Is the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound better for families with children?

The Black and Tan Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?

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

Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound bigger?

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

Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound?

For apartment or apartment living, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American English Coonhound vs Black and Tan Coonhound

American English Coonhound vs Black and Tan Coonhound: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The American English Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. 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 Black and Tan Coonhound needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

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 Black and Tan Coonhound 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 picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Black and Tan Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, American English Coonhound will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Black and Tan Coonhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American English Coonhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American English Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American English Coonhound if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Black and Tan Coonhound if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound better for families with children?: The Black and Tan Coonhound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?: The American English Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American English Coonhound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound bigger?: American English Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, American English Coonhound or Black and Tan Coonhound?: For apartment or apartment living, Black and Tan Coonhound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.