American English Coonhound

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-12 years
The American English Coonhound is typically a healthy breed, but there are a few health problems he may potentially experience.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia may affect the American English Coonhound. Both conditions result from malformed joints potentially leading to discomfort, pain, and limping. In more severe cases, arthritis or even lameness may occur, sometimes necessitating surgery. Although hip dysplasia is hereditary, it can be triggered by rapid weight gain and injury. While your pup’s joints are still developing, do not allow him to jump excessively or run on slippery floors.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is also a possibility for the American English Coonhound. PRA is the gradual degeneration of the retina, ultimately resulting in failed daytime vision. There is no cure for PRA, but dogs with the condition typically continue to lead happy lives. The gradual nature of the disease allows affected dogs to adjust to failing vision.

The American English Coonhound may also experience ear infections, and he may suffer from overheating at times.

The average lifespan for the American English Coonhound is 10-12 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The American English Coonhound is a loud and hard-working hunting dog with plenty of energy. He is intelligent and quick with a great deal of stamina, and he is a friendly and loving family companion.

An apartment is not recommended for the American English Coonhound, who needs plenty of space to run and play. He needs a good amount of exercise each day to prevent him from becoming bored and destructive or hyperactive. He can go on long, brisk walks, play games, compete in dog sports, or accompany you on jogs, hikes, or bike rides. The American English Coonhound needs mental stimulation as well, which can come in the form of training, hunting, or playing with puzzle toys. A large, securely fenced yard for this breed to run freely in is highly recommended. Outdoors, a fence or a leash is a must to prevent the American English Coonhound from roaming or running off in pursuit of an interesting scent.

The American English Coonhound loves human companionship and will thrive living indoors with his people. If introduced to children early on, he can be a cherished playmate and companion to children of all ages. He is a pack hound who is typically friendly with other dogs, although he is likely to pursue smaller pets. Socializing your American English Coonhound early and often by introducing him to a variety of people, places, sights, sounds, and pets may help reduce undesirable behaviors. He tends to be friendly with strangers, so he should not be utilized as a guard dog, although his loud, piercing howl can make him a good watchdog. He may be noisy in general, and he is likely to chew household objects and steal food that is left within his reach. The American English Coonhound loves to nest, so be prepared to find him snuggled up on the couch, in your bed, and anywhere else that looks comfy. It may be a good idea to provide him with some cozy blankets of his own to satisfy his nesting instinct.

The American English Coonhound needs proper training to prevent him from becoming either shy or dominant, and this can be a difficult task despite the fact that they are an intelligent breed. Some members of this breed may require extra repetition and patience because they are content to learn at their own easygoing pace. They may also be strong-willed. Demonstrate through firm, consistent leadership that you are in charge. Motivate your American English Coonhound with positive reinforcement such as favorite treats, extra playtime, or encouraging praise when earned. Do not use harsh tactics when training the American English Coonhound, because this will simply cause him to shut down and become unresponsive.

Grooming

The American English Coonhound has a medium-length coat that is rather low maintenance. They can shed quite heavily, but weekly brushing with a firm-bristled brush should be sufficient to minimize loose hairs and keep the coat looking its best. His coat may also require monthly clipping.

Bathe the American English Coonhound as needed, and clip his nails regularly to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Check his ears weekly for signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, and odor. Also ensure that there is no excess buildup of wax, dirt, or debris. Because the American English Coonhound can be prone to ear infections, it is also advisable to clean his ears with a veterinarian recommended cleanser. Brush his teeth at least 2-3 times weekly to maintain good health and prevent bad breath.

Diet

The average American English Coonhound should consume 2-3 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily. The ideal type and amount of food for your individual dog will depend on factors such as weight, build, metabolism, age, and activity level. It is recommended to split his food into at least two smaller meals.

Ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.
 

Find An American English Coonhound Breeder

American English Coonhound Puppies For Sale

Adopt An American English Coonhound

Cost

Purchasing an American English Coonhound from a reputable breeder will cost an average of $500. Price may vary according to breeder location and reputation, gender, and the puppy’s parentage.

If you decide to adopt an American English Coonhound, expect adoption fees to cost up to $175, depending on your location.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The American English Coonhound ranks a 2. He has a fairly low maintenance coat, is generally healthy, and gets along with most people and pets. However, he needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation, can be very noisy, and is moderately challenging to train. He also has habits such as stealing food, roaming, and chasing smaller pets, as well as nesting anywhere that looks cozy.

 

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