Black Hound Breed Profile: History, Temperament & Care Guide

If you've ever searched for "black hound" and come up empty, you're not alone. The term is used loosely across the dog world — sometimes referring to black-coated coonhounds, the Norwegian Elkhound's dark cousins, or even mixed-breed shelter dogs with a sleek dark coat. But there is a specific, intentionally bred lineage known among serious scent hound enthusiasts as the Black Hound, a striking black-coated scenthound with deep roots in American and European hunting tradition. This guide covers the breed most accurately associated with that name, along with the closely related breeds that often get lumped under the same label.

Where Did the Black Hound Originate?

The term "Black Hound" most precisely refers to a lineage of dark-coated scenthounds developed in the American South and Midwest during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These dogs were selectively bred from Foxhound, Bloodhound, and various European hound stock to produce a dog with exceptional trailing ability, a distinctive deep howl (called a "bawl mouth"), and a solid black coat that was both striking and practical for visibility in dense brush.

Some cynologists trace the Black Hound's ancestry to the now-extinct Talbot Hound of medieval England — a white or dark-coated scent tracker brought to North America by early colonists. By the late 1800s, American hunters in the Appalachian and Ozark regions were crossing these old-world hounds with Bloodhounds and black-and-tan coonhounds to fix the solid black coat and amplify scenting endurance.

A competing theory links the Black Hound to the Dumfriesshire Hound of Scotland — a black-and-tan foxhound bred in the Dumfries region that was reportedly exported to North America in limited numbers. While historical records are sparse, both origin stories converge on the same conclusion: the Black Hound was built for one purpose — tracking large and small game over rough, heavily wooded terrain for hours at a time.

Recognition Status: Where Does the Black Hound Stand?

The Black Hound is not recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Instead, dogs fitting the Black Hound description are typically registered under related breeds:

• Black and Tan Coonhound — AKC recognized in 1945; the closest standardized breed to the Black Hound lineage
• American English Coonhound — AKC recognized in 2011; includes black-coated variants
• Treeing Walker Coonhound — AKC recognized in 2012; some lines produce solid black coats

Among coonhound registries like the United Kennel Club and the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), solid black coonhounds can sometimes be registered as color variants within established breeds. Dedicated Black Hound breeders remain a small, tight-knit community — mostly concentrated in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas — who prioritize working ability over conformation-show standards.

What Does a Black Hound Look Like?

Because the Black Hound lacks a single breed standard, physical traits vary. However, dogs from established Black Hound lines share a recognizable type:

Black Hound Physical Traits (Typical Range)

Trait	Measurement
Weight (Males)	55–75 lb / 25–34 kg
Weight (Females)	45–65 lb / 20–29 kg
Height at Shoulder	21–27 in / 53–69 cm
Coat	Short, dense, solid black (some lines show minimal tan points on chest or legs)
Ears	Long, low-set, pendant — reaching well past the jawline
Eyes	Dark brown to hazel, slightly deep-set
Tail	Strong, carried high when working, slight curve
Build	Athletic, slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest for lung capacity
Lifespan	10–13 years

What sets the Black Hound apart from a standard Black and Tan Coonhound is the absence of tan markings. A true Black Hound is solid black from nose to tail tip — no rust-colored eyebrows, no tan on the legs or muzzle. This solid coloration is the result of selective breeding over many generations and is considered the defining hallmark of the type.

Temperament: What Surprises New Owners

First-time Black Hound owners are almost universally surprised by two things: the volume and the stubbornness.

These dogs were bred to vocalize while on a scent trail — a behavior called "bawling" or "chopping" — and that instinct doesn't switch off in a suburban backyard. A Black Hound that picks up a raccoon trail at 2 a.m. will announce it to the entire neighborhood with a deep, resonant howl that carries for hundreds of yards. This is not a breed for close-quarter living, apartment dwellers, or anyone with noise-sensitive neighbors.

