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American English Coonhound

Overview

Overview of American English Coonhound Dog

The American English Coonhound is American by birthright but English by ancestry. They're one of six coonhound dog breeds that frontiersmen developed to hunt and trail North America's vast source of food, fat, and fur (mostly racoons). People speculate that the ancestors of American English Coonhounds are the English Foxhounds brought to America, in the early 1800s, where Fox Hunting had been a popular pastime since the late 1600s. Even George Washington was an avid participant in English-style horse-and-hound fox hunts! During America's formative years, English Foxhounds were brought over by Colonial breeders and crossed with several other breeds to develop the American English. They were once known as the English Fox and Coonhound: hunting foxes by day and raccoons by night. As the breed came to specialize in evening raccoon hunts, its current name caught on. Some say that the American English is the fastest of the coonhound breeds. And because they were originally bred for trailing and treeing raccoons, these pooches can even climb trees!

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American English Coonhounds

Ear Infections:

The English American Coonhound’s majestic, floppy ears make them susceptible to ear infections. Their ears should be checked regularly to remove excess wax and debris.

Recommendations for Ear Infections in American English Coonhounds Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American English Coonhounds

Hip Dysplasia:

Like other mid-to-large dogs, one of the most common health concerns is hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that in some cases can cause uncomfortable arthritis of the joints.

Recommendations for Hip Dysplasia in American English Coonhounds Dogs:

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for American English Coonhounds

Eye Issues:

American English Coonhounds can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated immediately. Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts may cause blindness in senior American English Coonhounds.

Recommendations for Eye Issues in American English Coonhounds Dogs:

Personality

Personality

Beloved by sporting folk for their speed and endurance, the American English Coonhound has a large athletic frame (40-75 lb) and comes in several coat patterns, some with ticking and adorable floppy ears to boot! Their desire to be part of a pack (whether canine or human) makes them great family dogs. Still, early socialization is key with this breed, or they may become possessive and extremely guarded with strangers. It takes patience to train them for things other than raccoon hunting, and their loud resounding bark can make the breed challenging for first-time dog owners. Some passionate fans of American English Coonhounds feel that this dog needs a sporting outlet to take advantage of their houndy virtues or it's a total waste of their talents! Like many other coonhound breeds, the American English also has a powerful prey drive, so they should never be allowed off-leash in an uncontrolled situation, as any interesting scent will send them tearing through the woods. Fairly low-key when they are not chasing a scent, the American English Coonhound would be an ideal furry companion for an active runner, biker, or hiker.

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