Black and Tan Coonhound

Like most dogs, Black and Tan Coonhounds need regular nail trims and a bath every month or so.

“Invest in some strong clippers,” says Coonhound parent Ali Smith, who is also a canine behavior consultant for Maven Pet. “Because they’re bred to dig, run, and semi-climb trees, they have ridiculously hard claws,” she says.

You can also try using a nail grinder if heavy-duty clippers seem intimidating.

Black and Tan Coonhounds also need their teeth brushed daily to help prevent plaque buildup and dental disease. Their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned as recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent infections.

Their short, dense coat needs brushing a couple of times a week. Expect moderate shedding throughout the year, with heavier shedding in the spring and fall.

These dogs are social and generally friendly, but they have a strong prey drive and are likely to get distracted by wildlife. They also may have difficulty living with cats and other small pets, so careful introductions, training, and supervision are essential.

Socialize your Black and Tan Coonhound with a variety of people, animals, places, and experiences from an early age. Incorporating scent-based activities into training can also help keep them mentally and physically engaged.

Black and Tan Coonhounds respond well to positive reinforcement with plenty of praise and treats.

“Most hounds are motivated by their stomach,” Smith says.

And since coonhounds were bred to work independently rather than constantly look to people for direction, “it’s about proving, time after time, that you are more rewarding than their instincts,” Smith says. “Practically, this means consistent rewards” to get their Coonhound’s attention.

Black and Tan Coonhounds have fairly typical dietary needs for a large dog breed, but pet parents should be aware of gastric dilatation-volvulus, a severe form of bloat in dogs, says Holly Andries, an AKC-registered Black and Tan Coonhound breeder with Carousel Acres in Alabama.

To help reduce the risk of bloat, consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large meal a day. A slow feeder, puzzle feeder, or snuffle mat can help dogs who eat too quickly. You can also ask your veterinarian whether a preventive surgery called a gastropexy may benefit your dog.

When choosing a food for your pup, look at the label for an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional adequacy statement. This statement indicates that the food is complete and balanced for a particular life stage.

Your vet can help you find the best dog food for your Black and Tan Coonhound.

When it comes to these dogs’ physical needs, the more exercise, the better, Hopkins says. Black and Tan Coonhounds need at least an hour or two of physical and mental activity each day.

This breed especially enjoys activities that allow them to use their incredible sense of smell, including scent work, nature hikes, enrichment toys, hunting, and tracking.

“Scent work can definitely be something you learn and implement at home, so I’d encourage anyone getting into the breed to give it a go,” says Hopkins. “It’s a great way to bond with your dog.”

The best match for a Black and Tan Coonhound is someone who is “patient and willing to work to try to actively understand their dog,” Smith says.

An active family who can give their pup plenty of attention and exercise is also a good fit. This breed can do well with kids and other dogs, but cats, rabbits, and other small pets may be more challenging because of the coonhound’s strong prey drive.

If you have other pets, make introductions slowly and supervise all interactions. Don’t leave them alone together until you’re confident they can safely share the same space.

Because these dogs love following a scent, they benefit from access to a securely fenced yard where they can sniff and play. (Fetch is a favorite among this breed.) But after they’ve had enough exercise, they’re also known to curl up on the couch with their favorite people.