The American English Coonhound dog originated in the United States after colonists introduced hunting dogs to the continent. The breed arose when trying to find a dog that would serve to hunt raccoons at night and foxes during the day, when these hunting dogs were crossed with hounds and other dogs of the continent. In addition to their great hunting skills, American English Coonhounds are very loyal, sociable and affectionate dogs, being very good life companions. However, they need a lot of daily activity and movement, so they are not suitable for all caregivers. The care does not differ much from that of the rest of the dogs and they are strong and he althy, although they may be predisposed to the development of certain diseases.
Keep reading this breed on our site to learn more about the dog breed American English Coonhound, its origin, characteristics, character, care, education, he alth and where to adopt it.
Origin of the American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound, also called English Coonhound, Redtick Coonhound or Anglo-American raccoon hunter originated in the United States, descending from the hunting dogs(the Virginia Hounds) which were introduced to North America by the colonists between the 17th and 18th centuries.
They originated with the aim of creating an ideal dog to hunt raccoons at night. After crossing with bloodhounds to improve their olfactory capacity and after a careful breeding process with dogs from the United States, the breed was developed.
In the beginning, these dogs, in addition to hunting raccoons at night, were used to hunt foxes during the day, and were called English foxhoundToday they are very good hunters of game animals, bears and a perfect companion at home.
This breed was registered in 1995 with the Foundation Stock Service and in 2012 with the Westminster Kennel Club.
Physical characteristics of the American English Coonhound
American English Coonhound males are 56 to 69 cm tall at the withers, and females 53 to 64 cm. Both sexes weigh between 20 and 30 kg. It is a medium-sized dog, strong, proportionate, athletic and precise. Its main physical characteristics are:
- Somewhat domed skull.
- Broadhead.
- Deep chest.
- Strong back.
- Elongated snout.
- Lips somewhat droopy.
- Black or pink large truffle.
- Round dark brown eyes.
- Very long floppy ears, with soft hair.
- Long tail.
- The hair is double coated, hard and medium in size.
American English Coonhound Colors
The coat color of the American English Coonhound can be one of the following colors and combinations:
- Reddish and white with spots.
- Black and white.
- Tricolor.
- Fire.
- Bronze.
American English Coonhound Character
The character of the American English Coonhound is quite soft, they are usually sweet and pleasant dogs. However, don't forget their hunting instinct, so if they are close to potential prey they won't hesitate to bring out that instinct.
Except for this, they are good dogs to live in the home and even with children, they are sociable, good-natured, loyal and will seek to please their handlers. Also, because of their character and their barking, they are considered good guard dogs, adding protection to the home.
American English Coonhound Care
The main cares of the American English Coonhound dog are the following:
- Frequent daily exercise, due to their great energy and vitality, they need to release it through long walks, trips to the park, outdoor runs or varied games.
- Brushing the coat 1 to 2 times a week, and bathing once a month.
- Monthly nail trimming or when they are long.
- He althy, complete and balanced diet to provide all the necessary nutrients in optimal proportions for the species. The daily amount of energy will vary depending on your level of activity, physiological state, weight, age and environmental conditions.
- Teeth cleaning to prevent periodontal disease and tartar.
- Cleaning and checking the condition of the ears to prevent otitis.
- Annual routine veterinary checkups.
- Vaccination.
American English Coonhound Education
In the education of the American English Coonhound a series of points must be clear:
- Get him used to not barking.
- Correct socialization at an early age to prevent possessiveness.
- Control your destruction or hunting needs at home.
The most effective way to train an American English Coonhound is through a form of conditioning called positive reinforcement, which consists of rewarding when does the favorable behavior or does not do the unfavorable one. In this way the dog will associate these behaviors with something pleasant and will learn more quickly, effectively and lastingly than with negative reinforcements or punishments.
American English Coonhound He alth
The life expectancy of the American English Coonhound is between 10 and 12 years, and it is considered a strong and he althy breed. However, it is still predisposed to a series of pathologies, such as:
- Hip dysplasia: consists of an inconsistency between the joint areas of the hip and the femur in the hip joint. This leads to the appearance of joint laxity, damaging and weakening it, which over time will lead to osteoarthritis and clinical signs such as pain, muscle atrophy and lameness.
- Elbow dysplasia: consists of combined or non-combined lesion processes of the elbow joint between the bones that compose it, such as the humerus, Radio and cubit. Specifically, they are nonunion of the anconeal process, fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dissecans, and elbow incongruity.
- Cataracts: consists of the reduction or complete loss of the transparency of the lens of the eye, the crystalline. This prevents or hinders the passage of light to the retina, which is the part of the eye that carries the light signals carried by the optic nerve to the brain, where vision is allowed.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: consists of a degeneration of the components of the retina of the eye, called photoreceptors (rods and cones). This causes loss or loss of vision, dilated pupils, and even cataracts.
- Gastric torsion: consists of a rotation of the stomach that usually occurs when the dog feeds or drinks very impulsively before or after The exercise. It can cause serious symptoms in the dog and even fainting or shock.
Where to adopt an American English Coonhound
Before starting the steps to adopt an American English Coonhound dog, keep in mind that it is not a dog to live a long time locked up in an apartment without a patio. In addition, he needs some caregivers who are very committed to keep him engaged in good daily physical activity, taking long walks, outings in the fields, sports and games so that he releases all his energy.
If you think you are suitable to have a dog of this breed, the first thing is to approach the local protectors or shelters and ask. It is not a very frequent race, although it depends on the location where we are. You can always search online for an association that rescues dogs of the breed and ask for the steps for adoption
