Bloodhound Coonhound Mix: Complete Breed Guide & Care Tips

If you've ever been stopped in your tracks by a dog with the droopy, soulful face of a Bloodhound and the lean, athletic build of a Coonhound, you've likely encountered a Bloodhound Coonhound mix. This designer cross blends two of the most iconic scent hounds in the American South into a single, nose-to-the-ground companion. But before you bring one home, you need to understand exactly what you're signing up for — because mixed-breed dogs don't come with guarantees.

This guide breaks down the realities of owning a Bloodhound Coonhound mix: the traits you can somewhat predict, the ones that are a total coin flip, the health conditions both parent breeds carry, and the kind of household where this dog truly thrives. Whether you're looking at a litter from a breeder or considering a rescue, you'll find the specifics you need to make an informed decision.

What Two Breeds Make Up the Bloodhound Coonhound Mix?

The Bloodhound Coonhound mix is a cross between a purebred Bloodhound and a Coonhound — most commonly the Black and Tan Coonhound, though Treeing Walker Coonhound and Bluetick Coonhound crosses also appear. Both parents belong to the hound group and share a deep-rooted instinct to track scents over long distances, but they differ in build, energy level, and day-to-day temperament.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Bloodhound vs. Coonhound

Understanding each parent breed helps you anticipate what your mixed dog might inherit. Here's how they compare on the traits that matter most to daily life:

Trait	Bloodhound (AKC Standard)	Black & Tan Coonhound (AKC Standard)
Weight	80–110 lb (36–50 kg)	65–110 lb (29–50 kg)
Height	23–27 in (58–69 cm)	23–27 in (58–69 cm)
Lifespan	10–12 years	10–12 years
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of stamina, couch potato at home	High — sustained endurance, needs a job
Vocalization	Baying, howling — moderate frequency	Loud, distinctive bawl — high frequency
Coat	Short, dense, wrinkled skin	Short, dense, minimal wrinkles
Trainability	Low — independent, scent-driven	Low-moderate — independent but slightly more biddable
Prey Drive	Very high (scent tracking)	Very high (scent tracking + treeing instinct)

Sources: AKC Bloodhound Breed Standard, AKC Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Standard.

How Big Will a Bloodhound Coonhound Mix Get?

Both parent breeds are large dogs with overlapping size ranges, so the Bloodhound Coonhound mix lands firmly in the large-to-extra-large category. However, individual puppies within the same litter can vary significantly.

Measurement	Low End	High End	Most Common Range
Adult Weight	60 lb (27 kg)	115 lb (52 kg)	75–100 lb (34–45 kg)
Adult Height (at shoulder)	22 in (56 cm)	28 in (71 cm)	24–26 in (61–66 cm)
Time to Full Size	14 months	24 months	18–20 months

Puppies leaning toward the Coonhound parent tend to be leaner and slightly lighter (65–85 lb), while those favoring the Bloodhound side carry more bone and loose skin, pushing toward 90–115 lb. You won't know which direction a puppy will go until roughly 6–8 months of age, when growth curves start to reveal their trajectory.

Practical tip: Ask the breeder or rescue for the weights of both parent dogs. A litter from a 90 lb Bloodhound dam and a 70 lb Coonhound sire will produce puppies clustering around 75–85 lb — more predictable than a pairing of two 110 lb parents.

Coat, Shedding, and Grooming: What to Expect

Here's one area where you can be fairly confident: regardless of which parent the puppy favors, you're getting a short, dense coat. Neither Bloodhounds nor Coonhounds carry genes for long, wiry, or curly coats. The coat will be low-maintenance in terms of styling but not low-maintenance in terms of shedding.

Grooming routine for a Bloodhound Coonhound mix:

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or medium-bristle brush (a Kong ZoomGroom or Safari rubber brush works well — both under $15)
• Ear cleaning: Weekly, minimum. Both parent breeds have long, pendulous ears that trap moisture and debris. Use a veterinary ear cleanser (Epi-Otic Advanced or similar) to prevent yeast and bacterial otitis
• Skin fold care (if Bloodhound-dominant): If your dog inherits facial wrinkles, wipe folds daily with unscented canine wipes and dry thoroughly to prevent fold dermatitis
• Nail trims: Every 3–4 weeks — large hounds put significant force on their nails, and overgrowth alters gait and stresses joints
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; both breeds are known for a distinctive "hound smell" that regular bathing helps manage
• Drool management: Bloodhound-leaning dogs may drool moderately to heavily; keep a bandana or cloth handy, especially after drinking

Temperament: The Best Case and the Challenging Realities

Temperament is where mixed breeds become the most unpredictable. A Bloodhound Coonhound mix inherits scent-hound genetics from both sides, which creates a fairly reliable baseline — but the intensity of specific traits varies widely between individual dogs, even littermates.

