Apartment fit
Poor for most apartments because hound voice and exercise needs are difficult in close quarters.
HoundLarge
United States
United StatesAmerican English Coonhound
Weight
45-65 lb
Height
23-26 in
Lifespan
11-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The American English Coonhound is a lean, muscular American scent hound bred for raccoon hunting, endurance, and a loud carrying voice.
American raccoon-hunting scent houndLean, muscular, and built for enduranceKnown for a loud bawling hound voiceFriendly but independent when scent takes over
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Redtick Coonhound
FriendlyDeterminedSociableIndependentAlert
Weight
45-65 lb
Height
23-26 in
Lifespan
11-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
American English Coonhound barking, energy & owner fit
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The American English Coonhound—still called the Redtick Coonhound by many hunters—is the speed-and-endurance specialist of the American coonhound family. Its lean, racy build is meant to cover rough ground for hours, and its carrying bawl helps a handler follow the hunt after dark.
The home personality can be friendly, social, and easy with other dogs, yet the working switch matters. Once committed to scent, an American English may pull hard, range widely, and treat ordinary recall as background noise. A secure fence, long-line practice, and planned tracking work are everyday safety tools rather than optional hobbies.
This breed is a particularly poor match for households that need quiet evenings or short exercise blocks. Owners who succeed usually enjoy the hound's voice, give it long aerobic movement, and provide nose-led work. Coat styling is minimal, but hanging ears, feet, pads, and skin deserve inspection after every outing through cover.
Temperament & Personality
FriendlyDeterminedSociableIndependentAlert
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, determined, sociable companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Redtick, Bluetick, Tricolor
American English Coonhound Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- hound-savvy owners
- homes with space and tolerant neighbors
- active owners who enjoy tracking or long outdoor walks
- multi-dog homes prepared for proper introductions
Not ideal for
- noise-sensitive apartments
- owners expecting reliable off-leash recall near wildlife
- homes wanting a low-exercise dog
- people bothered by hound vocalization
Common challenges
- loud baying or bawling
- following scent despite recall
- restlessness without enough work
- ear care after outdoor activity
Barking & behavior
Expect hound vocalization. Training can shape quiet routines, but it should not erase the breed's natural voice.
Training style
Prioritize long-line recall, leash handling, a reliable turn-away cue, and calm recovery after exciting scent work. Reinforcement should compete with the environment; praise alone may not matter when a trail is fresh.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat is easy, but ears, nails, feet, and skin checks are important after outdoor work.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most American English Coonhounds need long daily exercise and scent work. Long-line walks, tracking games, hiking, and secure running suit them better than short neighborhood loops.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to brush. Check ears, nails, pads, and skin after outdoor work, and keep the dog lean for sound movement.
Training
Teach a whistle or verbal recall on a long line, pay generously for turning away from scent, and practice settling after exercise. Tracking games make training relevant to the dog; long obedience repetitions usually lose against the environment.
Nutrition
Feed measured portions based on workload and body condition. Active hunting dogs and household companions may need very different calorie plans.
Practical guides for American English Coonhound owners
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEar infectionsEye diseaseObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American English Coonhound a good apartment dog?
Usually no. The breed's voice, stamina, and scent drive are hard to manage in dense housing unless the owner has exceptional outdoor routines.
Does the American English Coonhound bark a lot?
Yes, this breed can be loud. The issue is often hound bawling or excited vocalizing, not just simple watchdog barking.
Is the American English Coonhound good for first-time owners?
Usually better for owners who understand scent hounds. A beginner should be ready for voice, recall limits, and high exercise needs.
How much exercise does the American English Coonhound need?
Most need at least 60 to 90 minutes daily, with scent work or long outdoor movement. Working lines may need more.
Is the American English Coonhound good with kids and other dogs?
They are often friendly with people and dogs, but supervision still matters. Small pets and wildlife can trigger strong chase or treeing behavior.
Does the American English Coonhound shed a lot?
The short coat sheds moderately and is easy to brush. Ears and feet need more attention than coat styling.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the American English Coonhound?
The biggest challenge is managing the combination of scent drive, voice, stamina, and recall limits.
Sources & Editorial Notes
This profile was researched from established breed and canine-care references. Breed tendencies describe typical patterns, not a guarantee for every individual dog.
Reviewed by the Dogs Index Editorial Team. For health or behavior concerns, consult a veterinarian or appropriately qualified professional.
Our Shop
Dog essentials for everyday care
Browse practical products for feeding, grooming, cleanup, enrichment, and smoother daily routines.
