The American English Coonhound, a.k.a Redtick Coonhound, is a breed native to the Southern United States. Here’s some useful information about the Redtick Coonhound, if you’re planning to get one home, or wish to read more about this breed.
Did You Know?
Prior to 1945, the Bluetick Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Hound were also referred to as American English Coonhounds. Post 1945, it was decided to consider the three as separate breeds.
A Coonhound is basically a type of scent hound; its name comes from its ability to trail and hunt raccoons. Scent hounds use their superior olfactory senses to hunt game. These hounds were used in the past to hunt deer, boars, bobcats, raccoons, and bears. The first few dogs of these species were brought into the states by Europeans somewhere in the 17th and 18th century. These were then referred to as ‘Virginia Hounds’, prior to their renaming in 1905 by the United Kennel Club (UKC).
They are popular for their superior sense of scent, intelligence, endurance, and speed. This breed is one of the six official Coonhound breeds, and is the perfect South American family doggy. Though not very good guard dogs, they can be very good watch dogs; a great pet if you have children at home. It is also peculiarly friendly with strangers, as long as they do no harm to it or its owner. Take a look at the physical characteristics, temperament, suitable diet, training needs, and common health problems seen in these dogs.
Physical Characteristics
Let’s begin with the dog’s appearance. It weighs about 40 – 65 pounds (18 – 30 kilos). The height in males is between 22 – 27 inches (56 – 69 cm). Females are a bit shorter than the males, measuring around 21 – 25 inches (53 – 64 cm). These dogs live for a maximum of 12 years.
The coat describes the ‘hound’ in their name; rough, short or medium length, and an all-weather low-maintenance coat, which protects the dog from extreme temperature fluctuations and brush. Speaking of color, numerous combinations exist; red with white ticks, blue with white ticks, tri-colored with ticks, red and white patches, and black and white patches. All purebred American Coonhounds have some kind of pattern on their bodies, and you won’t find a solid color in any of these. The coat doesn’t require professional grooming of any sort, but brushing and cleaning it regularly is very important. Coonhounds shed a lot, so much that you’ll find hair all over your house; the carpet, upholstery, furniture, and elsewhere.
Temperament
Being great family pets, Coonhounds love to roam everywhere exploring and tracking scents. They are very loving, loyal, and friendly dogs. They love the company of children, and children like them too. It is recommended to use a leash when these dogs are out in the open, so as to avoid it wandering away.
Along with their tracking abilities, these dogs also inherit the howling traits of the hounds. Its howls are long and ear-piercing, especially while trailing a game or when there’s a stranger at the door. The howls could be disturbing if you have neighbors around. Although an active breed, these dog love nesting. Give them an old couch or a pile of soft rags, and the hound will transform it to its nest. They like to chew on anything and everything, so take care that things aren’t lying around on the floor.
Diet and Exercise Needs
It isn’t surprising that the American Coonhound is a very energetic and bubbly dog, and to maintain its energy level, a proper diet is necessary. Focus on meat, including turkey, beef, lamb, vegetables, and fruits. An occasional egg or some yogurt is good for it.
Talking about exercise, these doggies require long, brisk walks or runs. Always remember to lead your Coonhound, and not the reverse. This is because, hounds are pack dogs who need a leader whom to follow. And in this case, as you take care of the dog and feed it, so it looks to you as its leader. Leading your dog would also foster the otherwise tough process of training these strong-willed and even a bit stubborn dogs. Use a leash when taking the dog for a walk, and ensure that the leash is comfortable and doesn’t hurt the pet in any way.
Common Health Problems
The most commonly occurring health problem in these dogs is hip dysplasia. Other ailments which it is generally vulnerable to include, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, and polyradiculoneuritis. Consulting a good veterinarian every six months would ensure the dog’s good health. You can regularly check its drooping ears to avoid the onset of infection of any kind. Such drooping ears are more prone to infection, than normal pointed ears.
All set to own a Redtick Coonhound? Go ahead and adopt a nice little pup from a kennel or shelter.