Traits you can generally count on regardless of which parent the dog favors:

• Nose-driven behavior: This dog will sniff everything, follow scent trails, and may ignore recall commands when locked onto an interesting smell. This is not defiance — it's hardwired neurology.
• Vocalization: Expect baying, howling, or a combination. Both breeds are vocal, and this trait rarely gets bred out. Apartment living is generally not advisable.
• Gentle with people: Neither breed has a history of human-directed aggression. These dogs are typically friendly to strangers, though some may be initially aloof.
• Pack-oriented: Both breeds worked in groups. Most Bloodhound Coonhound mixes do well with other dogs and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods (4+ hours regularly).
• Food motivation: High. This is actually an asset for training — use it to your advantage with positive reinforcement methods.

Training approach: Use force-free, positive reinforcement methods exclusively. Food-reward-based training with high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken) works best. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) because hounds lose focus quickly. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls — these methods damage trust and can trigger fear-based reactivity in sensitive hound dogs. A certified force-free trainer (look for CPDT-KA or IAABC credentials) can help with leash pulling and recall challenges.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Inherited Risks

Let's address a persistent myth: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health risks. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) is real in livestock and some species, but in dogs, crossing two purebreds simply reshuffles the genetic deck. If both parent breeds carry genes for the same condition — which Bloodhounds and Coonhounds do for several — the mix can absolutely inherit those problems. What hybrid vigor may offer is reduced risk for conditions that are breed-specific to only one parent.

Here are the health conditions this mix can inherit from either or both parent breeds:

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence / Risk	Screening Test
Hip Dysplasia	Both breeds	Moderate-high; OFA data shows ~20% of Bloodhounds and ~15% of Coonhounds rated dysplastic	OFA/PennHIP radiograph at 24 months
Elbow Dysplasia	Primarily Bloodhound	Moderate; ~12% of Bloodhounds affected per OFA records	OFA elbow radiograph
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Both breeds (deep-chested)	High risk — large, deep-chested breeds are 5–8x more likely to develop GDV	No screening; discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)	Both breeds (pendulous ears)	Very high — recurrent ear infections affect an estimated 50%+ of drop-eared hounds	Regular veterinary ear cytology
Entropion / Ectropion	Primarily Bloodhound	Moderate — eyelid conformation issues are common in loose-skinned breeds	Veterinary ophthalmologic exam (CERF/OFA)
Hypothyroidism	Both breeds	Low-moderate; autoimmune thyroiditis reported in both breeds	OFA thyroid panel (full panel, not just T4)

What to ask a breeder: Request OFA or PennHIP hip scores, OFA elbow scores, and OFA thyroid panels for both parent dogs. A responsible breeder will have these results publicly available on the OFA database. If a breeder says "our dogs are healthy" without documentation, walk away.

Always consult your veterinarian to develop a breed-appropriate wellness plan for your dog, including joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin at 500–1000 mg/day for large breeds) starting around 12 months of age if recommended.

Exercise, Enrichment, and Daily Life

This is a working hound cross that needs purposeful activity, not just a quick walk around the block. Here's a realistic daily exercise framework:

• Minimum daily exercise: 60–90 minutes of physical activity, split into at least two sessions
• Ideal activities: Long sniff walks (letting the dog lead and smell — this is mental exercise for hounds), hiking on leash, swimming, and structured scent work or nosework games
• Off-leash caution: Do not trust this mix off-leash in unfenced areas. The prey drive and scent focus are too strong — a Bloodhound Coonhound mix that catches an interesting trail will run for miles and will not respond to recall. Invest in a GPS collar (Garmin TT25 or Tractive GPS DOG 4 — $50–$200) if you plan to hike in open areas
• Fencing: A minimum 6-foot fence is recommended. Some individuals inherit the Coonhound's climbing ability and may attempt to scale shorter fences. Ensure no gaps at the base — hounds will dig under fences to follow scents
• Mental enrichment: Snuffle mats, frozen Kongs, scent discrimination games, and food puzzles. A bored hound is a destructive hound — these dogs will chew furniture, dig holes, and howl if chronically under-stimulated

Cost: What You'll Pay for a Bloodhound Coonhound Mix

Pricing for this cross varies widely depending on whether you go through a breeder or rescue, your geographic region, and the lineage of the parent dogs.

