Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is described by the AKC as easy-going, bright, brave, a member of the Hound Group, originally from United States.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-110 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Easy-Going / Bright / Brave [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | United States [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 137 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Black and Tan Coonhounds require a moderate amount of exercise every day, whether it's a play session in the yard or a long walk. Of course, these hounds were bred to hunt and have a very strong instinct to chase after any small animal they smell, so the yard has to have a tall, solid fence, and the walk has to be on a leash. An obvious option for exercise is, of course, a hunting trip, and not just for raccoons'¿the Black and Tan can be trained to help out hunting just about any kind of game, from squirrels to deer, if local ordinances permit. [1]
Grooming
The Black and Tan Coonhound has a short, dense coat that is shed once or twice a year. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or tool, or a hound glove will remove the dead hair before it can fall onto the furniture. Grooming also promotes new hair growth and distributes skin oils throughout the coat to keep it healthy. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Black and Tan is typically a sturdy breed with few health problems, and a responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and thyroid issues. The Black and Tan's ears should be checked weekly for any signs of infection. As with all breeds, the teeth should be brushed regularly. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1945. [1]
- It ranked No. 137 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 127 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Black and Tan, Cooner, B&T.” [1]
- The AKC lists United States as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Black and Tan Coonhounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Black and Tan Coonhound get?
AKC breed information lists height 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) and weight 65-110 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Black and Tan Coonhound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Black and Tan Coonhound, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.