Official ICCF breed description
Brief historical background
The Coonhound developed in the United States from European scenthounds brought by settlers in the 17th–18th centuries, including Foxhounds and Talbots. Selection was aimed at hunting raccoons and large game in dense forests and challenging terrain. Dogs were chosen for strong scenting ability, the capacity to work cold trails, and a powerful, carrying voice that allowed owners to follow the hunt from a distance. The breed expanded in the southern and eastern states, where varieties formed that differed in color and working characteristics. The modern Coonhound retains its traditional hunting function and is used as a versatile dog valued for endurance, reliability, and a manageable temperament.
General appearance
The Coonhound is a harmoniously built, strong, muscular dog of medium to large size, giving an impression of power and functionality without coarseness. The outline is slightly elongated, the body deep, the chest capacious, and the topline firm and stable. The head is proportionate, with a defined stop and long, thin ears characteristic of scenthounds. Limbs are straight with strong bone and well-developed joints, ensuring confident movement over uneven ground. The tail is of medium length and carried moderately high, without being curled over the back. The overall appearance demonstrates a balance of strength, agility, and endurance required for prolonged trailing.
Important proportions
The body length exceeds the height at the withers, while maintaining harmony and function. Chest depth reaches the elbow or slightly lower, providing sufficient lung capacity for extended pursuit. Muzzle length equals or slightly exceeds skull length, improving scenting ability and heat dissipation during intense work. The neck is of sufficient length, without looseness, and blends smoothly into a well-defined withers. Limbs are proportionate to the body, with balanced angulation that allows stability on uneven surfaces and an economical, free gait.
Behavior and temperament
The Coonhound is a balanced, energetic, and people-oriented breed with a pronounced hunting instinct. In work, the dog is persistent, independent in decision-making, and characterized by a distinct voice and the ability to maintain focus over long distances. At home, it is friendly and social, and interacts well with children and other dogs when properly socialized. It is not prone to unprovoked aggression but may show caution with strangers. The breed requires regular physical and mental stimulation; without it, restlessness or boredom may appear. It is trainable but benefits from consistent guidance.
Head
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set moderately deep, without bulging or a sunken appearance. The expression is attentive, calm, and confident, reflecting the breed’s stable temperament. Color ranges from dark brown to amber, matching the coat and never too light. Eyelids are dry and tight-fitting, with complete pigmentation and no gaps. Ectropion, entropion, excessive looseness, visible redness, irritation, or tearing are not acceptable. Slight softening of expression in young dogs is permitted, but the eye must retain a clear oval shape and correct placement. The sclera should not be visible, and the gaze is steady, without fearful or aggressive intent.
Facial part
The facial section should give an impression of strength and functionality without coarseness or heaviness. The muzzle is deep and evenly filled throughout its length; its width tapers gradually toward the nose without becoming pointed. The nasal bridge is straight or slightly convex, which may be acceptable in working dogs. Lips are well-pigmented and tight-fitting, with slight drooping at the corners allowed but without excessive looseness. The chin is defined but not massive and should not break the smooth outline of the head. The skin is tight, without folds or looseness, forming clean lines that emphasize dryness. Whiskers are moderate and do not obscure the muzzle or create softness. A coarse or excessively narrow muzzle is undesirable.
Eyes
The eyes are medium-sized, oval, and set moderately deep, without bulging or a sunken appearance. The expression is attentive, calm, and confident, reflecting the breed’s stable temperament. Color ranges from dark brown to amber, matching the coat and not excessively light. Eyelids are dry and tight-fitting with full pigmentation and no gaps. Ectropion, entropion, excessive looseness, visible conjunctiva, irritation, or tearing are not permitted. Slight softening in young dogs may occur, but the eye must maintain a clear oval contour and proper placement. The sclera should not be visible, and the gaze should remain direct, without nervous aggression or fearfulness.
Ears
The ears are long, thin, soft, and elastic, set low and pulled back, creating the characteristic scenthound outline. At rest, they hang close to the cheeks and, when extended, reach at least the tip of the nose. Tips are rounded and lie close without lifting away during movement. The skin is thin, without thickening or excessive hair. Short, coarse, high-set, overly thick, or incorrectly shaped ears that disrupt the breed type are not acceptable. Ears should enhance head expression without overloading the silhouette.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, muscular, and broadens smoothly toward the shoulders, blending harmoniously into the withers without sharp angles or abrupt transitions. The upper line is slightly arched, emphasizing noble head carriage, readiness for work, and balance. The skin is tight-fitting, without pronounced dewlap or folds; slight elasticity is acceptable but must not suggest looseness or heaviness. Neck thickness corresponds to body format and developed musculature, ensuring endurance during prolonged work. An overly short, coarse, excessively long, or thin neck disrupts balance and reduces functionality.
