Living With the Black & Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhounds are very good family dogs. They are very laid back and will be equally happy taking a walk with their owner or keeping the owner company while watching TV. Being a hunting breed, Black and Tan Coonhounds do equally well living in the house or living outdoors in a fenced area. Their short, dense coat requires minimum maintenance. They can be vocal if you have squirrels in your yard, or if your neighbor has cats that tease them. If they are not kept in a fenced area, they will tend to follow their nose, which can get them into trouble.

Black and Tan Coonhounds are a versatile breed developed primarily for hunting raccoons. However, their desire to work with man makes them suitable for companion events such as tracking, obedience, and agility.

Bob Urban states, “The traditional ‘Old Fashioned’ AKC Black and Tan typically has a distinctive hunting style that is different from that of the ‘hotter nosed,’ foxhound-based coonhound breeds. They tend to be more deliberate in their scenting style and are not typically the type of hound that ‘hits the ground running.’ They are willing and capable of working an older (colder) track and sticking with it to its conclusion, even to the point of passing up fresher (hotter) tracks they may run across.

While this tendency may not endear them to the competitive ‘nite hunter,’ they can excel as a pleasure hunting hound, giving free voice with a deep ‘bawl’ as they work to unravel the path that their quarry has taken. This type of hound has the added benefit of picking up their lessons thoroughly, once learned, and seldom needs refreshers in the field to remind them of what they are there for. They tend to be easy hounds to handle and call in, seldom requiring high-tech gadgetry such as GPS tracking collars and the like to keep tabs on their whereabouts while in the woods. As with many hounds, they can be jealous and possessive at the tree and may attempt to ‘own it,’ to the exclusion of other hounds they may have been cast with.”

I would like to present a couple of examples of notable obedience coonhounds. The first was CH McDaniel’s Sugarfoot UDT, who was owned and trained by Jim McDaniel. Sugarfoot earned her UD in 1981 and became the first Coonhound to earn a UD, the first AKC Champion Coonhound to earn a UD, and the first Coonhound to earn OTCH points. She earned at least one High In Trial at an all-breed obedience trial along the way.

Another Coonhound to earn the UD title was Schudaben Kodies Kid UD, “Ben,” who was owned, trained, and hunted by Mable Ziegler. While Ben was not an AKC champion, he was actively hunted, proving that one dog can both hunt and compete in obedience. In 1995, Ben was invited to AKC’s first National Invitational Obedience Championship, which was held in St. Louis on June 17 & 18, 1995. Ben placed 3rd overall in the Hound group at this event.

Karen Winn states, “Rally Obedience is an ideal way to start competing with a Black & Tan Coonhound. The introductory level, Rally Novice, is all on leash and has simple obedience exercises that any well-behaved dog should be able to do—heeling at various speeds, turning, circling, sitting and staying, lying down on command, and so on.

In Rally Novice competitions, you can talk to your dog, pat your leg, and clap your hands to keep their attention, making it an ideal way to initiate the dog into obedience competition.

Two Black and Tan Coonhounds have completed the AKC Master Agility Champion (MACH) title. They are MACH Indigo Mark V Spitfire MXB MJS and MACH Sloopy MX MXS MXJ MJB.

Teresa Locatelli, who is currently competing in agility, writes, “If you want to spend some fun time with your coonhound, try agility. Even if you don’t want to compete, training is fun.” She continues by saying, “Your first obstacle is to find a trainer that realizes a coonhound is not a border collie. Unlike the herding dogs and terriers in my agility class, I can’t send my coonhound through the weave poles three times in a row. If she does it right the first time, she doesn’t get the point of repeating the same thing and she will get slower the second time and shut down on the third time.”

I emphasize the history of the Black and Tan being trainable in both obedience and agility so that people will realize that these dogs make excellent family pets. They are excellent with children. Since Black and Tans were bred to hunt raccoons, they are a bit impervious to pain. This means that a toddler or small child who accidentally hurts a coonhound is not likely to get snapped at.

Samantha, my youngest daughter, started showing dogs in fun matches at the age of six. I gave her one of my grown Coonhounds, CH Rockytop Mountain Moonshine CDX, to handle. Samantha had to reach under Shine to set his legs that were not next to her because she could not reach them over his back. She took first place at one fun match—she was the smallest junior with the biggest dog. Shine was very patient with his young handler!

They are also excellent watchdogs, alerting you (and the rest of the neighborhood) when there is a stranger in the vicinity. I lived in Huntsville for 13 years and thought we just lived in a good section of town. There was never any crime on our street. About a month after we moved to Gurley, Alabama, several of the cars up and down our former neighborhood were broken into. My coonhounds, who lived in the backyard, kept the neighborhood safe all that time by causing the burglars to find quieter neighborhoods to vandalize.

The post Living With the Black & Tan Coonhound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Living With the Black & Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhounds are very good family dogs. They are very laid back and will be equally happy taking a walk with their owner or keeping the owner company while watching TV. Being a hunting breed, Black and Tan Coonhounds do equally well living in the house or living outdoors in a fenced area. Their short, dense coat requires minimum maintenance. They can be vocal if you have squirrels in your yard, or if your neighbor has cats that tease them. If they are not kept in a fenced area, they will tend to follow their nose which can get them into trouble. Black and Tan Coonhounds are a versatile breed developed primarily for hunting raccoons. However, their desire to work with man makes them suitable for companion events such as tracking, obedience, and agility. Bob Urban states, ‘The traditional “Old Fashioned” AKC Black and Tan typically has a distinctive hunting style that is different from that of the “hotter nosed”, foxhound-based coonhound breeds. They tend to be more deliberate in their scenting style and are not typically the type of hound that “hits the ground running”.

