. Eyes are brown to hazel,
and round. Ears are set low on the head, and are very long and
pendulous. They have a medium stop. The neck is medium in length
and thickness, and topline is level, the thorax deep and ribs well
sprung. The thick tapering tail is carried up when on scent. Feet are
compact, and the toes well knuckled up with black nails. The limbs
are straight boned.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed traits include: Friendly, though some individuals are
reserved, watchful, and obedient. Noted to be very intelligent, with
an independent streak, and when off leash, need to be restricted to
a fenced enclosure. They have high exercise needs, though exhibit
low activity levels around the home.
Low grooming needs, and a high drooling tendency also
characterizes the breed.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None reported
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative
joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 14.9% affected.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow
arthritis. OFA reports 1.6% affected.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar
ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint
disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. Too few Black
and Tan Coonhounds have been screened by OFA to determine an
accurate frequency.
Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency): Rare, X-linked recessive
coagulation disorder causing severe bleeding in this breed.
Disease Predispositions
Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. 10.0% positive
for thyroid auto-antibodies based on testing at Michigan State
University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%).
Coonhound Paralysis (Polyradiculoneuritis): Disorder of acute
paralysis due to transient demyelination, similar to Guillain-BarrР№
syndrome. Caused by exposure to raccoon saliva in genetically
susceptible dogs. Affected dogs can recover, but must be supported
during remyelinization.
Retinal Dysplasia: Focal folds are seen in the breed. Identified in
6.02% of Black and Tan Coonhounds CERF examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Cataracts: Anterior cataracts predominate, although anterior,
nuclear, and capsular cataracts also occur in the breed. Unknown
mode of inheritance. Identified in 4.22% of Black and Tan
Coonhounds CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists
between 2000-2005. CERF does not recommend breeding any Black
and Tan Coonhound with a cataract.
Persistent Pupillary Membranes: Strands of fetal remnant
connecting; iris to iris, cornea, lens, or involving sheets of tissue.
The later three forms can impair vision, and dogs affected with
these forms should not be bred. Identified in 3.01% of Black and
Tan Coonhounds CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists
between 2000-2005.
Ectropion: Rolling out of eyelids, often with a medial canthal
pocket. Can also cause conjunctivitis. Ectropion is reported in
1.91% of Black and Tan Coonhounds CERF examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 1991-1999. None were reported
between 2000-2005.
Entropion: Rolling in of eyelids, often causing corneal irritation
or ulceration. Entropion is reported in 1.91% of Black and Tan
Coonhounds CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists
between 1991-1999. None were reported between 2000-2005.
Distichiasis: Abnormally placed eyelashes that irritate the cornea
and conjunctiva. Can cause secondary corneal ulceration. Identified
in 1.20% of Black and Tan Coonhounds CERF examined by
veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Inherited degeneration of
the retina leading to blindness. Clinically evident by 2 years of age.
There may be more than one form of PRA in the breed. Unknown
mode of inheritance.
Cryptorchidism, Gastric Dilatation-volvulus, and Pelger-Huet
Anomaly are reported.
Isolated Case Studies
Disseminated Melanoma: An 11-year-old, Black and Tan
Coonhound presented with lameness and osteolysis in the right
distal femur and a pulmonary mass. Neoplastic melanocytes
were observed from aspirates of the femoral and pulmonary
masses. Postmortem examination revealed a disseminated
melanoma involving the right femoral bone marrow, lung, multiple
lymph nodes, and adrenal gland, with diffuse infiltration of the
leptomeninges of the brain and spinal cord.
Genetic Tests
Tests of Genotype: none
Tests of Phenotype: CHIC certification: Required testing includes
hip radiographs, CERF eye examination, and congenital cardiac
evaluation. Optional testing includes elbow radiographs and
thyroid profile including autoantibodies. (See CHIC website; www.
caninehealthinfo.org).
Recommend patella evaluation.
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Coonhound, Black and Tan, American
Black and Tan Coonhound.
- Registries: AKC, CKC, UKC, (Here known as the American Black
and Tan Coonhound), NKC.
- AKC rank (year 2008): 42 (3,222 dogs registered)
- Internet resources: American Black and Tan Coonhound Club:
www.abtcc.com
American Black and Tan Coonhound Association:
www.abtcha.net
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