Did you know that July 9th is Coon Dog Day? Coon Dogs have been the loyal and lovable companions of hunters for centuries. As the name suggests, these pups were bred to hunt, with raccoons being top prey. However, Fido also makes a great pet! A Cornelius, NC vet offers some fun facts about these pups below.

Types

There are six different types of coonhounds. The Treeing Walker Coondog is known for chasing his prey up trees, while the American English Coonhound is known for speed. Next up we have the Bluetick Coonhound, the fastest of the bunch, and the adorable redheaded Redbone Coonhound, who was bred by Scottish settlers. Then there’s the Black and Tan Coonhound, an expert in night hunting, and, last but not least, the Plott Coonhound.

Hunting

As mentioned above coonhounds were bred to hunt raccoons. However, they also hunt other small game, such as foxes. Some breeds only hunt raccoons, while others can go after either one or both.

History

Here’s an interesting tidbit: George Washington was one of the first North Americans to have owned an American English Coonhound. In fact, he was one of the earliest developers of the breed.

Unique Pup

Speaking of the American English Coonhound, these guys are also known for being quite vocal. In fact, they are one of the most talkative dog breeds!

Climbing Pups

We usually leave tree climbing to our feline patients, but to be honest, we rather prefer that all our furry pals keep all four paws on the ground. The American English Coonhound may give Fluffy a run for her money in this area, though: these pups are known to have climbed trees.

Fido Has His Own Festival

Every year, Coon Dog lovers gather in Saluda to celebrate their canine companions. This year’s event takes place on July 9th, and will feature food, music, and a race. Fido is of course welcome to go play with his buddies! Just keep him leashed, and bring plenty of water for him.

Tips

Coonhounds are in general very loyal and lovable, but they are also high-energy dogs that need lots of room to run and play. Do some research before adopting one, just to make sure Fido is the right fit for your household. Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Cornelius, NC animal clinic, today.