While breeders of different coonhounds were refining their breeding programs back in the 1700s and 1800s, rural America needed a hardy dog that would hunt, and also be protective of the family. Pioneering settlers in the Southern states bred their own working dogs. The result is the Cur dog, of which there are now a number of different breeds.

All of these varieties are derived from a scenthound of some kind, possibly the red bone coonhound, and their bloodline includes a mix of other breeds of dogs. For example, the Texas blue lacy Cur likely has greyhound or whippet forefathers, and it’s speculated that there may even be coyote. The Catahoula Cur dog is likely a mix of a type of French scenthound and Spanish mastiff, and there is a (however unlikely) chance there are some red wolf genes in there too.

Another hardy dog bred to be a good hunter and protector is the Feist. The Feist was likely bred from fox terriers, greyhounds and beagles, all brought over to the United States with English miners. Like the Cur dog, there are many types of Feist, but they are smaller than other hunting dogs, barely reaching 18 inches from feet to shoulders.

Both the Curs and the Feists coon hounds are primarily bred to be hardy, fearless hunters and protectors that can endure a days or even weeks hard work non-stop. The Cur dog is an all-purpose tree dog, with a medium nose. Curs are used to hunt and chase raccoons and other varmints, mountain lion and bear, and in Louisiana and Texas they are also used to hunt wild pigs. They are great stock dogs, working well with cattle in particular.

Protective and courageous, they will guard the home, but they are gentle and loving members of the family. They are similar to coonhounds in temperament, in that their nose rules their behavior, but they are less stubborn and more responsive, so an absolute delight to have indoors. They are bred to be hard working dogs, and therefore, like the coonhounds, need to be worked or exercised regularly, preferably as a hunter or stock dog to prevent boredom and associated destructiveness.

Feists

Feists are rugged little dogs and make great squirrel dogs, for which they are now primarily bred for hunting. They’re also efficient at chasing other small quarry such as rabbits and rats, and great to have around the home and property because they will eliminate all vermin, and keep them away as well. As

Feists are smaller, they’re able to get into rabbit and other small varmints burrows and nests and seek out litters of babies, before they become a problem. These dogs have an immense amount of energy, like the fox terrier, and they have a keen sense of smell.

Feists also hunt with their eyes and ears alert, and because they form such a tight bond with their handler, they’re very responsive to commands, even while pursuing an animal. They fit in well at home, especially as they’re smaller, and the strong relationship they build with their main hunting buddy can extend to the rest of the family, possibly including a cat who can stand its ground!

Health

Both the Cur and the Feist are free of any particular health vulnerabilities, and live long lives, approximately 12-16 years.

Overall, both the Cur and the Feist dogs are extremely robust, able to work hard, play hard and they can be a loving member of the family they will guard and protect.

If the Cur or Feist isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.

The handsome rich red of the Redbone coonhound comes from its Scottish roots. In the 1800s, after other coonhounds had been bred from the English hounds that been in America since the 1700s, Scottish immigrants brought their foxhounds, which were deep red in color, into Georgia.

The Irish bred bloodhounds and foxhounds were imported in the mid-1800s and the resulting hound from those Scottish and Irish hounds was the early Redbone, so named after Tennessee dog breeder Peter Redbone. As the early Redbone coonhound breed grew, they were bred specific attributes more suited to game hunting in America. Traits such as being able to climb trees to a certain extent, undaunted by larger, fierce prey and incredible agility were desirable.

Strengths of the Redbone Coon Hound

Now, these characteristics help hunters all over America but the Redbone coonhound is virtually unheard of in other parts of the world. The breed is particularly special as they possess comparable skill to retrievers in the water, and as well as water-game and small animal prey, they will very successfully track and corner bears and other large game.

Redbone coonhounds are tireless and energetic when hunting and produce a wonderful melodic baying call when they have a treed raccoon for example, and are a joy to hunt with, they have an infectious energy. However, this breed can also be calm and laid-back, some say even enough to live in an apartment, as long as there’s opportunity for hunting and exercise.

Many Redbone coonhounds are working dogs on farms, and are able to work hard all day and then relax with the family by the fire in the evening. They’re also extremely affectionate, and good with children and other animals, and are not aggressive with strangers. However, the Redbone coonhound matures slowly, and the boisterous puppies will not realize how strong or big they are, which can lead to some unintended rough-and-tumble.

Consistent and applied training is important so that the Redbone coonhound is well-behaved enough to be with their family as much as possible, as they will become very unhappy and pine if left out of the family group. No training is required for a hunt, however, and Redbone coonhounds will always find a scent to follow whether you want them to or not. If Redbone coonhounds are not hunting, they will not make much noise, although they will alert anyone to strangers on the property.

Potential Problems of the Redbone Coon Hound

Of all the coonhounds, the Redbone coonhound is the breed most likely to put on weight if overfed, even though by nature they are very active. However, this can lead to obesity if the problem is not addressed, and another health condition, hip dysplasia, may worsen if it is a problem.

