✓ Verified · Reviewed datavaries by registry
American English Coonhound
Hound breed from United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is a medium-sized scent hound developed in the United States. It is known for its athletic build, excellent tracking ability, and distinctive melodious baying. The breed is energetic, friendly, intelligent, alert, and work-focused. Its short coat is easy to care for, but individual temperaments can vary. Estimated adult weight ranges from 20 to 30 kg, height from 61 to 66 cm, and lifespan from 11 to 12 years. The breed's recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
American English Coonhound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginUnited States
Lifespan11–12 years
Male weight20–30 kilogram
Female weight20–30 kilogram
Male height61–66 centimetre
Female height61–66 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The American English Coonhound descends from English Foxhounds brought to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries. Breeders in the American South developed the breed for hunting raccoons and foxes in rougher terrain. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 2011, but recognition status varies by registry. Its history is tied to its working purpose as a treeing hound, though specific dates and health claims are not provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
20–30 kilogramAdult weight61–66 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticfriendlyintelligentalertwork-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No American English Coonhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
Similar breeds
Continue comparing
Related comparisons
Compare this breed
Growth chart
American English Coonhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight20–30 kilogramAdult female weight20–30 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an American English Coonhound?
Estimated adult weight is 20–30 kg, height 61–66 cm, and lifespan 11–12 years. These are modelled estimates.
What is the temperament of this breed?
The breed is described as energetic, friendly, intelligent, alert, and work-focused. Individual dogs may vary.
How much exercise does an American English Coonhound need?
With an energy score of 5 out of 5, this breed requires substantial daily exercise. It was bred for hunting and needs ample physical activity.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 2 out of 5, indicating low maintenance. The short coat needs minimal brushing. Shedding score is 3 out of 5, so moderate shedding is expected.
Is this breed suitable for apartments or households with children?
Apartment suitability is low (2/5) due to high energy. Child suitability is moderate (4/5), but supervision is recommended. Dog compatibility is moderate (3/5).
Where does the American English Coonhound originate?
The breed originated in the United States, developed from English Foxhounds brought to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Is the American English Coonhound recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. It was recognized by the AKC in 2011, but other registries may differ.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.