American English Coonhound breed guide

Mellow when off duty, the American English Coonhound turns tenacious and stubborn in pursuit of its ring-tailed prey. AKC flags the work drive, the patience needed to train it for anything but coon hunting and the loud ringing bark.

Early socialization is paramount, AKC says, to keep the dog from becoming possessive over food or toys.

American English Coonhounds live 11 to 12 years. Responsible breeders screen for hip and elbow dysplasia and for eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.

Like other large deep-chested breeds, the hound may get bloat, a sudden life-threatening stomach condition and owners should learn the signs. The ears need regular checks for excess wax and debris.

The short hard protective coat needs a minimum of care: a shedding tool or a rubber-nubbed grooming mitt at least weekly keeps shedding down and spreads skin oils along the hair shaft.

High energy and a desire to be part of a pack make it a match for an active runner, biker or hiker. It needs a lot of exercise. A strong prey drive means it should never be off leash in an uncontrolled situation.

The breed is American by birth and English by ancestry, said to descend from English Foxhounds brought to America in the early 1800s. Foxhunting had been a popular pastime in Britain's southern colonies since the late 1600s and George Washington kept up an avid interest in English-style hunts.

Importations of English Foxhounds refreshed the gene pool colonial breeders used to create America's coonhound breeds. AKC says backwoods breeders crossed foxhounds with other breeds.