Is the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound better for families with children?

Both the American English Coonhound and the American Foxhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound?

The American English Coonhound and American Foxhound shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound?

The American English Coonhound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American English Coonhound or American Foxhound bigger?

American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, American English Coonhound or American Foxhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or American Foxhound?

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.

American English Coonhound vs American Foxhound: Compared

American English Coonhound vs American Foxhound: full comparison

Trait	American English Coonhound	American Foxhound
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	Low
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very High	Very High
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The American English Coonhound is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the American Foxhound is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American English Coonhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The American Foxhound is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American English Coonhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The American Foxhound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American English Coonhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The American Foxhound needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, American English Coonhound will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas American Foxhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, American English Coonhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Foxhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American English Coonhound if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the American Foxhound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the American English Coonhound on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound better for families with children?: Both the American English Coonhound and the American Foxhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound?: The American English Coonhound and American Foxhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the American Foxhound?: The American English Coonhound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American English Coonhound or American Foxhound bigger?: American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American English Coonhound or American Foxhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or American Foxhound?: For apartment or apartment living, American English Coonhound and American Foxhound are an even match — either can work well.

American English Coonhound vs American Foxhound