Hip dysplasia is not more likely in the Redbone coonhound than in other coonhounds or breeds, but a problem for all large dogs. These wonderful dogs can often have eye problems, usually later in life if they do, however they are overall extremely healthy and usually live 12-14 years.

The beautiful Redbone coonhound is a great companion for the whole family, and a very happy dog indeed if hunting is a regular part of their lives. Their tolerance of children and other pets is markedly different from other coonhounds, and they are very gentle once they have matured. While this is slow, both mentally and physically, the hard work training together will establish an extremely strong bond with this breed.

If the Redbone isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.

The Blue tick coon hound is an affectionate fun-loving dog with a keen and unshakeable tracking instinct. Originating in Southern USA in the early 1900s they were recognized as a breed of their own in 1945, like the other distinct coonhound breeds of today.

The Bluetick coonhound is the Tennessee state dog, a throw back to their Southern roots, although of course now they are bred and homed all over the world. Their Bluetick color is inherited from the Grand Bleu de Gascoigne, a French scenthound, from which the foxhounds and English coonhound are descendants.

The color is actually black and white, but the speckled, merle effect takes on a blue roan hue. The foxhounds and English coonhound were bred to be faster than the French hound, which is more suited to American hunting. These faster breeds were the progenitors of the Bluetick, which hunters selectively bred for their hunting skills. However, the trend toward breeding even faster hot-nosed coonhounds was not popular with hunters and trackers who desired the cold nosed ability, so they bred for endurance and tracking skill. The Bluetick coonhound might be slower than his hot-nosed cousins, but he is resolute and determined and will find and pursue his quarry from older ‘cold’ trails.

Strenghts of the Blue Tick Coon Hound

Bluetick coonhounds are passionate hunters and their instinct to chase is very strong which, of course, is desirable in a hunting coonhound. Coonhounds are known for their distinctive baying, or calling when they have pursued an animal up a tree and the Bluetick coonhound is no exception.

They are also known as ‘free tonguers’ which means they have a different ‘bugle’ or call throughout the hunt’s progress, and expert Bluetick coonhound handlers will recognize each call and know which stage of the hunt their hound is at. Bluetick coonhounds will chase anything smaller than them, but they are fearless and will also pursue larger, fiercer game such as bears. They are excellent night hunters, and have extremely good eyesight. Unfortunately, they are prone to cataracts in their older years.

Bluetick coonhounds are headstrong dogs can tend toward boisterous, pushy behavior if they are not convinced you are the unflappable and consistent leader they need. Otherwise they are intelligent, like all coonhound breeds, and because they are very devoted, often make very good companion dogs. Similar to all the coonhounds, the Bluetick is mellow and quiet indoors, and will settle into family life very well so long as he is able to exercise, especially if that involves hunting and tracking.

They’re smart and curious dogs and enjoy the challenge of a chase. The Bluetick coonhound is tolerant with children, but cannot be trusted with smaller non-canine animals. Their innate drive to track and hunt is so strong that they’re very likely to chase any other pet, regardless of the handler’s protests.

Potential Problems of the Blue Tick Coon Hound

All droopy-eared dogs, like the Bluetick coonhound, are especially prone to ear infections so it is very important their ears are kept clean. The Bluetick coonhound may get cataracts as it gets older as mentioned above; however, there are two more serious conditions these dogs are vulnerable to. Like the Black and Tan coonhound, the Bluetick coonhound is predisposed to hip dysplasia.

Unfortunately Bluetick coonhounds can get or carry Krabbe disease, a rare and often fatal degenerative illness that attacks the nerves. It may seem like these are daunting obstacles when selecting a Bluetick coonhound, but the average life span of these beautiful dogs is 10-12 years old.

These charismatic coonhounds are very loyal and hard-working, they enjoy affection and if they are physically and mentally given exercise and work to do regularly, they will happily relax with the family at home.

If the Blue Tick isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.

The variety of colors that an American Leopard hound can display is as colorful as its history.  The American Leopard hound is a descendant of hounds, likely Molossers and Greyhounds, brought to the new world by Spanish conquistadors and mated with native American Indian dogs.  They were bred to hunt bear, primarily, and may have been cross-bred with a number of other breeds of hound and cur during their breed evolution.

Strengths of the American Leopard Coon Hound

The American Leopard hound is an all-purpose tree dog, hardy and able to put up with temperature extremes.  This breed is built fast and tough, with thick heavy skinned paw-pads and a dense but smooth coat and huge stamina. They excel in their ability to track for miles and then hold game at bay for long periods of time without getting injured.

American Leopard hounds are generally silent until they reach their prey, and often track ‘head up’ so they have their eyes and ears alert as well as their legendary cold-nose.  They’ll trail their quarry and then ‘bail it up’, looking the animal in the eye, and do everything from yodel, squall, bawl and bark both to intimidate their cornered animal, and to alert the hunter of their position.

