American Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Standard

(902) 545-2500

COUNTRY: USA
HEIGHT: 23-27 inches
COAT: Short and dense
COLOR: Black with tan points
OTHER NAMES: Black and Tan Coonhound
REGISTRY: AKC, UKC, CKC , PKC
GROUP: Scenthound

Famed scouts and Indian fighters, Simon Ken-ton and the Poe brothers from the Ohio Valley, were among the first to foster the Black and Tan in the late 1700s. From Foe's stock and the later efforts of Simion Shirk and his grandson, Holmes Lingo, in the early 1800s, evolved the Old Glory strain of Black and Tans, the breed's most famous line which lasted in pure form for more than 130 years, until the mid-1940s. Other promoters of the breed, such as the Merritt Brothers of the 19th century and Don Stringer's Ten Oaks line of the 1920s-1940s, contributed to the modern development of the American Black and Tan breed.

The Black and Tan was the first "coonhound" to split off from the American Foxhound umbrella and, ironically, is the only one to be accepted by AKC. Black and Tans developed from early methodical, exquisitely cold-nosed "foxhounds." Most cynologists feel that a large percentage (at least) of the Kerry Beagle was in the stem stock.

The raccoon, an animal unknown in Europe, is native of Americas. "Coon" hunting became and has remained a passion with Americans, and the development of specific dogs for this sport ensued. The coon, when pursued, will finally climb a tree where the dogs hold it until the hunters arrive. This quarry is nocturnal, hunting is done at night. A group of hounds are cast and, when one of them encounters a fresh coon trail, he "opens" or begins to bay.

Since each hound has a distinctive bawl, the handlers can identify which hound has opened on the trail. Then all the other hounds join the leader in following the scent and combine their voices. The hunters can follow the progress of the chase through the dark by the musical sounds of the hounds, heard for many miles as they pursue the quarry. When the dogs finally tree the raccoon, their voice tone changes, and the hunters then head toward the sound. Eavesdroppers on a typical hunt can hear, "There goes Babe. She's on the trail." Or, "Ol' Joker's got 'im treed."

The American Black and Tan is a big, rangy, strongly headed hound with abundant earage. He possesses a beautiful bugle voice and is a methodical hunter that leaves no stone unturned. E.S. Traverse, a knowledgeable houndsman, writes about the classic Black and Tan as "a cold-nosed hound that opened on tracks the other hounds didn't even know were there, with the determination to finish the track even if it led to Hell's backdoor." Because of these attributes, the Black and Tan has trailed boar, big cats and other similar game, as much or more than on raccoon, so that his specific talents can be fully utilized.

Today a few breeders foster the breed on the bench and occasional specimens are seen at AKC shows. The exhibition specimens have tended to become more refined and racy in type, and it would seem a shame to create a breed split in this fine old hound by forgetting its original use, purpose and proud history. Although called American Black and Tan Coonhound by the UKC, which registers 12,000 each year, the 600 registered by the AKC go by the shortened name of Black and Tan Coonhound.

The Black and Tans are calm, affectionate and good with children. They love being with people and are willing to please. Early socialization is suggested to insure confidence. Droopy ears must be kept clean to avoid odor and infections. Like most hounds, when they catch a scent, they're off and running, so owners are well advised to secure the dogs in an enclosure when not being worked.

Head and Neck :

HEAD: Carried well up, very slightly domed and broad between the ears, never narrow. Neck not too thick, nor too long, but graceful and strong; minimum of dewlap.
TEETH: Scissors bite preferred, even bite acceptable.
EYES: Prominent, hound-like, pleading expression. Dark brown or black, not lighter than hazel. Eyelids firm and close (no drooping).
EARS: Set medium low, well attached to head and devoid of erectile power, should reach approximately to end of nose when drawn out. Should hang gracefully, inside part tipping toward muzzle, should not be too pointed at tip, slightly oval, soft and velvety, hanging in a roll when head is raised.
MUZZLE: Well-balanced with the other features of the head, medium square, with flews sufficient to give square appearance. Nostril large, open; black in color, never butterfly or pink.

Shoulders:
Muscular and sloping; indicating speed and strength.

Chest:
Deep, moderately wide, showing large lung space.

Back:
Short and slightly arched, well-muscled and strong. This is one important part of this breed. A good rule to breed to is the same distance from root of tail to shoulder as height at shoulder.

Hips:
Smooth, round, proportionately wide, flanks gracefully arched, muscular at the loins, tail heavy, strong at root tapering there, rather long without brush, carried free, well-up, saber like.

Legs:
FRONT: Straight, smooth forearms, muscular, straight at knees, perfectly in line with upper leg.
HIND: Strong and muscular above hock. Slightly bent at hock and stifle, not cow hocked, free of dewclaws.

Feet:
Tight and well padded. Toes short to medium and close knit. Neither cat-footed nor splay-footed. Foot to be proportionate to the size of the body.

Color and Coat:
Smooth haired, fine, glossy, but thick enough for protection. Predominantly deep, rich black, with tan trim covering not more than 10 - 15 percent of body. Small pumpkin seed over eyes. A little white on breast is not a fault, but no white elsewhere.

Height:
Slightly more at shoulders than at hips.
Males: 23 to 27 inches.
Females: 21 to 26 inches.

Weight:
MALES: 50 to 75 pounds.
FEMALES: 40 to 65 pounds.
Dogs being shown slightly under weight due to hunting will not be penalized. This is a working breed and should appear as such.

Characteristics of this Breed:
Active, fast, bright, kind, confident, courageous, with open trailing and treeing instinct and ability.

Standard UKC Disqualifications :
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism

American Black & Tan Coonhound Breed Standard