The Complete Black and tan coonhound Guide

You didn’t land on the Black and tan coonhound by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The original American coonhound, methodical, loyal, and musical, and one of the oldest American hunting breeds, they’re a natural fit for active experienced owners and hunters who want a devoted, methodical scent hound for tracking and coonhunting who want a loyal, methodical, and musically vocal American scent hound for owners who hunt or can provide serious exercise. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Black and tan coonhound?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Black and tan coonhound? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	2 out of 5	Intelligent but nose-driven. Their priorities are environmental once outdoors
Obedience	2 out of 5	Reliable in calm environments. Outdoor recall is unreliable on a trail
Focus	1 out of 5	Scent overrides all training input once outdoors
Stubbornness	4 out of 5	Independent and nose-driven

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	4 out of 5	Warm and loyal with their family
Good with children	4 out of 5	Gentle and patient with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly with people
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Excellent with other dogs. Pack hounds by nature

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Not suited to apartment living. Their bay carries significant distance
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Their coat handles cool weather reasonably well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat
Routine flexibility	2 out of 5	Needs consistent vigorous daily activity
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better for owners familiar with hound temperament

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	4 out of 5	High energy and good endurance
Endurance	4 out of 5	Good stamina for extended field work
Exercise needs	4 out of 5	Needs 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent in their working domain
Grooming needs	2 out of 5	Short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and affectionate
Affection	4 out of 5	Warm and devoted with their family
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal to their pack
Independence	4 out of 5	Independent on the trail
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert to scents and sounds

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	4 out of 5	Vocal. Their bay is deep, resonant, and carries significant distance
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency
Prey drive	5 out of 5	Strong scent-driven prey and tracking drive
Guarding instincts	1 out of 5	Too friendly to guard

What are common health issues of a Black and tan coonhound?

Like all breeds, Black and tan coonhounds are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Black and tan coonhounds? 

Your Black and tan coonhound can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip evaluation
• Ear examination and cleaning at every wellness visit
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• Annual weight monitoring

Do Black and tan coonhounds need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Black and tan coonhound owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Black and tan coonhound owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Black and Tan specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Black and tan coonhounds are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Black and Tans age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Black and tan coonhound owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$40-$45
2 years old	$50-$55
3 years old	$40-$45
4 years old	$60-$65
5 years old	$65-$70
6 years old	$70-$75
7 years old	$75-$80

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Black and Tan?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Black and tan coonhound and your budget.

History of the Black and tan coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the oldest distinctly American dog breeds, developed in the American South from crosses between the Bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. These dogs were bred for the specific demands of American coonhunting, which required a dog capable of tracking by scent on the ground, treeing the quarry, and baying loudly enough to locate the hunter in difficult terrain. The breed's Bloodhound heritage contributes their cold-nosed scenting ability, while their Foxhound ancestry adds speed and range. The United Kennel Club recognized the Black and Tan Coonhound in 1900, making it one of the first coonhound breeds to achieve recognition. The AKC recognized the breed in 1945. The breed is used extensively in coonhunting competitions and field trials throughout the American South and Midwest.

Caring for a Black and tan coonhound

Training

Training a Black and tan coonhound takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are scent-driven, independent, and easily distracted by their powerful nose, which means owners need to work creatively to keep their focus and compete with the smells around them. Short, high-reward sessions with especially enticing treats and a patient, persistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Black and tan coonhounds have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb or bristle brush is all the coat needs, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Regular ear cleaning is important as the long, floppy ears are prone to moisture and infection.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Black and Tan looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Black and tan coonhounds have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Scent tracking, running, and fetch are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Black and tan coonhounds are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become vocal, restless, and prone to persistent howling and following their nose into trouble. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Black and tan coonhound will actually love.

Nutrition

Black and tan coonhounds are large dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,300 to 1,700 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $60 to $90 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Black and tan coonhound here.

Black and tan coonhound costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Black and tan coonhound?

Before your Black and tan coonhound even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$1,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Black and tan coonhound each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Black and tan coonhound owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$700-$1,200	Based on the recommended portion for your Black and tan coonhound
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$100-$300	Every Every 8 to 12 weeks, Short coat sheds moderately; minimal professional grooming needed.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Black and tan coonhound names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Black and tan coonhound we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Black and tan coonhound puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Black and tan coonhound puppies are loyal, methodical, and musically vocal in a way that reflects their long history as america's original coonhound. That a warm pack loyalty and steady working drive that makes them outstanding hunters and devoted companions is part of what makes them vigorous daily exercise, secure fencing, weekly ear cleaning, and comfort with a loud, resonant bay, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Black and tan coonhound brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Black and tan coonhound’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Black and tan coonhounds are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Virginia

Virginia sits in the heart of Lyme disease country. Ticks are active across the state's wooded areas and parks for much of the year, and year-round prevention is increasingly recommended by vets. Copperhead snakes are also common throughout the state, especially in wooded neighborhoods and along hiking trails.

2. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

3. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

4. Michigan

Michigan summers bring a high tick risk across wooded areas of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, with Lyme disease well-established in the state. In winter, frozen lakes and ponds can be a hazard for curious dogs. Ice thickness is hard to judge, and falls through are more common than owners expect.

5. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Black and tan coonhound? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Black and tan coonhound right for you?

Black and tan coonhounds reward the right owner with a deep, resonant bay and tracking capability that has been serving American hunters for over 200 years and a warm pack loyalty that makes them devoted and affectionate family companions. They just need vigorous daily exercise, secure fencing, weekly ear cleaning, and acceptance of hound independence and vocalization in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Black and tan coonhound. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.