They are willing and capable of working an older (colder) track and sticking with it to its conclusion, even to the point of passing up fresher (hotter) tracks they may run across. While this tendency may not endear them to the competitive “nite hunter”, they can excel as a pleasure hunting hound, giving free voice with a deep “bawl” as they work to unravel the path that their quarry has taken. This type of hound has the added benefit of picking up their lessons thoroughly, once learned and seldom need refreshers in the field to remind them of what they are there for. They tend to be easy hounds to handle and call in, seldom requiring high tech gadgetry such as GPS tracking collars and the like to keep tabs on their whereabouts while in the woods. As with many hounds, they can be jealous and possessive at the tree and may attempt to “own it”, to the exclusion of other hounds that they may have been cast with.’ I would like to present a couple of examples of notable obedience coonhounds. The first was CH McDaniel’s Sugarfoot UDT who was owned and trained by Jim McDaniel.

Sugarfoot earned her UD in 1981 and became the first Coonhound to earn a UD, the first AKC Champion Coonhound to earn a UD and the first Coonhound to earn OTCH points. She earned at least 1 High In Trial at an all-breed obedience trial along the way. Another Coonhound to earn the UD title was Schudaben Kodies Kid UD, ‘Ben’ who was owned and trained and hunted by Mable Ziegler. While Ben was not an AKC champion, he was actively hunted proving that one dog can do both hunt and compete in obedience. In 1995 Ben was invited to AKC’s first National Invitational Obedience Championship which was held in St. Louis on June 17 & 18, 1995. Ben placed 3rd overall in the Hound group at this event. Karen Winn states, ‘Rally Obedience is an ideal way to start competing with a Black & Tan Coonhound. The introductory level, Rally Novice, is all on leash, and has simple obedience exercises that any well-behaved dog should be able to do—heeling at various speeds, turning, circling, sitting and staying, lying down on command, and so on.

In Rally Novice competitions you can talk to your dog, pat your leg, and clap your hands to keep their attention, making it an ideal way to initiate the dog into obedience competition. Two Black and Tan Coonhounds have completed the AKC Master Agility Champion (MACH) title. They are MACH Indigo Mark V Spitfire MXB MJS and MACH Sloopy MX MXS MXJ MJB. Teresa Locatelli, who is currently competing in agility, writes, ‘If you want to spend some fun time with your coonhound, try agility. Even if you don’t want to compete, training is fun.’ She continues by saying, ‘Your first obstacle is to find a trainer that realizes a coonhound is not a border collie. Unlike the herding dogs and terrier in my agility class, I can’t send my coonhound through the weave poles three times in a row. If she does it right the first time, she doesn’t get the point of repeating the same thing, and she will get slower the second time and shut down on the third time.’ I emphasize the history of the Black and Tan being trainable in both obedience and agility so that people will realize that these dogs make excellent family pets.

They are excellent with children. Since Black and Tans were bred to hunt raccoons, they are a bit impervious to pain. This means that a toddler or small child who accidentally hurts a coonhound is not likely to get snapped at. Samantha, my youngest daughter, started showing dogs in fun matches at the age of six. I gave her one of my grown Coonhounds, CH Rockytop Mountain Moonshine CDX, to handle. Samantha had to reach under Shine to set his legs that were not next to her because she could not reach them over his back. She took first place at one fun match—she was the smallest junior with the biggest dog.

Shine was very patient with his young handler! They are also excellent watchdogs, alerting you (and the rest of the neighborhood) when there is a stranger in the vicinity. I lived in Huntsville for 13 years, and I thought we just lived in a good section of town. There was never any crime on our street. About a month after we moved to Gurley, Alabama, several of the cars up and down our former neighborhood were broken into. My coonhounds, who lived in the backyard, kept the neighborhood safe all that time by causing the burglars to find quieter neighborhoods to vandalize.

The post Living With the Black & Tan Coonhound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Black & Tan Coonhound (B&T) is, in the words of one of our late, great breeders, Don Stringer, “A breed as old as the hills.” The first recognized coonhound breed by the UKC in 1900, the B&T was similarly the first, by far, coonhound breed recognized by the AKC; in 1945. What we do know, or have good reason to believe, is that the classic “Old-Fashioned” Black & Tan has existed in close to his present form since the early part of the 19th century.

While the exact origins of the breed are lost in the mists of time, we know that certain black and tan foxhounds were introduced from Ireland back as early as the late 1600s and that representatives of that king of all French scenthounds, the Grand Bleu de Gascon, were imported in the days following the American Revolution. Indeed, George Washington received Gascon-type hounds as a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette after the Revolution and it is almost certain that others made their way to our shores. The likely addition of the Bloodhound to these hounds resulted in the Black & Tan Coonhound, also referred to in some texts as the “Old Virginia Black & Tan.”

During the early 1800s, a group of settlers made their way over the Alleghenies from Virginia to Marietta, Ohio, and then on to the Darby Plains region of west-central Ohio. Accompanying them on this trip was what was described as a large, long-eared, black and tan hound that the settlers called “Old Glory.” Evidently, Old Glory was held in high regard not only for her beauty but also for her ability to help secure food for the table and keep wolves, panthers, and hostile Native Americans at bay. In short order, the “Old Glory type” was in much demand, and more hounds of this style spread thoughout the Ohio Valley, including Indiana and Kentucky.

In the years leading up to the Civil War, Col. Hayden C. Trigg of Glasgow, Kentucky, maintained a pack of hounds that he described as “those glorious old long-eared, rat-tailed black and tan hounds” that he employed to hunt Grey Fox. In time, the speedier, more open country-loving Red Fox began making inroads into Col. Trigg’s hunt country, and gradually, the large, slower trailing Black & Tans became dispersed in favor of a hotter-nosed, faster, traditional American Foxhound. Indeed, there are still American Foxhounds that carry the Trigg strain and there are special organizations that promote the Trigg hounds over the more prevalent Walker strain. But I digress; one of the traits of our native Grey Fox is its tendency to climb trees. It does not require a great leap of faith to make the connection from being a successful hunter of Grey Fox to hunting other treeing game, namely, Raccoon. Incidentally, when first recognized by the UKC, the breed was known as “The American Black and Tan Coon & Foxhound.” Some members of the breed found favor with hunters in the Northeast and New England where they were used to “cold trail” Red Fox and other predators during the winter months, much as Beagles trail the Cottontail.

