Did you know that a Black and Tan Coonhound can smell an animal from up to six miles away? Now that’s astounding! But while their keen sense of smell makes them amazing hunters, it also makes them naturally inclined to follow their noses—even if it takes them far away from home. Therefore, rely solely on a Black and Tan Coonhound as a guard dog might not necessarily be a good idea.
These friendly hounds are well-known for their exceptional hunting abilities and distinctive coat colors. Originating from the United States, the Black and Tan Coonhound has a long history of assisting raccoon hunters, which gave them their name. But does this make them apt in guarding your home? Let’s delve deeper to find out!
A Black and Tan Coonhound’s initial purpose was to track scents and chase quarry up trees, where hunters could then catch them. This required a combination of perseverance, intelligence, and the ability to work independently. But just like with human genealogy, inherited characteristics from the past do not necessarily equate to certain traits in the present.
When it comes to being a guard dog, protecting the home is not instinctual for Black and Tan Coonhounds as it might be for, say, a German Shepherd or a Doberman Pinscher. However, that doesn’t mean they’re completely ruled out of the game. With proper training and socialization from being a puppy, these hounds can actually make pretty decent watchdogs.
Now, remember there’s a slight difference between a watchdog and a guard dog. While both of them alert their owners at the sign of an intruder, a guard dog will take it a step further by attacking or trying to immobilize the trespasser. A watchdog, on the other hand, will only alert the family of potential danger. Their part in the ‘hero game’ ends with a loud bark!
Black and Tan Coonhounds have a deep bark that, when used right, can be very effective in alerting their families to approaching strangers. So, even if they may not chase the intruder away, they can certainly give you a heads up with their mighty bark!
These dogs are also known for their loyalty and love for their families. They are usually friendly, but can be standoffish around strangers. So, while they may not be the best choice for a guard dog, they will definitely alert you about any suspicious activity or unfamiliar people around your home.
Now that we’ve established Black and Tan Coonhounds may not be the prime choice for guarding your house, you may ask what other roles they can play. These dogs are highly intelligent and possess an amazing sense of smell, which makes them excel at various tasks like search and rescue, sleuthing, tracking, and therapy work.
Moreover, did you know that Black and Tan Coonhounds make excellent family dogs? Yes, you heard that right! They’re affectionate, gentle, and excellent with kids. So, while you may need to add extra security measures in your home, these hounds can provide companionship like no other.
To sum it up, while Black and Tan Coonhounds have a few essential traits that can potentially serve as guard dogs, their friendly demeanor and keen sense of exploration make them more suited for other roles. Their strength lies in their intelligence, superb tracking abilities, and their loving nature, which makes them perfect family pets and nose-working dogs.
So, invest in a good security system for your home, but never miss a chance to bring a Black and Tan Coonhound into your family. You might not get a fearsome guard dog, but you will get a faithful friend, an amazing partner in outdoor adventures, a loyal companion, and a very proficient sniffer who can turn their nose into an absolute fun-game tool. Isn’t that a great deal after all?
