English Coonhound vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison

English Coonhound vs American Foxhound - Breed ComparisonBoth American Foxhound and English Coonhound are originated from United States. Both American Foxhound and English Coonhound are having almost same height. Both American Foxhound and English Coonhound are having almost same weight. Both American Foxhound and English Coonhound has same life span. American Foxhound may have more litter size than English Coonhound. Both American Foxhound and English Coonhound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Hound dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
56 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
49 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
18 - 30 kg
39 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 30 kg
46 - 67 pounds
16 - 28 kg
35 - 62 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
4 - 6
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
Foxhound
American English Coonhound; Redtick Coonhound
Colors Available:
red, tricolor, black and tan, blue
bluetick, redtick, and a tricolor tick pattern
Coat:
short, hard
short, harsh
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Sweet
Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Loving, Loyal, Quiet, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american foxhoundAs a cousin of the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound is a scent hound and bred for hunting. Robert Brooke brought the first hunting dogs to the colonies in 1650. These dogs were the starting point for several American hound breeds including the American Foxhound.

For almost 300 years the Brooke family owned and bred dogs from this bloodline.

At the same time that Brooke was hunting with and breeding his hounds, George Washington was given French Foxhounds. These were crossed with the Brooke’s dogs to create the American Foxhound. This breed is said to have been originally bred in Virginia and Maryland.

They are the state dog of Virginia. After Red Foxes were imported or migrated, Irish Foxhounds were brought to American and added into the line, increasing the stamina and speed that today’s dog’s still display.

The American Foxhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today’s American Foxhound presents in many different lines but are all considered the same breed even though some ay look very different. These strains include the Trigg, Walker, Penn-Marydel, Goodman, July and Calhoun.

english coonhoundThe interesting thing about the English Coonhound is that he originated in the United States, in the southern states. It is also called the American English Coonhound and recognized as such by the AKC. Its ancestry however is British coming from the hunting hounds- the Foxhounds- that were brought to the United States from England in the 17th and 18th centuries and were the base for the Virginia Hounds. These hounds came from dogs that were imported for George Washington, Thomas Walker and Robert Brooke. These Virginia Hounds were then developed into the English Coonhound.

A dog was needed that could handle the rougher terrain of the United States and hunt American Red Fox and racoons. Interestingly it was England, through the UKC, that first recognized the breed in 1905, labeling it the English Fox and Coonhound. The AKC recognized it in 2011.

Development of this group of hounds continued when the Treeing Walker Coonhound was split off as its own breed in 1945, and the Bluetick Coonhound followed in 1946. The English Coonhound can tree a prey or corner it until the hunter arrives. They hunt in packs or they can work one on one with the hunter. Either way they excel at finding and holding their prey “at bay”.

Description

american foxhound puppy - descriptionGiven the variety of bloodlines and strains mentioned above, there can be many differences in the American Foxhounds. Because of this most American Foxhounds bred to show are Walkers as they most closely fit the AKC Breed Standard.

In general, the American Foxhound has long, straight legs and is taller than the English Foxhound. They have a narrow chest and domed skull with a long muzzle.

They have low, wide set eyes that should be dark – brown or hazel, never blue. They have feet like a fox and laid-back shoulders with a curved tail. Athletic and muscled, the American Foxhound is bred to run. They are one of the rarest breeds in the United States.

english coonhound puppy - descriptionThe English Coonhound is a medium sized dog with a domed head and a deep chest. His build is very athletic. He has dark eye and low-hung ears. The coats of the English Coonhound are extremely variable. For the most part there are three distinct types – the Redtick, the Tricolor and the Bluetick. They can be in any of these categories and have ticking of any color. The most predominate of this group is the Red. So, predominate is the red that the breed is often called the Redtick Coonhound by many.

Characteristics

american foxhound dog - characteristicsWith a reputation as a docile, sweet dog, the American Foxhound is great with kids and animals. They are gentle and often very shy with strangers. They are strong willed and stubborn especially when training them, so they are not a good first dog. They need an owner who has handled dogs before and knows how to be the pack leader without being angry or mean.