By the 1930s, competition coon hunts, called “Nite Hunts,” and the new sport of organized Field Trials began to attract a new breed of enthusiast. The old, slower-trailing Black & Tan suddenly found himself heading down the road to obsolescence. Black & Tan breeders, wishing to breed a more competitive type hound, began breeding for a smaller, racier hound with a much shorter ear. A dedicated group of breeders, headed by the aforementioned Don Stringer (Ten Oaks), William N. Cosner (Maple Hill Farm), and Orville Dunham (Grand Mere), spearheaded a movement dedicated towards preserving the breed in its original state. To this end, they approached the AKC with boxes of breeding records and documented pedigrees. This led to the B&T’s record short span of time spent in the Miscellaneous Class and inclusion into the Hound Group in 1945.

The breed as it exists today is largely unchanged from the hounds we saw 80-plus years ago. Never a popular breed in terms of registration numbers, it has escaped the whims of fancy and style that have so impacted other, more popular, breeds in that span of time. The AKC’s assimilation of UKC-bred stock into our stud book (against the wishes of the Parent Club) approximately 17-18 years ago threatened the integrity of our hounds, but that threat has largely gone unfounded. The AKC Black & Tan Coonhound remains true to his long, distinguished heritage, and while still used to hunt and tree ‘coon, bear, and wildcat, he has found a whole legion of new fans as a gentle and devoted family dog, a striking show dog, and a living, breathing source of genuine Americana.

The post The History of the Black and Tan Coonhound appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Raven Klone, Breeder of Old Soul Kennel

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Raven Klone: I reside in eastern Nebraska, between Lincoln and Omaha. I have had dogs my whole life, and my first dog of my own was a Bluetick Coonhound named “Sobe.” I have had Black and Tan Coonhounds for nine years now, with our first litter seven years ago.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Raven Klone: My kennel name is Old Soul Kennel and I average about a dozen dogs; mainly Black and Tan Coonhounds, but we do have a Swissy, Bracco, Fauve, and Azawakh—because I simply love dogs and don’t want to miss out on experiencing other breeds!

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Raven Klone: GCH Southwind Woodrow BCAT CGCA CGCU FDC RN TKN (Woodrow) was my first Black and Tan, and my first show dog. His ring presence and sweet demeanor made him a fan favorite, and he enjoyed showing best with a cheering crowd. With very limited showing in 2019, he was invited to the NOHS Finals, placing Best of Breed, and to Westminster where he placed Best of Opposite.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Raven Klone: I am just getting my bearings on breeding. I have had two litters so far, as well as assisting other breeders with two more.

GCHB Jazzman Earhart’s Journey to Old Soul CGCA DCAT FDC TKN (Amelia) has produced a litter with Woodrow that has just begun entering the show ring. The puppies honor both of their parents in type and temperament, and I am very excited to present them alongside their owners!

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Raven Klone: I am a veterinarian by trade and fully believe that, for their best development, puppies should be incorporated into our lives. Thankfully, my family is supportive and helpful in puppy rearing!

Our puppies are raised in our home, alongside my children and ever-patient husband, and our own dogs. We own a small acreage, so we take pups outside routinely as soon as it is safe. Once pups are vaccinated, they also take day trips to my clinic. I enjoy learning about puppy rearing practices and incorporate as many as I can to ensure that the puppies I raise are well rounded, confident, and excellent companions.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Raven Klone: I select show puppies based on evaluations at eight weeks of age, but it is a cumulative process from birth until then. I evaluate head structure immediately after birth. I stack and photograph all my puppies once a week, from four weeks to eight weeks of age, and longer for those that stay. I like to share photos with my friends who understand structure, to avoid any blind spots I might develop while falling in love with every adorable coonhound baby.

All of my puppies are Volhard tested to compare to my own assessments of temperament and drive. Each puppy is taken on solo outings between six and eight weeks of age to observe their interactions and stability away from their littermates. If someone is interested in a puppy for work (search and rescue, service, or hunting), we discuss which characteristics they prefer and prioritize to select the best match for them. I also begin basic training, and even exposure for specific training, before the puppies are placed in their new homes.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Raven Klone: I like to compete in anything the dogs find enjoyable or rewarding. There are different priorities for each individual dog, but all of my adults will complete their championships as well as a CGCA and a couple “back-end” titles before being bred. I find that this demonstrates workability and trainability, even if the titles are not “difficult” to achieve.

I currently have dogs training and competing in:

• Conformation
• Rally
• Barn Hunt
• Scent Work
• Tracking
• Coursing
• Fast CAT

Amelia was the first Black and Tan to win the breed at the Fast CAT Invitational in 2021. In 2022, three littermates I bred were the top invitees, with CH Old Soul’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps CA DCAT (Pi) taking the breed, and currently sitting at Lifetime Fastest. We like to have fun!

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Raven Klone: Yes, in that I expect our dogs to demonstrate that they can work and show the characteristics of their breed.

I do not feel that coonhound nite hunts represent the type of drive and hunting my Black and Tans were bred for, so we do not seek out those titles or awards. I am not opposed to demonstrating their natural abilities, though, and I hope one day that the other coonhound events will be held often enough to partake!

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to your breed?

Raven Klone: From our Breed Standard: “first and fundamentally a working dog” and “immediately impresses one with the ability to cover the ground with powerful, rhythmic strides.” A good Black and Tan should appear to be fit enough to work and cover ground with little effort. They should be well muscled and lean, suited to chasing game.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Raven Klone: As large hounds, joint health should be evaluated (hips and elbows). Eyes and hearts should also be screened. Unfortunately, as a breed, we are also seeing more allergies and GDV (bloat) than any of us wants.

Puppies should not be encouraged to grow too fast, so an appropriate large-breed food is best when young. Hounds with sensitive ears should consider novel protein diets (not grain-free!), as chronic ear issues are often caused by food sensitivities.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Raven Klone: No. We are a low entry breed (#149 of 200, I believe). It can be difficult to find suitable pairings that are not closely related. We have several excellent pillars in our breed, but we should be welcoming to new, dedicated breeders.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Raven Klone: Yes. Black and Tans make excellent companion dogs. They are expected to be tolerant of most situations (bred to work with other dogs and people in a non-aggressive manner). They do need early and continued training to prevent them from deciding that their ideas are better than yours! Black and Tans learn easily, even after one repetition, if something is very rewarding. (Don’t leave food on the counter!) They require more mental stimulation than true physical exercise, and will create entertainment if they aren’t getting enough. In general, they are not prone to barking, but when they do, it is LOUD.

