MyDogBreeds
Both English Coonhound and American English Coonhound are originated from United States. Both English Coonhound and American English Coonhound are of same height. Both English Coonhound and American English Coonhound are having almost same weight. Both English Coonhound and American English Coonhound has same life span. English Coonhound may have less litter size than American English Coonhound. Both English Coonhound and American English Coonhound requires Low maintenance.
The interesting thing about the English Coonhound is that he originated in the United States, in the southern states. It is also called the American English Coonhound and recognized as such by the AKC. Its ancestry however is British coming from the hunting hounds- the Foxhounds- that were brought to the United States from England in the 17th and 18th centuries and were the base for the Virginia Hounds. These hounds came from dogs that were imported for George Washington, Thomas Walker and Robert Brooke. These Virginia Hounds were then developed into the English Coonhound.
A dog was needed that could handle the rougher terrain of the United States and hunt American Red Fox and racoons. Interestingly it was England, through the UKC, that first recognized the breed in 1905, labeling it the English Fox and Coonhound. The AKC recognized it in 2011.
Development of this group of hounds continued when the Treeing Walker Coonhound was split off as its own breed in 1945, and the Bluetick Coonhound followed in 1946. The English Coonhound can tree a prey or corner it until the hunter arrives. They hunt in packs or they can work one on one with the hunter. Either way they excel at finding and holding their prey “at bay”.
The American English Coonhound was developed in the Southern part of the United States from the variety of English hunting dogs that came to the States with the early settlers. At one point they were known as the Virginia Hound. This breed is well known for its prowess in hunting raccoons and her endurance and speed. Of course as a hound dog he loves to howl during the hunt and at home with the family. He can be frustrated and destructive if his energy and need for a job are not satisfied.
The English Coonhound is a medium sized dog with a domed head and a deep chest. His build is very athletic. He has dark eye and low-hung ears. The coats of the English Coonhound are extremely variable. For the most part there are three distinct types – the Redtick, the Tricolor and the Bluetick. They can be in any of these categories and have ticking of any color. The most predominate of this group is the Red. So, predominate is the red that the breed is often called the Redtick Coonhound by many.
The American English Coonhound is an athlete with a deep chest and cute face. They have broad heads, domed skulls, dark eyes and soft, low ears. They are as fast and athletic as they look. These are highly athletic dogs with long legs and a slim but muscular body. They are so well built for their hunting role, that any deficiencies are quickly identified and bred out of the breed.
The English Coonhound is quiet when at home and loud when hunting. They love to cuddle up on a couch and they are great pets. However, they still have a very high prey drive and need a lot of exercise as previously mentioned. They love kids and will be very loyal, hoping to please you all the time. They are curious and if left alone can be destructive. They can also be stubborn and strong willed, and they will howl when caged. If you are going to crate them, train them to it from 3 months on.
The American English Coonhound knows how to relax just as much as he knows how to work. He is mellow after work and tenacious in the chase. This is not the dog for a first-time owner. They are stubborn and hard to train. They howl and bark at home as much as they do on the hunt. They need a strong pack leader, especially when living in the city or neighborhoods.
They are outgoing and friendly and very sensitive. They mature later than most other breeds their size. They are about 2 when they mature.
The English Coonhound is an exceptionally hardy breed. The only serious situation they regularly face is Bloat. Bloat appears when the dog eats a large meal too fast after exercising or eats too large a meal before exercising. What happens in bloat is the stomach is distended and the intestine can wrap around vital organs and kill the dog.
Breeders do test for elbow and hip dysplasia but the is not a lot of this in the breed.
If kept active and happy, the American English Coonhound has very few health problems. The benefit from a large gen pool but do have some health concerns including elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, cataracts, bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They do have a tendency to gain weight as they age. These issues will be addressed in more detail below. DNA testing is available for the dysplasia and eye issues.
When feeding your English Coonhound be aware that this athlete loves to eat. You have to keep him from growing obese as his tendency to overeat is high. He uses a lot of energy on the hunt so if he is a hunting dog perhaps he needs more calories. Be careful when and how you feed him so that he won’t get bloat.
As previously mentioned the American English Coonhound is a very hearty breed and its most serious issue is Bloat. However, they also have long, floppy ears.
Because they were bred to hunt they need a lot of daily exercise. Jogging, brisk walking, or playing at t dog park are good activities for him. If they don’t get enough energy they become high strung and can engage in destructive behavior. Don’t let them off leash as they might wander off after any scent they capture. They love to chase a ball and you’ll wear out before they do. He might be good at lure chasing.
your working American English Coonhound needs different food than one who is not working. So, if you hunt with your dog remember he really needs the calories to keep his energy up. However, they can get obese as they age so cut back with less activity and more years. Watch the number of treats when training.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – the joint issues prevent the bones from connecting and functioning properly. Any good breeder of American English Coonhounds will do tests for both.
Eye issues range from cataracts to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) Again there are tests available for these conditions.
Bloat is a condition many medium to large size dogs can experience when their stomach can become inverted and intestines distended. The is a situational issue and can’t be predicted. Don’t allow your coonhound to wolf down food right before exercise and feed him more than once a day in a smaller meal.
The American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise and has an extremely strong work and prey drive.