Acquisition Path	Price Range	What's Included
Responsible Breeder (OFA-tested parents)	$800–$2,000	Health-tested parents, early socialization, first vaccinations, deworming, health guarantee, take-back clause
Casual/Backyard Breeder	$300–$800	Variable — typically no health testing, minimal documentation; higher risk of inherited conditions
Breed-Specific Rescue or Shelter	$150–$500	Spay/neuter, core vaccinations, microchip, basic veterinary exam; adult dogs available with known temperament

First-year total cost estimate (beyond acquisition): $2,500–$4,500. This includes:

• High-quality large-breed food (AAFCO complete and balanced, 22–26% protein): $60–$120/month
• Preventive medications (heartworm, flea/tick — Simparica Trio, Interceptor Plus, or equivalent): $150–$300/year
• Veterinary wellness visits (2 in first year, including spay/neuter if not done): $400–$800
• Supplies (crate rated for 100+ lb dog, heavy-duty leash, harness, bowls, bed): $300–$600
• Training (group classes or private sessions with force-free trainer): $200–$600
• Pet insurance (recommended for large breeds — Healthy Paws, Trupanion, or similar): $50–$90/month

Bloodhound Coonhound mixes are not common in designer breed markets, so availability through breeders is limited. Your best bet is often hound-specific rescues. Organizations like the Coonhound Rescue network and regional Bloodhound rescue groups occasionally have mixed-breed dogs available. Adopting an adult (2–4 years old) gives you the advantage of a known temperament and fully developed size.

Who Is the Bloodhound Coonhound Mix Best Suited For?

This cross is not a good fit for everyone. Here's a decision framework to help you self-assess:

Good Fit If You...	Poor Fit If You...
Have a securely fenced yard (minimum 6 ft, no gaps)	Live in an apartment or have close neighbors sensitive to noise
Enjoy long walks, hiking, or outdoor activities daily	Want a dog you can walk for 20 minutes and leave alone for 8 hours
Have experience with hounds or other independent breeds	Are a first-time dog owner expecting an obedient, biddable companion
Don't mind drool, shedding, and a distinctive hound odor	Want a hypoallergenic or low-maintenance-grooming dog
Have children aged 6+ (these are large, sometimes clumsy dogs)	Have toddlers who could be knocked over by a 90 lb dog
Appreciate a dog with personality, humor, and independence	Want a dog that will obey commands instantly and stay by your side off-leash

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bloodhound Coonhound mixes good with cats?

It depends on the individual dog and early socialization. Both parent breeds have high prey drives, and small, fast-moving animals can trigger chase behavior. A Bloodhound Coonhound mix raised alongside cats from puppyhood may coexist peacefully, but introducing an adult hound mix to a household with cats requires careful management and professional guidance. Never leave a hound mix unsupervised with cats or small animals, regardless of how well they seem to get along.

How long do Bloodhound Coonhound mixes live?

Expect a lifespan of 10–12 years, consistent with both parent breeds. Some individuals may reach 13–14 years with excellent genetics, appropriate nutrition (maintaining a lean body condition score of 4–5 out of 9), and proactive veterinary care. Large breeds age faster than small breeds, so senior wellness exams (every 6 months) should begin around age 7.

Do Bloodhound Coonhound mixes bark a lot?

They vocalize more than most breeds. Expect baying (a deep, drawn-out howl), barking at strangers or unusual sounds, and vocalizing during play. The volume is significant — these are large dogs with powerful vocal apparatus. If you live in an HOA or attached housing, this breed mix will likely create noise complaints. Rural or suburban homes with distance from neighbors are ideal.

Can Bloodhound Coonhound mixes be trained off-leash?

Realistically, no. While some individuals with intensive training can achieve reliable recall in low-distraction environments, the scent drive inherited from both parent breeds makes off-leash reliability in real-world conditions extremely unlikely. A 2019 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that hound breeds had the lowest recall compliance among all breed groups tested. Always use a secure leash or fenced area.

What should I feed a Bloodhound Coonhound mix?

Feed a large-breed formula that meets AAFCO standards for complete and balanced nutrition. For puppies, use a large-breed puppy formula (calcium content 1.0–1.5% on a dry matter basis) to support proper bone development and reduce hip dysplasia risk. Adult dogs typically eat 3–5 cups of high-quality kibble per day, split into two meals. Avoid feeding one large meal — feeding twice daily reduces bloat risk. Consult your veterinarian for specific portion recommendations based on your dog's body condition score and activity level.

Where can I find a Bloodhound Coonhound mix for adoption?

Check hound-specific rescue organizations, including Coonhound rescue networks, Bloodhound rescue groups, and general large-breed rescues. Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet allow you to search by breed mix. Be patient — this specific cross is uncommon, and you may need to broaden your search to include similar hound mixes or wait several months for the right dog to become available.