Black and Tans are best-suited to people who can maintain a sense of humor, and those who can appreciate some “intelligent disobedience.” They are definitely trainable, but some people get outsmarted. A heavy hand is never the right solution, as some Black and Tans are soft in temperament. They love fully and appreciate the good things in life.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Raven Klone: The biggest misconception is that most people assume they bay all day and all night. Those dogs are known as “trash barkers” (meaning, they make a fuss about nothing). We don’t like those dogs. I enjoy a hound baying at quarry, but I sure don’t want that foghorn going off all the time at home. To be honest, mine bark less than many dogs I see and spend time around. It just so happens that when they DO bay, it can be heard a long way off!

The best-kept secret is how amazing these dogs are as companions. Black and Tan Coonhounds thrive in loving homes. They are in tune to their people and notice when someone might need a lean-in hug. Black and Tans are clowns, and nothing makes them want to repeat a behavior more than when their people are laughing at them. They curl up into “coonie balls” when sleeping, and even the big boys can fit on less than one couch cushion.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Remember: “immediately impresses one with the ability to cover the ground.” There should be nothing stiff, short, or clunky in their gait. A correctly moving dog will catch your eye.

And “never shy or vicious.” These should be brave, capable hounds. “Beauty, strength, courage” as from our Illustrated Standard.

And lastly, the Black and Tan’s heritage hails from the old Talbot Hounds and Foxhounds. They will be heavier, with more substance than the other coonhound breeds. The Black and Tan is a moderate dog in comparison to their foundation, bred to be a versatile, cold-nosed, trailing hound.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Raven Klone: Learn to differentiate “correct” and “type” from “style.” Everyone is allowed their preferences within the Breed Standard. Celebrate yours and learn to appreciate the good qualities in dogs that are not your own. Know your breed’s Standard and its purpose. Breed type is steeped in function.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Raven Klone: We were practicing tracking. We had a fairly green dog with an easy, straight, short track laid in front of us. As we began, the track layer dropped behind us to help spot if we veered off course. Ten yards in, that hound looked over his shoulder, behind me, straight at the tracklayer, sighed with a mixed look of disgust and resolution, and finished his track with minimal enthusiasm. He KNEW that tracklayer was behind us, and thought me a fool for encouraging him forward anyway.

Also, there is nothing more amusing that flapping ears, eyelids, and lips obscuring all vision when a hound partakes in the simple joy of a rolled-down car window.

Are you looking for a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Black and Tan Coonhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

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Interview with Zoe Bolin, Breeder of Jazzman Black and Tans

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Zoe Bolin: I live in Palmdale, California, a high desert community about 60 miles north of Los Angeles. I have lived with dogs my whole life, but was heavily involved with horses as a Junior and during my young adult years. I got my first show dog in 2006 and bred my first litter in 2010.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Zoe Bolin: My kennel name is Jazzman Black and Tans. I breed both Black and Tan Coonhounds and Standard Manchester Terriers. The hounds are my primary breed.

I have recently formed a partnership with another breeder of Black and Tans, Foster’s Old Fashioned Black and Tans, located in Iowa. Chris and Ronnie Foster have dogs from some very old AKC lines, which allows us to outcross, helps us with genetic diversity, and lowers our coefficient of inbreeding. We have done some very exciting breedings and those pups are just now hitting the show ring.

I currently have seven Black and Tans and four Standard Manchester Terriers at home. I co-own several promising youngsters all over the country.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Zoe Bolin: My first true special was GCHG Jazzman Comebacker (Baxter). He was from the second litter that I bred. He completed many firsts in my dog show career, accomplishing goals set and allowing me to continue to set higher goals. He was my first BBE champion, my first Hound Group placement, my first notable winner (Eukanuba 2014 Breed winner), and my first Hound Group winner.

In 2015, I was gifted a 12-month-old dog from another breeder-friend. GCHG Oak Hills Heart of Gold HOF (Booker) set the bar even higher. He was a multiple Group winner, an All-Breed BIS winner, the all-time leading NOHS Dog (Platinum NOHS), and an inductee in the American Black and Tan Coonhound Club Hall of Fame.

My top-winning dog is GCHS Jazzman Armoured Vehicle (Brinks). Brinks was a multiple Group winner, an All-Breed BIS winner, BIS at the 2022 Rocky Mountain Hound Club, and the No. 2 Lifetime NOHS Dog (Platinum NOHS). Brinks will be inducted in the ABTCC Hall of Fame at our 2023 National Specialty. Unfortunately, in September 2022, I lost him suddenly to bloat at just three years and four months old.

My current special is GCHB Jazzman Rockytop War Admiral (Atom). Atom finished by going WD/BOW at the ABTCC National Specialty in 2022. He is currently the No. 1 Black and Tan (Breed points).

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

• CH Southchase’s Girl’s Night Out (Brooke) produced both Baxter and GCHS Jazzman Southern Pacific Big Boy (Train), a multiple Group winner and ABTCC HOF inductee. Brooke is an ABTCC Dam of Merit.
• CH Jazzman Miss B Haven (Haven), an ABTCC Dam of Merit, was sired by Booker. She produced Brinks and three other pups that are currently in the show ring.
• GCHS Jazzman Armoured Vehicle (Brinks) has just started his career as a sire. His first litter is not yet two years old and includes the 2022 AKC National Championship Breed winner and the 2022 ABTCC National Specialty Best of Winners.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Zoe Bolin: My house is on 2.5 acres in the unincorporated county section of Palmdale. It is zoned A2 (heavy agriculture) which allows me to have a kennel license for up to 20 dogs. I have indoor kennels in my climate-controlled garage, with access to one of three yards.

