Black and Tan Coonhound
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Overview
Black and Tan Coonhounds are eager, good-natured dogs who love nothing more than trailing a scent and poking around outdoors. They can trail a "cold scent," or an animal who's been on the move for a while. They are an American-made dog whose pedigree can be traced back to some high-society owners. Our nation's first president was a big fan of Black and Tan Coonhounds and was known to own several at a time. These large dogs are about the same height as a Bloodhound, but slightly less stocky, averaging 70 or 80 pounds. Black and Tan Coonhounds are devoted companions for owners with large lawns and plenty of space for them to run and explore. Although they aren't the most tidy of dogs, their mess can be controlled with frequent grooming and bathing.
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Personality
Black and Tan Coonhounds are bred to work in close range to their master and to hunt in packs of other dogs, so they are responsive and generally amiable. Some can be unsure or hesitant around strangers, but early socialization helps make them comfortable around new people and adaptable to new situations. These dogs are diligent, relentless and extremely active outdoors, where they cannot be stopped in pursuit of a scent. They need a large, fenced in yard where they can roam freely and explore. Indoors, these large dogs are calm and well-behaved. Even though they are happiest with a long walk at an easy pace each day, they can also be laid-back and relaxed indoors, especially if they are around the people they trust. Black and Tan Coonhounds love to bark and have a distinct, deep howl that might annoy neighbors living in close range. It's almost impossible to train them not to bark, but reinforcing positive behaviors will go along way with this dog.
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Coat Care
Black and Tan Coonhounds have a short, dense, protective coat in — you guessed it — black and tan. They have black bodies with tan markings above the eyes, along the muzzle and chest and on the back of their legs. One of the features of the Black and Tan's coat is constant shedding — they drop their short hair all the time, all over. They have long, hanging ears and a long, thin tail.
Because Black and Tan Coonhounds shed constantly, they need to be brushed down with a hound glove or a rubber bristle brush.
Black and Tan Coonhounds have a distinct hound odor that doesn't ever completely go away. Bathe them at least once a month with an odor-reducing shampoo to help mask the odor for a while, but after several days, you might notice it again. These eager dogs are big droolers, so they will also appreciate having their face wiped down and tidied up, especially after mealtimes.
Clipping or trimming your dog’s coat is far easier than you would ever imagine. With the right clipper, trimmer and scissors, giving your dog a haircut is easy on your wallet and your schedule.
Most dogs with short coats generally require occasional trims and tidying up in areas of excessive hair growth with trimmers or blunt scissors. It's always wise to take a dog for a short walk or exercise to calm them down before trimming. Remember to brush the coat first to remove tangles and mats. Use a trimmer or a scissors to even out areas around the tail, paws, sanitary areas and chest, as needed. When finished, the coat should lay flat and smooth against the body of most short-haired dogs.
Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.
Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience. As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.
You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.
Check the Black and Tan Coonhound's long, hanging ears weekly for infection and wipe them out with a damp washcloth if necessary
Brush the Black and Tan Coonhound's teeth two or three times a week to keep his breath smelling fresh and clean.