Page 161 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

American English Coonhound

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Red and white Tricolor ticked
23–26in 46–90lb 10–11 years White and black
(58–66cm) (21–41kg) May also have a blue and white ticked coat.

This American-bred hunter is full of athletic poise and
BARKING UP THE
WRONG TREE? pace and may make an excellent pet when socialized

Coonhounds have left their mark on the English This energetic and intelligent dog evolved The American English Coonhound is still
language as well as on American history. The from English Foxhounds (opposite) that used for hunting and is famed for its speed
expression “barking up the wrong tree” is
settlers brought to the New World in the and stamina. It has an effortless, tireless
derived from the Coonhound’s practice of
driving its prey up a tree and then barking until 17th and 18th centuries. Among those who trot and a strong drive for pursuing prey
the hunter arrives. imported these hounds, known as Virginia and for treeing. The breed can work as
Coonhound’s Hounds, was President George Washington. both a cold nose dog (following an old
treeing drive From these animals a new dog was bred that animal trail for hours) and a hot nose
is so strong, was adapted to the harsher climate and dog (following a fresh, active scent at
however, that rougher terrain, hunting foxes by day high speed). It is also used to pursue
they will stay by
one tree, looking and raccoon by night. cougars and bears.
up and barking, The breed first gained recognition As a pet, the breed requires firm handling
even if the prey in 1905 under the name English Fox but in return will be a devoted companion
has escaped. and Coonhound. During the 1940s the and good guard dog.
various Coonhound types were separated
further, and the American Kennel
Club officially recognized
COONHOUNDS Kind,
TREEING A RACCOON the American English expression
Coonhound in 1995.

Pendant ears
Red patch
Flews cover
lower jaw

Muscular,
reasonably
long neck

Red and
white ticked
Tucked-up
belly

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