American Leopard hounds are referred to as ‘chop-mouthed’, meaning that they largely bark in a loud choppy voice, rather than baying like most coonhounds do, although as mentioned above they have plenty of other calls they might use.

One of the main differences between this breed and other coonhounds is that while they are also extremely intelligent, they have a desire to please and because of this are easier to train than other coonhounds.   Importantly, it also means that they will respond to voice commands during a hunt, they are not aloof and independent, and can work with the hunter more closely if necessary.

The American Leopard hound is a great addition to the household.  Because he is easier to train and eager to please, training this breed for being indoors is a breeze and they work in well with any family.  This breed is also a great playmate and very friendly.  While they are friendly with people they know, they can be a very dependable guard dog, as their intelligence enables them to discern if someone on the premises is up to no good.  American Leopard hounds have such a loud bark, they will either scare an intruder away, or alert any neighbors.

This breed is also an excellent farm work dog for moving livestock. They use intimidation to scare livestock to move rather than just blocking their way, or barking loudly as other stock dogs will do.  For cattle in particular this can be more effective; however, this method may be too much for sheep, who scare a lot more easily and move erratically with a big growling dog in front of them.

Problems to Watch Out For

As with many large dogs, coonhounds included, the American Leopard hound is prone to hip dysplasia.  They also carry a genetic mutation which can lead to deafness.  This deafness gene is associated with coat color and if the coat is predominantly white the dog has an 80% chance of being bi-laterally deaf, or have unilateral deafness.

The ability to more easily train an American Leopard hound, and also be able to communicate commands makes this coonhound a delight, especially for hunters who like to be in contact with their hunting buddy.  Being eager to please is not a common characteristic of coonhounds so this may be an important consideration with this breed.  Their coats display many different and incredible colors and patterns and no two American Leopard hounds are really alike. Their friendly nature and easy-going intelligence make this coonhound a wonderful family pet and worker.

If the American Leopard isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.

The Black and Tan coonhound is big, powerful and a tenacious tracker. Similar to the Treeing Walker coonhound, the Black and Tan breed was recognized in 1945 after a long history of working and hunting in the United States. The rich folk had their imported English foxhounds, but the working class needed a hardy tracker who would help them put meat on the table, so they bred their own hard working coonhound.

Black and Tan coonhounds earned the nickname ‘settlers dogs’ because they were the typical type of dog a family might have in the 1700s. The blood-lines of the St Hubert bloodhound, the Talbot hound, the foxhound and the Virginia foxhound are generally thought to have contributed to the Black and Tan coonhound breed, in particular their hunting and tracking abilities.

Strengths of the Black and Tan Coon Hound

It’s been said of the bloodhound that it’s really just a nose with a dog attached to it, and the same could be said of the Black and Tan coonhound. The painstaking and insistent way this breed of coonhound tracks scent make them invaluable, long after the trail has ‘gone cold’. This dog will follow a trail determinedly if he detects even the faintest whiff of scent, and they are known for treeing raccoons long after their handler has given up.

They have one of the best cold noses in the business and this ability to find and follow a very old trail scent has proven indispensible in search and rescue operations as well as hunting. Like other coonhounds, the Black and Tan coonhound calls to his handler when he has ‘treed’ his chase.

Each Black and Tan coonhound has a distinctive voice of his own, and a handler learns to recognize the triumphant call of his own dog when he’s tracked his quarry down. Of course, the Black and Tan coonhound will track and tree many more animals than just raccoons, and have even been used to hunt bears.

Once a Black and Tan coonhound is on a trail, they may develop ‘selective hearing’. Their innate tracking talent can take over, and off they go. Firm, patient and consistent leadership is needed as Black and Tan coonhounds are independent thinkers; they need to problem solve when following scent trails, but this brainpower can lead to misbehavior without proper care and training. These dogs are mellow, calm and unobtrusive when indoors and are a great member of the family, but their needs for work and exercise should be met or they can become bored and destructive.

This breed is a big strong working dog, and is ‘all terrain’. Black and Tan coonhounds will work in all weather and conditions, coping incredibly well with both very cold and very hot temperatures. However, the Black and Tan coonhound can be prone to hip dysplasia, like it’s forefather, the bloodhound. Other than that unfortunate inheritance, these dogs are very healthy, although their big droopy ears can become infected if they’re not kept clean.

These beautiful, intelligent dogs are great watchdogs, as they are extremely loyal and have an incredibly loud bark. They’re also very big – they can be almost 30 inches tall from foot to shoulder, so they can be a very imposing deterrent to anybody not welcome. Despite their size, the Black and Tan coonhound is very agile, and is well suited to competing in agility trials – in temperament as well as ability, they love the challenge.

The Black and Tan coonhound is a wonderful hunting partner, he’ll outrun you easily and come back asking for more and you couldn’t have a more dedicated buddy. They’re also wonderful with children, unless little ones keep pulling their tail, they’re extremely patient!

If the Black and Tan isn’t for you, consider one of the other Coon Hound Breeds.