Temperament traits at a glance:

• Affectionate with family: Deeply loyal, often a "velcro dog" that follows owners room to room
• Aloof with strangers: Not aggressive, but reserved — will observe before warming up
• Pack-oriented: Thrives with another dog in the household; prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches
• High prey drive: Will chase cats, squirrels, deer, and anything that moves quickly — reliable recall is a lifelong training project
• Independent thinker: Bred to work at a distance from the hunter, so they don't look to humans for direction the way a Border Collie or Labrador does

The independence factor is what most surprises people. If you're used to breeds that live for your approval, a Black Hound's attitude — "I hear you, I just don't see why I should come back when there's a perfectly good deer trail here" — can feel like a personal rejection. It isn't. It's genetics.

How Rare Is This Breed Today?

Genuinely rare. There are no official population counts because the Black Hound isn't tracked by major kennel clubs as a standalone breed. However, based on breeder directories and coonhound registry data, the estimated number of dedicated Black Hound breeding programs in the United States is fewer than 30 active kennels, mostly in the Southeast and lower Midwest.

Most "black hounds" encountered in shelters or rescues are mixed-breed dogs or unregistered coonhound variants rather than dogs from intentional Black Hound lines. If you want a dog from established working bloodlines with known health history, you'll need to connect with a specialty breeder — and be prepared for a wait.

Black Hound vs. Similar Breeds: What's the Difference?

Breed Comparison: Black Hound vs. Related Breeds

Trait	Black Hound	Black and Tan Coonhound	American English Coonhound
Coat Color	Solid black	Black with tan points	Redtick, bluetick, tricolor (rarely solid)
AKC Recognition	No	Yes (1945)	Yes (2011)
Typical Weight	45–75 lb / 20–34 kg	45–65 lb / 20–29 kg	45–65 lb / 20–29 kg
Vocalization	High — bawl mouth	High — bawl mouth	High — chop bark
Primary Game	Raccoon, bear, mountain lion	Raccoon, opossum	Raccoon, squirrel
Availability	Very rare	Moderate	Moderate
First-Time Owner Fit	Not recommended	Challenging	Challenging

The Black and Tan Coonhound is the closest comparison — essentially the same dog with tan markings. If you're drawn to the Black Hound's look and temperament but can't find a breeder, a well-bred Black and Tan from a health-tested line is the most accessible alternative.

Care Requirements: What This Breed Demands

Owning a Black Hound is a lifestyle commitment. Here's what you need to budget for — in time, money, and patience:

Exercise: Non-Negotiable

A Black Hound needs a minimum of 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, and that's the floor, not the ceiling. Off-leash running in an unfenced area is not an option — their nose will override their training every time. You need:

• A securely fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence; these dogs can climb and dig)
• Daily long-line walks (30-foot leash) in varied terrain for mental stimulation
• Structured scent work or lure coursing as an outlet for their drive

Grooming: Low-Maintenance Coat, High-Maintenance Ears

The short coat needs only weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb. Shedding is moderate year-round. The real grooming priority is the ears. Long, pendant ears trap moisture and debris, making ear infections the single most common veterinary complaint in this breed type.

Clean ears weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner (products like Epi-Otic Advanced or Zymox are commonly used). If your dog swims, clean ears after every water session. Watch for head-shaking, odor, or redness — and consult your veterinarian if any of these appear.

Nutrition

Feed a high-quality diet meeting AAFCO standards for large-breed adult dogs. Active working Black Hounds may need 1,800–2,500 calories daily depending on exercise level. Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient and a guaranteed analysis showing minimum 22–26% protein for active adults. Avoid free-feeding — coonhound-types are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), and feeding one large meal or allowing rapid eating increases risk. Use a slow-feeder bowl and split meals into two daily servings.

Breed-Specific Health Concerns

While mixed hound genetics can confer some hybrid vigor, Black Hounds from established lines share predispositions with their coonhound and Bloodhound ancestors. Always consult your veterinarian for breed-appropriate screening.