Body
The body is strong, slightly elongated, with a straight and stable topline maintained in movement. The withers are well defined and flow smoothly into the back. The back is straight, firm, and of medium length, neither soft nor roached. The loin is short, broad, and muscular, transmitting drive from the hindquarters. The chest is deep and well-descended to the elbow, with moderately sprung ribs—neither barrel-shaped nor flat. The ribcage is long enough to provide lung capacity for extended work. The abdomen is slightly tucked-up, confirming a dry working type. The croup is broad and slightly sloping, not cut off. The body should convey strength, endurance, and functionality without coarseness or looseness, maintaining balance and mobility.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, strong at the base, and tapering toward the tip. It is carried moderately high, lowered at rest, and lifted during movement but not curled over the back or forming a ring. Coat on the tail is moderate, without feathering or decorative length, matching the short coat of the breed. Docking is not permitted. A tail that is too short, excessively high-set, curled, or ring-shaped disrupts balance and the topline. The tail should emphasize function rather than draw attention.
Exterior description
Forequarters
Forelegs are straight and parallel, with strong bone and well-developed musculature, ensuring stability and free reach. Shoulders are long and well-sloped, lying close to the ribcage and forming a correct angle with the upper arm for economical movement. The upper arm is of equal length; angulation is balanced. Elbows are directed backward, neither turned in nor out. Pasterns are strong and slightly sloping, neither soft nor steep. Feet are compact and arched, with thick pads and strong nails. Weak bone, toeing-in or toeing-out, narrow front, soft pasterns, or flat feet are serious faults.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful and muscular, with well-defined angulation ensuring strong drive and stability on uneven terrain. Thighs are broad and long; lower legs are developed; hocks are low-set, promoting correct biomechanics. Feet are round, arched, and parallel when standing and moving. Weak ligaments, straight stifles, close hocks, toeing-out, narrow stance, or poor stability are not acceptable. Hindquarters must balance strength and mobility without heaviness or excessive lightness.
Gait and movement
Movement is free and economical, with a long stride and powerful hind drive. The topline remains stable without swaying or dipping. Forelegs extend straight without flicking or crossing; hindquarters move parallel, ensuring forward progression and steady rhythm. The gait demonstrates endurance and functional efficiency without tension or restricted stride. Slight head amplitude while scenting is acceptable. Restricted, unbalanced, high-stepping, shuffling movement, or noticeable coordination issues are not permitted.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, smooth, and close-lying, with strong protective qualities providing resistance to moisture and cold. Undercoat is moderate and increases seasonally but must not be excessively thick or fluffy. Slight lengthening on the tail and rear thighs is acceptable without forming fringes. Coat must feel firm, not soft or silky. Sparse, brittle, open coat, weak undercoat, poor protection, or pronounced fluffiness are faults.
Acceptable colors
Colors vary by type but generally include combinations of black, red, brown, tan, ticking, and merle. White markings are permitted in moderation and must not dominate or disrupt overall balance. Pigmentation of skin and nose must be complete and rich. Albinism, extreme white, lack of pigment, non-typical combinations, or unstandardized variations are not allowed. Slight lightening in older dogs is acceptable if it does not affect breed type.
Size
Height at the withers typically ranges from 53 to 69 cm depending on sex and type, maintaining a working format without heaviness. Weight is proportionate to bone and size; excessive mass or lack of substance is not allowed. Dogs must remain enduring, agile, and capable of sustained trailing. Extreme deviations in height that impair functionality, overly light build, or excessive heaviness are not acceptable. Size should emphasize working capability rather than ornamentation while maintaining balanced proportions.
Faults
Faults include any deviations from the standard evaluated by degree and impact on functionality. Undesirable traits include looseness, lack of firmness, weak bone, narrow or flat chest, disrupted topline, short or high-set ears, light eyes, incomplete nose or eyelid pigmentation. Incorrect bite without health impact, soft pasterns, toeing-in or toeing-out, shortened stride, insufficient breed expression, shyness, or excessive excitability are also faults.
Disqualification
Disqualifying faults include unprovoked aggression or pronounced cowardice, lack of breed type, albinism, complete depigmentation of the nose, severe entropion or ectropion, serious bite defects affecting function, absence of multiple teeth beyond age-appropriate allowances, docked tail, severe gait abnormalities, persistent lameness, congenital limb deformities, and any faults endangering health or preventing performance of the breed’s working tasks.
Important notes
The Coonhound requires early socialization, regular physical and mental exercise, voice control, and sufficient space for free movement. The breed is unsuitable for owners leading a sedentary lifestyle or unable to provide long walks and scent work. Preservation of working qualities is a breeding priority; intentional shift toward decorative type is unacceptable. Care should include monitoring of ears, nails, and body condition. Isolation-based keeping is not permissible.
Conclusion
The Coonhound is an enduring, functional, and people-oriented hunting breed, maintaining a pronounced trailing instinct and the ability to work cold tracks over long distances. With a balanced character and high trainability, the dog becomes a reliable partner with proper socialization and regular activity. In active conditions, the Coonhound demonstrates friendliness, stability, and a consistent temperament, but is not suited for owners seeking a passive or ornamental breed. Preservation of working ability remains the primary direction of breeding.