My puppies are whelped in a spare bedroom in the house. I spend at least the first two weeks sleeping in the puppy room. The puppies stay in the house until they’re about five weeks old. I leave the TV on during the day to provide noise and voices for the pups to hear. My kids are grown, so it’s just my husband and I in the house… way too quiet.

At around five weeks, the pups move out to the garage kennel and will go outside during the day if the weather is good. Once the pups are living in the kennel, they are introduced to crates, dog doors, and a potty area filled with shavings. Several of my current pups have been raised on the farm in Iowa. Those pups are whelped in a dedicated, climate-controlled whelping barn that’s equipped with closed-circuit cameras. The farm is large and has numerous areas where the pups are moved to as they grow. The show pups come to California somewhere between four and eight months of age.

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?

Zoe Bolin: The coonhound litters are evaluated at eight weeks. I also usually take some stacked photos at six and seven weeks. I start keeping notes as soon as the pups are born, and I generally have a good idea of what I’m going to do… sometimes right from the beginning. It’s important to be as methodical and unemotional as possible when evaluating pups. There’s always that one pup that captures your heart, but he may not be the pup that will benefit the breed.

How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?

Zoe Bolin: My “keeper” pups start going to dog shows with me as early as nine or 10 weeks old. At that age they stay in the set-up and don’t use the public potty area. My local kennel club offers a handling class during the warmer months and I try to take advantage of that.

Coonhounds can be reserved, so they require enough socialization to allow them to successfully handle a judge’s examination and to navigate around the ring, hopefully carrying their tail where it’s supposed to be.

I’ve had very good luck with the pups coming from the farm in Iowa. They have amazing temperaments; a throwback from the old AKC bloodlines.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Zoe Bolin: The only time that I consider “performance events” is when I have a puppy buyer who is looking for something specific. I routinely refer buyers who are looking for hunting dogs to kennels that select for hunting instinct. I have bred an ABTCC Hall of Fame performance dog.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Zoe Bolin: Black and Tans that are fed properly and allowed the room for “free exercise” pretty much condition themselves.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Zoe Bolin: Black and Tan Coonhounds are generally considered to be a very healthy breed. As with most large breeds, hip dysplasia is always a concern. Most of today’s breeders are very conscientious about getting their breeding stock’s hips done. We see a very small percentage of heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, and thyroid disease. We see a larger percentage of bloat and allergies, but in the larger scheme of things, the Black and Tan is a generally healthy breed. There are no special nutritional needs that affect the whole breed. Individual needs vary.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Zoe Bolin: Just like many other breeds, we are losing many of our older, serious breeders. On a good note, we have several younger individuals who are new to our breed who are showing an interest in becoming serious breeders. My advice to our new breeders would be to study the history of the AKC Black and Tans and what sets them apart from the other coonhound breeds. Individual breeders may have individual styles, but type always remains the same.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Zoe Bolin: Yes, the Black and Tan makes an excellent family dog. Black and Tans are very versatile and adaptable. Choosing a pup with the right disposition for what a family wants to do with their dog is essential. Most Black and Tans want to do whatever you want to do. They’ll go for a hike or sit on the couch and watch TV, as long as they’re with their person.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Zoe Bolin: Most people assume that Black and Tans are hard to live with. This couldn’t be further from the truth. They mistake the derpy look for a lack of intelligence; also not true. Black and Tans are very smart, but they’re not always particularly biddable.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Zoe Bolin: In the last year, I’ve heard a lot of judges question the direction that our breed is heading. Their main concern seems to be bone, substance, and head type—the loss of all of these attributes.

The Black and Tan is the largest and heaviest of the coonhound breeds. Our Breed Standard allows for oversize and penalizes undersize. In order to keep size and substance, we need to pay special attention to that portion of the Standard. Also, please remember that structure and movement always supersede superficial cosmetic traits.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Zoe Bolin: The Breed Standard is your bible. Try not to get caught up in “new trends.” Learn the difference between the AKC Breed Standard and the UKC Breed Standard; they are not interchangeable.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Zoe Bolin: Any six-month-old Black and Tan puppy can make a handler look foolish.

Are you looking for a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Black and Tan Coonhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Black and Tan Coonhound dog breed with articles and information in our Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Magazine.

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Interview with Owner Handler, Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons

I am Danielle Lyons but most people call me Nikkei. I am the one who holds the lead for a magical Black and Tan Coonhound named “Gabby,” or as she’s legally known, GCHB CH Gabrielle Rockytop Blossoming Meadow RN BCAT CGC TKN. When Gabby is not in the show ring, she enjoys going to my dog spa where she enjoys greeting customers dropping off their furry friends for their spa day. She also enjoys cuddles. (The word “needy” has been thrown around, but she prefers “cuddly.”)

Being at the end of her lead has been a huge honor and a dream come true. I will forever be greatful to Edith Atchley of Rockytop Black and Tans for being an amazing mentor and friend. Gabby and I have met so many amazing people and have loved becoming part of an amazing community of people. I am so excited for our future in this sport and to becoming a responsible preservation breeder.

Where do I live? How many years have I been an Owner Handler?

My name is Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons and I live in Kingsport, Tennessee. I have been an Owner Handler for three and a half years.

How did I get my start in my breed? In the sport?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: Being a Tennessee girl, I was drawn to the Coonhounds. After meeting a Black and Tan Coonhound, I knew I had found my breed. After years of waiting, I was extremely thankful to have met Edith Atchley of Rockytop Black and Tans who offered to co-own a puppy she was getting from the Czech Republic. She has been an amazing mentor and has become family. I got my start in the sport about 13 years ago when my aunt bought an Afghan Hound and decided to get into dog shows, and took me along with her.

Have I always loved to show dogs? Have I always been a dog person?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: I like to kid my mom all the time that it’s her fault I am a crazy dog lady, since all of my baby stuff was 101 Dalmatians. Now I am a dog groomer who spends all of my free-time traveling to dog shows. I have always loved to be in the show ring and I always look forward to my next show.

Is there a story behind my decision to show my own dog?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: Since the moment I went in the Juniors ring with my aunt’s Afghan Hound, I knew I had found my home. I knew from that moment that, with any dog I got, I wanted to be the one to handle my dog.

