Sage Koochee vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Kuchi Dog, the Sage Koochee is a dog that was bred more for his characteristics than his looks. He was bred to be a protector and guardian and named after the Afghan Kochi people.

Referred to as the Kuchi or Sage Kuchi, this working dog has always helped nomads with guarding their caravans and livestock. The dog has genetic resemblance with the Central Asian Ovcharka but isn’t recognized as an official breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

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 Sage Koochee is a large molosser dog, although they do vary quite a bit in height. This is because they generally come in 3 varieties.

They can stand at between 58 to 89cm in height and they weigh between 38 to 80kg. This is because this dog is divided into 3 types. The coat of this dog can be short, medium or long, and colors can vary quite a bit as well.

These are moderate, seasonal shedders. Their tails are usually docked to about 1/3 of their length and their ears have been traditionally docked too. They are very territorial and won’t show any tolerance to strangers coming onto the property. He also tends to be aggressive towards other dogs.

Temperament:

These dogs are tough and fierce and also immensely intelligent. Such a dog would have to be trained and socialized or you would land yourself with a strong-willed, disobedient dog.

Once they’ve had training, they are friendly, obedient and affectionate towards their owners, but aren't a good choice for children. They are extremely territorial and make good watchdogs,being prepared to fiercely protect their human family.

The very nature of this dog makes it not suitable for life in the city. It would be terribly frustrated in small spaces and can become aggressive.

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 Kuchi has always been vigilant with guarding livestock, and these tough dogs did the job of guardian and protector extremely well.

They’re hardy too, used to coping with extreme weather conditions, from hot deserts to freezing mountain areas. These dogs are powerful and independent and they are also dangerous.

With good training and socialization they can become loving and loyal, but they require a strong, firm owner, and don’t come as recommended if there are children in the home.

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 Kuchi breed is healthy and doesn’t have any particular health issues. Things to look out for are bloat, skin allergies, cancer and parasites.

Parasites:

Parasites are a common in many dogs. Fleas and ticks are external parasites, but intestinal parasites can be a real nuisance too and endanger your dog’s health.

These parasites live within the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. They can be a host of terrible worms such as roundworm, hookworms and tapeworm among others. The parasites are usually transmitted when the dog ingests contaminated food, soil or even feces.

These parasites can cause endless problems for the dog, from weight loss to diarrhea to vomiting. You will need to get your pet to the vet.

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.

A nutritious commercially manufactured dog food for large working dogs will be required for this strong, energetic dog. You want to provide it with some variety, so some homemade food added into the dry kibble twice a week will ensure he is healthy and content.

Home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all boiled slowly together will delight your pet. You just chop it up and add it to the dry kibble twice a week and your pet will never look back.

For his skin and coat, you can try to add in a little bit of raw meat occasionally.Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals like this – nothing weird and spicy so as to avoid stomach upsets.

Groom your Kuchi dog by brushing him twice a week and check simultaneously for any lumps you may find on him.

Trim his nails.

Check his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as he can’t tell you if one is rotten and causing him tremendous pain and discomfort.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date to avoid life threatening canine diseases.

Provide him with a nice, warm dry place to sleep.

Make sure he has access to shade and sun when he’s outdoors.

Have him or her spayed or neutered to avoid puppies

Feeding

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.

Health issues

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.

Exercise and games

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.