Health Conditions to Discuss With Your Vet

Condition	Description	Estimated Prevalence	Screening
Hip Dysplasia	Malformation of the hip joint causing arthritis	~15–20% in coonhound-type breeds	OFA or PennHIP evaluation at 24 months
Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)	Chronic outer ear inflammation due to trapped moisture	Very common — majority affected at some point	Regular vet checks; owner monitoring
Ectropion	Eyelid rolls outward, exposing tissue	Present in some Bloodhound-influenced lines	Ophthalmologic exam (CERF/OFA)
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Stomach fills with gas and twists — life-threatening emergency	Deep-chested breeds at elevated risk	Preventive: gastropexy discussion with vet
Hypothyroidism	Underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy, coat issues	Reported in hound breeds; exact % unknown	Annual thyroid panel from age 4+

Responsible breeders should provide OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clearance certificates for hips and, where applicable, thyroid and eye evaluations. If a breeder cannot produce health testing documentation, walk away.

Finding a Black Hound: Cost, Breeders & Red Flags

Because this is not a mainstream breed, pricing and availability are less standardized than with AKC-registered breeds:

Black Hound Cost Breakdown

Category	Estimated Range
Puppy from working-line breeder	$800–$1,800
Puppy from show/conformation line (Black and Tan Coonhound alternative)	$1,200–$2,500
Rescue/adoption (coonhound-type)	$100–$400
First-year veterinary care (vaccines, spay/neuter, preventives)	$600–$1,200
Annual ongoing care (food, preventives, checkups)	$900–$1,500

Where to Look

• Coonhound breed clubs: The AKC Black and Tan Coonhound page lists breed club contacts who may know of solid-black puppies from registered lines
• UKC breeder directories: The United Kennel Club maintains coonhound breeder listings that occasionally include solid black dogs
• Coonhound rescues: Organizations like Coonhound Companions and regional hound rescues frequently have black-coated dogs needing homes
• Working hunter networks: In states like Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky, local coon-hunting clubs are the best source for working-line Black Hound puppies

Red Flags to Watch For

• Breeder cannot name the sire and dam's health testing results
• Puppies advertised as "rare black hound" at inflated prices ($3,000+) with no pedigree documentation
• No take-back clause — responsible breeders contractually require the dog be returned to them if you cannot keep it
• Puppies available immediately with no questions asked — ethical breeders interview buyers
• Multiple litters always available, multiple breeds offered — signs of a commercial breeding operation

Is the Black Hound Right for Your Family?

The honest answer: probably not, if this is your first dog. The Black Hound's combination of high exercise needs, extreme vocalization, prey drive, and independent temperament makes it a poor fit for novice owners, apartment living, or families with very small children (the dog isn't aggressive, but a 70-pound hound barreling through the house can knock over a toddler).

Where the Black Hound excels:

• Experienced hound owners who understand scent-driven behavior and won't punish a dog for following its nose
• Rural or semi-rural homes with acreage and secure fencing
• Active households that want a hiking, trail-running, or camping companion
• Multi-dog homes — these are pack dogs and do best with a canine companion
• Patient trainers committed to positive reinforcement methods — force-free training builds trust with an independent breed in ways that punitive methods never will

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Black Hounds be trained off-leash?

In most cases, no. Their scent drive is so powerful that a compelling trail will override even well-practiced recall training. Some individuals can earn reliable off-leash status after years of structured training in low-distraction environments, but this is the exception, not the rule. Always use a long line in open areas.

Are Black Hounds good with cats?

Generally not recommended. Their prey drive is strong, and while some individuals raised with cats from puppyhood can coexist peacefully, introducing an adult Black Hound to a home with cats is risky. If you must try, work with a certified professional dog trainer using desensitization and counter-conditioning protocols.

How much do Black Hound puppies cost?

Expect to pay $800–$1,800 from a reputable working-line breeder. Prices above $2,500 should come with extensive pedigree documentation and health clearances. Adoption through a coonhound rescue typically costs $100–$400.

Do Black Hounds shed a lot?

Moderately. The short coat sheds year-round but isn't as heavy as a Labrador or German Shepherd. Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt keeps loose hair manageable. You'll find short black hairs on dark clothing — it's a fact of life with this breed.

What's the difference between a Black Hound and a Black and Tan Coonhound?

Primarily coat color. The Black and Tan Coonhound has distinct tan markings on the muzzle, chest, legs, and eyebrows. The Black Hound is solid black. Temperament, size, and care needs are nearly identical, as they share the same ancestral stock.