The Black and Tan Coonhound is an old breed. They descended from the Talbot hound which was known in England during the reign of William I, Duke of Normandy, in the 11th century, and also the Bloodhound and the Foxhound via this country's own Virginia Foxhound (which was referred to as the "black and tan").

The dogs were selectively bred on the basis of color. There were "Coopers" of other colors as well. For their proficiency on possum and raccoon, the black and tan strain was carefully developed over a period of many years and admitted to registry by the American Kennel Club in 1945.

The Black and Tan Coonhound works his trail with great skill and determination, but not at a real fast pace. They trail in Bloodhound fashion-entirely by scent. When they have treed their quarry, they bark to alert the hunters that they have accomplished their goal.

Despite being a specialist on Raccoon, they do very well in the hunting of deer, mountain lions, bears, as well as other big game. They are very equipped to handle the rigors of winter, heat of summer, and difficult terrain which they use for hunting. They have great power, agility and are very alert.

Keep in mind that the Black and Tan Coonhound is not a breed for those who are not able to tolerate wet mouthed dogs. This breed does drool and slobber, and when they shake their head, this will end up on the walls occasionally.

Though they are fairly inactive indoors, they do ned to vent their energy outside with a large area to run and play.

Males should be 25 to 27 inches and females 23 to 25 inches. They have good muscle tone and moderate bone. Their colors are coal black with rich tan markings. The coat is short but dense. Grooming this breed is very simple. Bathing as needed, as well as nail trim and ear cleaning regularly.