What makes showing my own dog so special to me?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: What makes showing “Gabby” so special is that she is my first show dog. I had to wait 10 years to finally get the dog of my dreams. You see, I was 16 when we first started showing the Afghans. However, not long after we got started, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, we had to stop going to dog shows. I knew I would be back there one day, but I just had to wait till the time was right.

Ten years later, I met Edith and got my very first show dog. From the minute I laid eyes on my girl, I knew she was special. When I got her home, I couldn’t wait to show my aunt my show puppy. She was so excited for me and couldn’t wait to see us in the ring. Sadly, she passed away after her third battle with breast cancer, two weeks before we went to our first show. Gabby is so special because my aunt wanted to do all the dog show stuff with us. So, now, we do it for her in her memory.

In my opinion, is there a secret to having a great dog/handler partnership?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: I feel like there are so many different secrets/tips/tricks, but every single dog is different. What may work for my dog won’t work for someone else’s. I think Gabby and I work so well together because we have such a connection. She goes to work with me a lot. She’s in my house, on my couch, and we do pretty much everything together. We just know how each other works. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Gabby will do anything for food, ha-ha.

Do I compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? If so, for how many years?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: Yes! We love competing in the NOHS. We have been competing in the NOHS for the last three and a half years. Gabby has won multiple OHBIS, OHRBIS, and OH Group placements. She has finished the last two years as No. 2 Owner- Handled Black and Tan Coonhound, and in 2022, she finished the year in the Top 100 among all breeds. She is also currently No. 3 in the breed for lifetime points, and last year she won BOB at the NOHS Finals.

What goals did I set for myself and for my dog in 2022? What about 2023?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: For 2022, I set our goals for competing at Westminster, staying in the Top 10 Breed, All-Breed, and NOHS systems, and earning more titles. So far this year, Gabby has competed at Westminster, going Select Bitch in a beautiful line up of Black and Tans. She has stayed in the Top 5 in all the point systems, and earned her RN, CGC, and TKN, and is currently two points shy of her GCHS. She has crushed every goal that I have set for us.

In 2023, we plan on stepping back from the show ring and we are looking forward to whelping the next generation of superstars.

Am I going to Orlando? If so, what’s it like to have a top NOHS dog this year?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: We are going to Orlando this year. It is so exciting to get the opportunity to go back and see all of our friends. Win or lose, the dog show community is so supportive of each other. I feel like this is especially true of the Owner Handlers.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences as an Owner Handler?

Nikkei (Danielle) Lyons: One time, when we were in the Owner-Handled Group ring, I went to move up in the line. We were, like, three dogs back from the exam. I pulled on the lead to move up and I feel a “pop!” The lead had snapped and broke. I reached down and held Gabby’s head, and hollered to my family sitting outside the ring to get our backup lead. There was this lady sitting outside the ring who was so very sweet and asked how she could help me. I handed her the broken lead and asked, “Can you hold this for me?” She laughed and said, “Sure.” Well, we went on to win an OH Group One that day. I have made sure since then that Gabby has a solid lead on, ha-ha!

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Read and learn about the various coonhound performance events, such as Nite Hunts, Bench Shows, Field Trials, and Water Races, as well as the dogs that compete in them. Article by Michelle Zimmerman.

In the glow of moonlight, four handlers reach for the collars of the tri-colored coonhounds on their leads. Standing in a line at the edge of a field, dense, dark woods ahead of them, they await the judge’s call to release—“Cut ‘em!” The handlers point their cap lights toward the woods as they unsnap their leads, releasing the hounds into the darkness. After a moment, the first dog lets out a melodious bawl that echoes off the hills. “Strike Sally,” a handler calls… and the race is on!

Coonhound Nite Hunts

The pillar of coonhound performance events, the Nite Hunt showcases the coonhound’s natural trailing and treeing instinct in a truly wild environment. A group of up to four dogs, called a “cast,” is drawn at random from the total entry of dogs. Casts are assigned a judge and a guide, who may or may not also be handlers of dogs on the cast. The judge’s primary responsibility is to maintain the integrity of the hunt, including scoring dogs in accordance to AKC Nite Hunt Regulations and ensuring sportsmanlike conduct of handlers and spectators.

The judge has authority to “scratch” or disqualify dogs from competition for displaying aggression, babbling (barking when no trail is present), or failing to show hunting activity within required timelines. The judge may also scratch handlers for misconduct while on the cast. The guide’s responsibility is to provide safe territory for the cast to hunt; the guide should be very familiar with the property and be able to alert the cast to any terrain concerns, obstacles, or dangerous areas. The ideal hunting territory is close enough to the hunting club to allow the cast ample opportunity to hunt for the allotted time (Nite Hunts may be 60, 90, or 120 minutes in length) and return by deadline.

When the cast arrives at its hunting territory, the guide directs the cast and judge to the location in which the hounds will be released. At the judge’s call, the dogs are free-cast into the designated area. Unlike Pointer or Retriever Hunt Tests, Nite Hunts do not occur in an environment with planted game. The dogs are not confined to a certain area; they are expected to trail and tree wild raccoons in a natural environment. The distance the dogs travel from where they are cast is dependent upon how far they must go to “strike” or locate a track and how far the track goes before the raccoon is “treed.”

Unlike Pointer or Retriever Hunt Tests, Nite Hunts do not occur in an environment with planted game. The dogs are not confined to a certain area; they are expected to trail and tree wild raccoons in a natural environment.

In mountainous, rugged areas of the United States, such as the Southeast, tracks may be a half-mile or more in length, while in flatter, more open terrain, such as the Midwest, tracks may only be a few hundred yards. Points are scored in a Nite Hunt based on the handlers’ call of their dogs—informing the judge throughout the duration of the hunt what the dog is doing, based on the sound of the dog’s voice. The dogs wear GPS collars so that their handlers are aware of their location; however, handlers may not use the GPS receiver to aid in calling their dogs.