The American Foxhound is a scent hound and once he is on the scent it is close to impossible to distract him from it. They have a tendency to ignore commands when they are in this state. A strong owner/leader is needed for this reason. Don’t let him off leash in an unfenced area.

english coonhound dog - characteristicsThe English Coonhound is quiet when at home and loud when hunting. They love to cuddle up on a couch and they are great pets. However, they still have a very high prey drive and need a lot of exercise as previously mentioned. They love kids and will be very loyal, hoping to please you all the time. They are curious and if left alone can be destructive. They can also be stubborn and strong willed, and they will howl when caged. If you are going to crate them, train them to it from 3 months on.

Health Problems

american foxhound puppies - health problemsThe American Foxhound, like most hunting dogs does not carry a lot of genetic disorders. But they can easily become overweight and this can cause major problems. Dysplasia of any type had been mostly unknown in this breed, but due to obesity it is cropping up on occasion. Breeders have not, and do not usually screed for any genetic diseases.

The most devastating health issue the American Foxhound faces is thrombocytopathy. We will go into more detail on this in the Care for Pet section. This is a disease of the blood system, namely the platelets.

english coonhound puppies - health problemsThe English Coonhound is an exceptionally hardy breed. The only serious situation they regularly face is Bloat. Bloat appears when the dog eats a large meal too fast after exercising or eats too large a meal before exercising. What happens in bloat is the stomach is distended and the intestine can wrap around vital organs and kill the dog.

Breeders do test for elbow and hip dysplasia but the is not a lot of this in the breed.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american foxhound dogs - caringWhether feeding a pup, or an adult American Foxhound, you need to be sure the food is high quality and that you don’t overfeed. The Foxhound is happy to eat as much as you give him. They like to eat. Make sure you measure and don’t free feed. Control what they are eating.

For a puppy feed twice, a day – 2 to 3 cups of high quality puppy food. When he becomes an adult feed him once a day with 2 cups of adult food.

Health issues

As mentioned previously, the American English Foxhound, like most of the hound breeds is a very healthy dog. They do not have many genetic health issues. They do have a risk for thrombocytopathy. This risk is slight, but all owners of American English Foxhounds should be aware of it.

Thrombocytopathy

This disease is a circulatory system disease with poorly or non-functioning platelets. Platelets are designed to assist in the control of bleeding and without functioning ones the dog can bleed excessively from just a minor cut or bleed internally from a minor injury. The disease can be treated but you have to notice it first. Depending on how severe the disease is, the treatment will vary. Some dogs will have to be given platelets.

Exercise and games

This is a high energy breed that is very active and needs a lot of exercise. They are not good for the first-time owner as they are stubborn and hard to train. They need room to run and get frustrated and out of sorts if they don’t have it. They can live in the suburbs but only with a large fenced yard, an even larger dog park and regular walks. This dog needs a lot of exercise. The simplest thing to do is take him hunting.

Feeding

english coonhound dogs - caringWhen feeding your English Coonhound be aware that this athlete loves to eat. You have to keep him from growing obese as his tendency to overeat is high. He uses a lot of energy on the hunt so if he is a hunting dog perhaps he needs more calories. Be careful when and how you feed him so that he won’t get bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American English Coonhound is a very hearty breed and its most serious issue is Bloat. However, they also have long, floppy ears.

Exercise and games

Because they were bred to hunt they need a lot of daily exercise. Jogging, brisk walking, or playing at t dog park are good activities for him. If they don’t get enough energy they become high strung and can engage in destructive behavior. Don’t let them off leash as they might wander off after any scent they capture. They love to chase a ball and you’ll wear out before they do. He might be good at lure chasing.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. American Foxhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
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  26. English Coonhound vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Coonhound vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Coonhound vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Coonhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Coonhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Coonhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Coonhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Coonhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Coonhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Coonhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Coonhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Coonhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Coonhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Coonhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Coonhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Coonhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Coonhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Coonhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Coonhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Coonhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Coonhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Coonhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Coonhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Coonhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Coonhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison