The American English Coonhound is known for its great hunting ability and for great speed and stamina. They were originally known as the English Fox and Coonhound. American English Foxhounds are descended from English Foxhounds as well as others from Ireland and France that were brought to the southern United States. These dogs were considered to be inadequate in hunting the American game since they cannot track the scent of the game once it seeks shelter in trees; something raccoons, cougars and bears tend to do. The American English Coonhound was created from the stock mentioned above and adding Bloodhounds into the bloodlines so the new dogs would have a much better sense of smell.

Males should be 24 to 26 inches tall, females 23 to 25 inches tall. They are hard coated with medium length hair. They can be red and white ticked, blue and white ticked, tri-colored with ticking, red and white or white and black. Brindle dogs are not permitted, nor are tri-colored dogs with no ticking or solid colored dogs with less than ten percent ticking. All should have a black nose.

The Treeing Walker and the Bluetick were also called English Coonhounds but in 1945 they were registered as separate breeds.

Keep in mind that hounds tend to bay a great deal. They would not be ideal if you have neighbors close and the dog is left unattended to bay a great deal. A fenced yard is recommended since hounds will wonder off after game. American English Coonhounds do well with children and will do fine with other dogs. They will be able to live with cats if raised with them and properly trained.

The American English Coonhound is currently an AKC Foundation Stock Service breed. The American Kennel Club currently permits the breed to compete in companion events.