A dog is declared “struck” by its handler upon its vocalization that it has located a track, and points are awarded in a descending manner based upon the order dogs are struck in. The dogs will continue to vocalize as they work the track until they locate their quarry. When the raccoon is located, the dog will give a unique bark, called a “locate,” signifying that it has found its quarry, before its voice rolls over into a “tree” bark, which is distinctive compared to its trailing bark. As dogs are declared treed by their handlers, again, points are awarded based upon the order of tree calls.

The judge or a majority of the handlers on the cast must see a raccoon in the tree for both strike and tree points earned to be considered “plus.” If no raccoon is found in the tree, or “off game,” such as an opossum or bear, is seen in the tree, strike and tree points will be “minus.” If there is evidence that a raccoon could be in the tree, such as a hole large enough for the raccoon to take refuge in or a canopy too thick to see through, the dog will be given the benefit of the doubt and points will be “circled” on the scorecard. Circled points will not count toward the final tally, but can be used to break a tie. If hunt time remains, the dogs and handlers move to a different area and the dogs are released to hunt again.

No live game is ever taken during a Nite Hunt; treed raccoons are left to go about their lives after the dogs are led away from the tree. At the end of the hunt time, the dog with the highest tally of points will be declared the winner of the cast. In AKC-licensed Nite Hunts, dogs are not separated by titles earned; dogs that have achieved Nite Hunt titles (Nite Champion, Grand Nite Champion, or Supreme Grand Nite Champion) may be hunted in the same cast with registered (untitled) dogs. Each first-place cast win counts toward title progression.

Coonhound Hunting Styles

AKC recognizes six breeds of coonhounds:

• Treeing Walker Coonhound
• American English Coonhound
• Black and Tan Coonhound
• Bluetick Coonhound
• Redbone Coonhound
• Plott (Hound)

Apart from the Plott, which developed from German big game hounds, the coonhound breeds descend from Foxhounds imported to the New World well before the American Revolution. The distinctive coonhound breeds were developed as hunters selectively bred dogs that produced specific physical characteristics as well as a particular hunting style. The “hot-nosed” breeds excel at trailing fresh scent tracks, while the “cold-nosed” breeds specialize in working aged tracks with fainter scent.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Known as “The People’s Choice” due to the breed’s popularity among competitive and pleasure hunters alike, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a quick, hot-nosed, sensible hunter. The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a wide-ranging, endurance hunter, well suited for just about any type of hunting terrain. A typical Treeing Walker’s strike/trailing bark is a melodious bawl—a long, drawn-out bugling voice that is easily heard from a distance—although some lines have a “chop” mouth, which is a shorter, quicker sequence of barks. When treed, the Treeing Walker may chop or bawl; tree voice is often of a markedly different pitch than trailing voice.

American English Coonhound

Best described as a “super-charged hunter,” the American English Coonhound is a hot-trailing hound that is competitive, fast, and perhaps a bit impatient. The American English excels at short-range hunting due to its speed and racy build, but possesses sufficient endurance to go the distance in areas with thin raccoon populations. Voice may differ according to bloodline, but the typical American English Coonhound has a chop bark that varies in pitch when trailing vs. when treed.

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a deliberate trailing, extremely cold-nosed hunter that can track and tree a raccoon even in the worst conditions. The breed’s supreme scenting ability comes from its Bloodhound influence. Confident and courageous, the Black and Tan is known for its musical voice.

Bluetick Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhounds were originally part of the English Coonhound breed. However, there was a division of preference in size and hunting style among breeders; the larger, albeit slower, cold-nosed hounds were selected to become the foundation of the Bluetick breed. The Bluetick is an open trailer with a bawl voice on track that changes over to a steady chop on tree.

Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a surefooted, aggressive, cold-nosed hunter that excels at hunting difficult terrain. Early Redbone breeders focused on differentiating the breed by its flashy red coat; then turned their focus to consistent hunting ability. The Redbone’s voice is a bawl on both track and tree.

Plott Hound

Plott (Hounds) are cold-nosed, aggressive hunters that excel at hunting raccoons, as well as big game like bear and wild boar. Plotts are nimble dogs, able to traverse all types of terrain with speed and grace. The Plott produces a loud, ringing chop on track and tree, although some lines may have a bawl mouth.

Coonhound Bench Shows, Field Trials & Water Races

In addition to Nite Hunts, coonhounds are eligible to complete and title in AKC-licensed Field Trials, Water Races, and Bench Shows.

Coonhound Field Trials

Coonhound field trials use a scented lure to lay a track, length dependent on the terrain and general conditions of the trial site, and then the lure is hung in a tree located at the end of the track. Field trial classes are separated, Open and Champion, based on the dogs’ title status. In a field trial, groups of dogs are released at the start of the scent track and have 15 minutes to work the track and come treed. The first dog to cross the final set of flags that mark the track is declared the Line winner, and the first dog come treed at the tree containing the scented lure is declared the Tree winner.

Coonhound Water Races

Water Races are similar to a field trial, except that the dogs swim across a body of water after the lure. The water race pond should be approximately 50 yards in length and deep enough to guarantee that the dogs must swim the entire length. A water race event has a Novice (non-titling) class for beginners, as well as an Open class that is open to all coonhounds, regardless of water race title status.

In a water race, dogs are placed in a starting box at the entrance to the pond; a scented lure is suspended on a cable above the water or floated across the pond. The lure is drawn across the pond, and the dogs swim after it. The first dog to exit the water in the direction of the tree will be declared the Line winner, and the first dog to show treed at the tree is declared the Tree winner.

Coonhound Bench Shows

Bench Shows bring the demonstration of form and function together at a coonhound event. In a typical event, after the field and water events, and prior to the Nite Hunt, handlers showcase their dogs’ conformation to the breed standard. Dogs are gaited individually in a pattern, usually a down-and-back followed by a go-around, and then examined by the judge on
individual benches. Evaluation and placement should equally consider movement on the ground and the exam. Dogs earn points toward their Bench Show Championship as they advance through the Class, Breed, and Best of Show levels of judging.

Coonhounds in Conformation

When judging a Coonhound in the Conformation ring, it is important to understand that many of the dogs exhibited today remain close to their working heritage. Some dogs may be hunted during the week and be cleaned-up for the show ring on the weekends. Others may enjoy a full-time show dog’s life of luxury but still exhibit their breed’s natural hunting instinct if given the opportunity.

