In any coon hunting guide, it’s always highlighted that coonhounds play an important role in coon hunting, as raccoon leaves a distinct scent which most dogs with an amazing nose can track well. Choosing a good dog, then training it to follow the prey may be difficult. Typically you will want dogs that can do more than track raccoons. They have to be fast enough to run a coon on the ground to force him to climb up a tree or object, then you collect it. But some coons can run a long way before climbing while you can’t spend the entire night on chasing them. So your dog should be tough enough to capture and kill the prey. Here are the most perfect coon hunting dogs which can be a great member of your team. Each of them has their own unique abilities, but all are superb at coon hunting.
Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan coonhound is one of America’s canine aristocrats, and back to the Talbot hound thousands of years ago. Nose to the ground, it easily trails the prey and barks up when his quarry is treed. This type of coonhound is frequently recognized, notable for his distinctive size and color. It’s typically larger than other coon hunting dogs in the same family. With the larger bone structure, it can move along swiftly with rhythmic strides, suitable for tracking and hunting larger game. It’s also famous for its cold nose which can pick up and follow an old trail.
Black and Tan coonhound is ideal for hunting because of his huge stamina. This stamina makes the coonhound excellent jogging and running companion. It’s able to go for miles and overcome dense thicket of thorny bushes, even half-frozen river. Thus, it tends to be more courageous. Courage is a useful characteristic for a hunting dog because it means their purpose comes before anything else. This coonhound is independent and smart, and likely to sound off with a deep-throated bark to alert you that someone’s approaching
Apart from strong hunting specialized skills, this hound also has independent nature and sense of humor, so it tends to be playful and gentle. Black and Tan is fond of children and willing playmates. In fact, it can get along with other coon hunting dogs, even cats if properly introduced. Looking intimidating but it’s unlikely to bite or harm anyone.
Redbone Coonhound
Scottish and Irish immigrants brought Redbone coonhound to North America during colonial times. It’s a sleek mild-tempered dog with a slender body and a silky red coat. Weighing in at 50 – 70 pounds and having a height of 20 – 27 inches, the body composition gives it the power and speed to do its job on the trail. With thick pads at the bottom of their feet, Redbone dogs can avoid injury and continue their job in the hunt. The average lifespan of a Redbone is 11 – 12 years.
This coonhound has a lot to offer when it comes to purpose. The coon dog is a skilled hunter, known for its water ability and ability to hunt in packs to take down larger prey. The Redbone is slender and muscular with a courageous hunting demeanor making them borderline fearless. These dogs seem to be very versatile when it comes to climate and environment, easily adapting to tracking in almost any kind of terrain.
Friendly and loyal, Redbone Coonhounds make good companion dogs. You will have ever regretted getting a Redbone for your hunting trip.
English Coonhound or American Coonhound
Rooted in the coonhound lineage, this coonhound is traced back to a journal in the early-mid 1500’s. They were wonderful for hunting game as well as the natives at that time. In 1742, they were imported to Virginia. After that, George Washington even imported English coonhounds to hunt foxes. The coon hunting dog was considered the foundation of the “Virginia hounds” which all modern coonhounds can be traced back too.
The English coonhound males stand 24 – 26 inches at the shoulder; females, 23 – 25 inches. Their weight should be in proportion to height. They own the hard, medium-length coat. It has many different color combinations: blue and white ticked, red and white ticked, tricolor with ticking, black and white, or red and white.
This type is famous for his speed and endurance. It has huge stamina in extreme conditions. Moreover, the English coonhound is favored among coon hunters for hunting at night due to its uncanny scent tracking ability. It began as a dual-purpose dog who hunted fox by day and raccoon by night. When eagerly seeking his quarry, it will sing out. This is a phenomenal hunting dog, and proves time and time again that it is the best at what it does.
Bluetick Hound
Next on this list is the Bluetick hound which is originally from the southern United States. This coonhound is a purebred hunter. As their name, this coonhound has the blue color and dark black spots all over their back.
Having the height of 21 to 27 inches and a weight of 45 to 85 pounds, they have a sleek, slender body type which is a huge advantage in the trailed game. With a big bawl mouth, it can have a long, drawn out bark. These dogs have high energy and are quick trackers, which ultimately can give you more opportunities to bag your target animal.
An excellent hunting hound, they’re extremely versatile. For example, it can adapt to different and unusual living habits and standards, because you can train it to live both indoors and outdoors. Whatever the condition is, they still provide a service that is top of the line in hunting and tracking. Blueticks also have a great nose that is perfect in following cold and or old tails. The Bluetick coonhound has many great characteristics to be a world-class leader in the realm of scent hounds.
On top of that, they’re very good with children and adults. They have a pleasantly pleading expression and sometimes are very excited and spastic.
Plott Hound
This coon dog is fairly unique because it’s the only coonhound not descended from foxhounds. This pack-hunting dog breed appeared in North Carolina more than 200 years ago to hunt bear and wild boar. They are still popular coon hunting dogs today. It stands out from the other coonhounds for his short brindle or black with the brindle coat.
The Plott coonhound is much larger and more muscular in comparison to its fellow coonhounds. He is the best for his powerful, streamlined body, intelligence, loyalty, and eager-to-please nature. They have been bred for stamina and the ability to take on larger animals with a high rate of success. So, Plotts are fearless and more protective than the average hound.
These coon hunting dogs are amazing coon hunters and regarded for their build, stamina, courage, strength, and a clear bark that travels very well even in harsher conditions.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Last on this list, and certainly not least, is the Treeing Walker Coon Hound which is descended from English Foxhounds. The Treeing Walker has a lengthy, powerful body and the standard colors of brown, white, and black. With a weight of 40 to 65 pounds, this coonhound has a nice body structure for a perfect chase.
Treeing Walker is a stout, loving, top notch hunter with a nose and ears to match. Without having such a cold nose as many other coon hunting dogs, these dogs can still give you the advantage in hot competitions or even in just a regular night of hunting.
The Treeing Walker dog breed has a short, clear bark and a passion for the hunt. Some are shy, some are confident, but they’re all hounds – meaning, they need patient and consistent training and plenty of exercises.
Which coon hunting dogs you choose?
All the hounds in this article are incredible breeds that are perfect hunting companions, from their temperament and behavior to their instincts and abilities. They are great at what they do and being multi-purposeful. Here are some characteristics of each breed for your consideration.
