Black and Tan Coonshepherd Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- German Shepherd & Coonhound
- Breed Nickname:
- Black and Tan Coonshepherd
- Size:
- Large
- Height:
- 22 to 27 inches
- Weight:
- 50 to 110 pounds
- Life Span:
- 10 to 14 years
- Coat Colors:
- Black and tan
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Characteristics
About The Black and Tan Coonshepherd
What Is A Coonhound German Shepherd Mix Called?
The cross between a Coonhound and a German Shepherd is often referred to as a Black and Tan Coonshepherd. They are also sometimes called a GSD-Coonhound, Coonshepherd, or simply the Coonhound German Shepherd mix.
These large dogs might be intimidating to some new owners, but they’re softies at heart. They are very protective of their owners due to their history as working dogs, but they also make lovely companions.
If you want to learn more about the Coonshepherd, keep reading our guide!
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Breed History
First bred in the 1990s.
Both parent breeds have a hunting history.
Most likely bred to minimize the health concerns of purebred parents.
The history of the Coonshepherd is widely unknown, as it could have been accidentally bred for centuries.
However, with designer dogs gaining popularity during the 1990s, it is safe to assume that the Coonshepherd originated around this time.
While we don’t know much about the Coonshepherd’s history, its parent breeds tell a different story.
The German Shepherd is considered one of the most intelligent and popular dogs in the world. They are often used as working dogs, in the police force, military, and more.
They were first bred in 1899 for herding sheep, but their intelligence and trainability made them ideal for the working force.
There are actually multiple types of Coonhounds, such as the Bluetick Coonhound, the Redbone Coonhound, and the Black and Tan Coonhound.
The latter is the most popular and therefore the most commonly used to create the Coonshepherd.
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a hunting dog, developed by crossing a Bloodhound with a Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound.
They rely on their scent alone to find their prey, and they’re almost exclusively used for raccoon hunting. The Coonhound can be dated back to the 17th century.
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Personality & Temperament
Loving and loyal companion dogs.
Early socialization is vital.
Need an owner who has plenty of time to spend with them.
Provided that the dog Black and Tan Coonshepherd has been socialized from an early age, they are loving, loyal, and confident dogs. They work well as both a working dog and a companion pet, and they’re ideal for lots of family units.
However, this breed isn’t ideal for everyone. They need plenty of exercise throughout the day, including mental stimulation. If they are left cooped up inside all day, they’ll likely turn to destructive behaviors to cure their boredom.
These dogs also have high prey drives, so they shouldn’t be left alone with small children or other animals.
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Health
Joint dysplasia should be monitored constantly.
Regular vet checkups can prevent illnesses from becoming major issues.
Since the Black and Tan Coonshepherd is a large dog, monitoring them for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a no-brainer.
A reputable breeder should have had the parents screened for this to determine whether the mix will likely suffer from this or not.
Other health concerns to be aware of are digestive issues, including Gastric Torsion. While bloating often isn’t the end of the world for humans, it can be life-threatening to dogs.
They can also inherit frequent ear infections, cataracts, and thyroid issues.
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Training
Generally considered a very trainable dog.
German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world.
Positive reinforcement works well with this dog breed.
The majority of Black and Tan Coonshepherds are surprisingly easy to please, which will make training easier than you might have been expecting.
They are also very intelligent thanks to their working parent breeds, which makes them very trainable.
However, you might find that the ease of training your dog will depend on the parent they take after.
Coonhounds tend to be of average intelligence, needing around 40 repetitions before they master a trick. They’ll follow more than 5 out of 10 commands.
However, German Shepherds only need five repetitions to master a trick, obeying commands 9 out of 10 times! There’s a reason why this is one of the most intelligent breeds in the world!
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Exercise Requirements
Generally considered a very trainable dog.
German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world.
Positive reinforcement works well with this dog breed.
Black and Tan Coonshepherds need lots of exercise. German Shepherds need around two hours of exercise a day, and the same can be said for the Black and Tan Coonhound.
So, the mix will also need around two hours of exercise a day. One hour is the absolute minimum.
These dogs love all forms of exercise, such as hiking, playing fetch, and running. The only option they will shy away from is swimming due to the German Shepherd’s aversion to water.
They’ll also need plenty of mental stimulation. Black and Tan Coonshepherds will fare best in a large house with a spacious yard that they can hang out in throughout the day.
Here they can expel any pent-up energy without you having to take them on a walk every few hours.
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Diet & Feeding
Choose food for large dogs with high energy levels.
Consider a raw food diet.
Feed them smaller meals throughout the day.
Black and Tan Coonshepherds need a consistent diet of kibble formulated for large dogs with high energy levels. You can also feed them a raw diet if you prefer, and this will usually contain more protein and beneficial ingredients.
These dogs can suffer from bloating, so consider feeding them multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal. Contact your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s bloating.
Black and Tan Coonshepherd Cost
Costs between $1,000 and $1,500.
Always use a reputable breeder.
Black and Tan Coonshepherds aren’t very common dogs, so their price will be higher due to the lower demand.
You’ll likely find these puppies being priced between $1,000 to $1,500, although they could cost more from a reputable breeder.
Ongoing costs include training costs, lots of food, grooming, and vet bills.
