Coonhound Dogs for Adoption in Richmond, MO

No, Coonhounds do not point. Pointing is a trait of bird dogs such as pointers and setters, which freeze to show a hunter where game is hiding. Coonhounds instead follow a scent trail, often baying as they go, and then bark at the base of a tree once their quarry has climbed it. That behavior is called treeing.

Coonhounds shed a moderate amount. Their short, dense coats drop hair year-round, with heavier shedding once or twice a year. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or hound mitt removes most loose hair and keeps the coat glossy. They do not need trimming, but their long ears should be checked and cleaned regularly.

Many Coonhounds can clear or climb a five-foot fence, especially when chasing a scent, though no formal measurement applies to the whole type. Some scramble up chain-link or use objects as launch points, and others dig underneath. A solid fence of six feet, with nothing to climb nearby and buried or reinforced edges, is a common recommendation.

Coonhounds were bred to hunt raccoons at night by trailing their scent and baying until the raccoon climbed a tree. American hunters developed them from imported foxhounds and bloodhounds because foxhounds lost the trail when prey went up a tree. Many coonhounds were also used on opossum, bobcat, cougar, bear and feral hogs.

There are six recognized coonhound breeds: the Black and Tan, Redbone, Bluetick, Treeing Walker, American English and Plott. The Black and Tan was the first recognized, and the brindle Plott is the only one descending from German boar hounds rather than foxhounds. The American Leopard Hound is sometimes grouped with them, and mixes are common in shelters.

Most Coonhounds reach their adult height at around 12 to 18 months and finish filling out with muscle by about two years old. Larger breeds such as the Black and Tan may keep maturing a little longer. Mentally, many hounds stay puppyish into their second year, so patience with training and impulse control is helpful.

Most Coonhounds do not have a true double coat. Their short, dense, hard coats lie close to the body and protect them from brush and weather. The Plott is an exception in that rare Plotts have a soft undercoat. Even without a double coat, coonhounds shed moderately and benefit from weekly brushing.

Coonhounds are not usually destructive when they get enough exercise and companionship, but bored or lonely hounds may chew, dig, raid trash cans or howl. Their noses lead them to counters and garbage, so food storage matters. Daily scent outlets, chew toys, crate training and gradually increasing alone time can prevent most problem behavior.

Coonhounds are fast and very enduring, built to cover rough ground for hours rather than win short sprints. Treeing Walkers are noted as one of the speedier coonhound breeds, while Black and Tans are more deliberate trailers. No reliable top-speed figure covers the whole type, but a coonhound following a scent can quickly outpace any person.

Yes, Coonhounds are often excellent hiking dogs because they have stamina, sure feet and a love of exploring outdoors. They should stay on a leash, since a strong scent can pull them far away in moments. Bring water, check for ticks and burrs afterward, and build mileage gradually for young or out-of-shape dogs.

No, Coonhounds are not hypoallergenic. They shed moderately, and like all dogs they produce allergens in skin dander, saliva and urine. Some coonhounds also drool a little. People with allergies should spend time around a specific hound before adopting, and regular bathing, brushing outdoors and air filtration may help reduce exposure.

Coonhounds are not specifically known for piddling, though excitement or submissive urination can happen in any young or nervous dog. It usually fades with maturity, calm greetings and confidence-building training. Punishment tends to make it worse. If an adult hound suddenly starts leaking urine, a veterinary visit is worthwhile to rule out a urinary infection or other medical cause.

Yes, Coonhounds are short-haired dogs. All six coonhound breeds have short, close-lying coats designed to shed brush, mud and water during long hunts. The coats are easy to keep clean with weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Their short hair offers limited insulation, so they may appreciate a warm bed and protection in very cold weather.

Many Coonhounds are enthusiastic snugglers once their exercise needs are met. They often enjoy sprawling on the couch, leaning against their people and sleeping in close contact. Affection levels vary between dogs and breeds, and a hound newly out of a shelter may need time to relax. Most settle into a cozy, people-loving companion.

Coonhounds generally should not be walked off leash in open areas. Their scent drive is strong enough that a fresh trail can override even solid training, and they may follow it for miles without responding. Long lines, securely fenced fields and enclosed parks offer safer freedom. A GPS collar is helpful backup but no substitute for containment.

You can usually identify a Coonhound by its long, low-set ears, short coat, lean athletic build and deep baying voice. Coat color hints at the breed: black and tan, solid red, blue mottled, tricolor or brindle. Because shelter dogs are often mixes, a DNA test gives the clearest answer, though personality matters more than labels.

Typical Coonhound characteristics include a powerful nose, long drooping ears, a short easy-care coat and a loud, carrying bay. Most are friendly, easygoing and dog-sociable, with an independent, sometimes stubborn streak. They usually have strong prey drive and good stamina. At home, many switch to a relaxed, couch-loving mode once they have been exercised.

The pros of owning a Coonhound include a friendly, affectionate temperament, an easy-care coat and a sturdy, adaptable build that suits outdoor adventures. Many get along with other dogs and are tolerant with children. They make enthusiastic hiking partners and relaxed housemates. Coonhounds are also widely available through shelters and hound rescues, often as adults.

When a Coonhound trees a raccoon, it stays at the base of the tree and barks in a steady, rapid chop, sometimes rearing against the trunk, until the hunter follows the sound and arrives. In competition hunts, dogs earn points for trailing and treeing, and the raccoon is usually left unharmed. Pet hounds may try to tree squirrels.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is generally the biggest coonhound breed. Males stand about 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and adults commonly weigh 65 to 110 pounds. Large Bluetick and Treeing Walker males can also reach 27 inches but are usually leaner. Plotts and American English Coonhounds tend to be the lighter coonhounds.