When judging a Coonhound in the Conformation ring, it is important to understand that many of the dogs exhibited today remain close to their working heritage. Some dogs may be hunted during the week and be cleaned-up for the show ring on the weekends.

The breed standards describe an ideal working dog and should be interpreted as such. Coonhounds must be sound enough to hunt from sundown to sunrise, in terrain varying from rugged mountains to swamps. Some get to hunt most of their nights in the flat Midwest, but must still be able to handle rough terrain, when necessary, especially if they are campaigned in National Level Nite Hunts. It is not uncommon to see top-ranked competition dogs aged seven-plus years old; the emphasis coonhound breeders put on producing a sound, structurally correct dog is exemplified by their longevity in the woods.

Reference:

American Kennel Club. Regulations for AKC Coonhound Bench Shows, Field Trials, Nite Hunts, and Water Races. History and Standards for Coonhound Breeds. www.akccoonhounds.org.

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As you know, the back is divided into four sections; the withers, back, loin, and croup. Behind the withers is the back, then the loin, then the croup, and the vertebrae go back all the way to the end of the tail. In certain coonhounds today, more in some breeds than in others, we’re seeing a short rib cage and a long loin on a regular average-backed dog. The dog might be the right length in the back, but if the rib cage doesn’t go back far enough into the loin, it’s not going to have enough cavity that it needs for the heart, the lungs, and all the organs. A short back, combined with a long loin, makes a coonhound weak and unable to run long distances. In coonhounds especially, strength over the loin and lung space are needed.

Many of the top-winning Treeing Walker Coonhounds are sadly lacking in shoulder angulation and would never make it in the field. What’s really important about the shoulder blades is not just the layback; not just the way the blades are angled. The shoulder blades are angled at 45 degrees, as is the upper arm, forming a perfect 90-degree “L.” A good shoulder is oblique, the way a bone curves back into the curvature of the body. The shoulder bone cannot stick straight up, out of the dog’s back, and be efficient. They’ve got to come back together a little bit, lay back, and curve back into the body.

Another important point regarding the shoulder assembly is the point of the elbow. The point of elbow is directly under the withers, right under the top of the shoulder blade, in a perfectly straight line. You could run a plumb line and drop it right where the shoulder blades meet and it will come straight down through the elbow to the floor, right behind the foot. I’ll guarantee that you won’t see many dogs made like this. What you’ll see is a shorter upper arm, or an upper arm pitched at an angle that forces the elbow in front of the shoulder. That combination leads to bad action on the front.

So, look at the front assembly very carefully. Visualize a big circle, with a straight line dropping through it, cutting it in half, meeting the elbow, meeting the ground. It will be the focal point on a well-made dog. There’s a good reason for this. The heart, lungs, and all of the organs that make them run are right there. They better have that depth, that balance. Look at how this dog’s chest (far left) comes down and meets his elbow. There must be enough depth of brisket for lung capacity. There are many dogs whose elbows are too far below their brisket line.

The same is true about the hindquarters. The dog in this photo (below right) shows the relationship between the length of the two bones and the angle formed by them. We can’t see through to the bone, but look at the width of the thigh. I’ve never seen a coonhound that had too much width of second thigh.

In coonhound structure, we’re also losing some angle from the stifle joint to the point of the hock. We’re getting too many dogs that look unbalanced, especially if they’re straight in the shoulder and straight in the hindquarter assembly. Look for second thigh, width of thigh. You have to observe this with your eyes and your hands to make sure they are correct. And remember that the tail is an extension of the spine. A tail that goes straight up may affect the pitch of the pelvis. Up front, you can really see and feel the shoulder blades. Again, balance is the key. If you see this in action, you’ll know what I’m talking about. You’ll say, “Now I get it. That is side gait.” That’s something we don’t look for enough when we judge. A dog can look pretty standing there with a handler posing them, but when you gait them on the ground there is nothing that can be done to make them look good. You can’t do it with the lead. What you see is what you get. And don’t let markings fool you—easy to do with a Treeing Walker’s markings especially. As a result, his shoulders might look different, but when you get your hands on him you will see where his shoulder blades are. Don’t be afraid to get your hands on those blades, to feel them. If you run your hands down the blades, and down the upper arms to the elbows, you can visualize what the angles are.

The feet and pasterns are very closely tied together and they should be in balance with each other. You’ll hardly ever see great pasterns with bad feet, or the other way around. It’s usually a package. We get to the point in coonhound shows that we’re looking for such tight feet that we might be getting a little carried away sometimes. A great cat foot with a straight pastern is pretty to look at, but it doesn’t offer any shock absorbers to the force coming down through the shoulders. You’ve got to have a little spring, a little flexibility, to the slightly sloping pastern.

Dog 1. Correct Hind Angulation: Note the 30-degree slope of the pelvis. This provides the most power. Just as important is the perfect 130-degree angle of the back joint, providing the leverage to push the dog forward.

Dog 2. Incorrect Hind Angulation. The pelvic slope of 10 degrees promotes the overly-straight stifle joint shown here. The back joint is also overly-straight at 148 degrees.

Coonhounds are a scenthound and the tail carriage will be up. You want to see a dog that can extend its front, that can push behind, show balance, propulsion and locomotion movement with ease, and cover ground.

Withers-back-loin-croup is all you need to remember. Four basic parts that better work together. If the withers are too steep, the shoulders aren’t laidback enough; there’s going to be a basic, functional problem. If the back’s too long or too short, there’s going to be a basic, functional problem. If the ribs don’t go back into the loin far enough, or deep enough, there’s going to be a basic, functional problem. Other problems to be aware of include a weak loin and a roach back. The croup’s got to have some pitch and some length. If a croup is too short and steep, it will affect the tail set.

I hope that this will help in the judging of our coonhounds and determining the right Coonhound Structure. They are a movement dog with good reach and drive. Coonhounds give meaning to Form=Function.

What is the correct Coonhound Structure? by Nancy Winton, Dry River Kennels

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