The Pitbull Coonhound Mix is a cross between one parent of the loyal and loving American Pit Bull Terrier and one parent of the tenacious hunting dogs, the Coonhounds. Agile, feisty and protective, these dogs inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.
The Pitbull Coonhound is eager to please his humans, although he has boundless energy and needs plenty of exercise daily.
If you are considering getting a Pitbull Coonhound Mix, we can help you decide whether or not this dog is right for you.
In this ultimate guide, we talk about the physical traits, temperaments of this cross while delving into American Pitbull Terrier mixes with various dogs within the Coonhound group.
Parent Breeds
An Overview of American Pitbull Terrier Dog
American Pitbull Terriers are descendants of bull and terrier developed in England with an aim to engage them in “bull baiting” contests. This canine sport was abolished and replaced by dog fights and rat baiting as it was considered cruelty to animals.
Temperament-wise, Pitbull has a fearless drive coupled with long-lasting endurance that qualifies him as an excellent farm dog. But also, his sweet-natured, gentle and people-pleasing demeanor has perfected his status as a good family companion. He is very loving and loyal to his humans and would not mind putting his lives at stake to protect them.
Do not bring home a pitbull if you do not have enough leisure time to train and socialize him. APBTs tend to be rowdy, bossy and wilful due to the abundant energy they yield and this is usually heightened during puppyhood. Hence, there is a need to prune such unhealthy characteristics or else they may want to rule over your household like a little samurai.
Equipped with strong jaws, ABPT has so much love for the act of chewing and does well in canine sports like weight pulling, frisbee and agility trials.
American Pitbull Terrier dogs have short coats and they are single-coated dogs. Hence, they shed less and do not experience blowouts. With a lifespan of 8 – 15 years, they are considered a relatively healthy dog breed.
It’s best to keep this dog on a lead in public and never allow him to run loose because of his aggressive behavior which may spring up when he encounters other dogs or vulnerable vermin.
Many cities, states and even countries have breed-specific legislation involving Pitbulls. Be sure to enquire into the laws guiding your region.
An Overview of Coonhound Dog
There are 6 breeds within the Coonhound group. These include the Redbone Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Plott Hound, Bluetick Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound and English Coonhound.
Pitbull Coonhound Mixes
Pitbull Redbone Coonhound Mix
Pitbull Redbone Coonhound Mix combines the gameness and strength of Pitbull with the hunting instincts of Redbone Coonhound.
The ancestry of the redbones is believed to be from the red fox hound imported by colonial settlers from Scotland to North America. They were crossed with Irish hounds and bloodhounds to form the modern-day Redbone Coonhound.
The Redbone Coonhound has an irresistible charm and winsome appearance that makes him adored by his owners. His expression is often described as “pleading”.This look conveys the impression of innocence but should not be mistaken for weakness.
When it comes to hunting both large and small games, the Redbones have an unmatched reputation. They have a highly developed olfactory lobe that can sense cold or old trails. This dog remains an excellent hunting companion as well as a sniffer dog deployed by law enforcement to detect illegal substances such as firearms, explosives, illicit drugs, blood and other contraband.
The Redbones are noisy barkers with a bit of stubbornness but their lovely, sonorous voice has won the hearts of many. Their intelligence makes them very trainable and they need plenty of mental and physical activities including swimming, owing to their penchant for water.
They have smooth coats with a deep red coloring, as their name implies. Their coats often have a damp smell but with proper maintenance, your dog will remain clean and healthy.
Redbone Coonhounds stand as high as 20 to 27 inches and weigh between 45 to 70 pounds.
When you mix a Pitbull with a Redbone Coonhound, the resulting pup could grow anywhere between these two sizes and reflect any traits of either personality.
Pitbull Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix
The history of the Treeing Walker Coonhound goes back to the English Foxhounds that were brought to the United States during colonial times. They were bred to form the Virginia Hound and then the Walker Hound. When a black and tan working dog was crossed with a Walker hound the product was the modern-day Treeing Walker Coonhound.
“Treeing” attached to their name implies that they chase their prey up into the trees, where they can be easily seen and shot by hunters. “Walker” in the name was given in respect of the Walker family in Kentucky, who invested a lot into developing this breed. Seems like a grammatical misnomer since these dogs are not walkers but incredibly fast runners.
Treeing Walkers are swift-footed, prey-driven and extremely enduring with a burning passion to race and compete. Hence, they will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in your hunting and hiking trips.
However, they are not the kind of dogs you should allow to run loose in public places because they may not be able to control their instinct even with proper training when a tantalizing animal crosses their sight. Treeing Walkers have a tricolor coat with a mix of white, black and brown.
Walker dogs are great human companions and make a good-natured and protective family dog but enough attention needs to be given to them. They barely tolerate being alone with a tendency to become destructive resorting to barking, jumping, chewing, and whining to let out their frustration.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds stand as high as 20 to 27 inches and weigh between 45 to 80 pounds.
You should expect a Pitbull Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix to inherit the leanness, speed and treeing ability of Treeing Walker Coonhounds or lean towards the stocky build and gentle nature of Pitbulls.
Also Read: Catahoula Blue Heeler Mix: All About This Unique Hybrid
Pitbull Plott Hound Mix
Like other Coonhounds, Plott Hound was bred to track and hunt quarry, however, he is the only Coonhound without a foxhound pedigree. Plott Hound descends from five Hanoverian Schweisshunds that traveled alongside German immigrant Johannes Georg Plott in his journey to North Carolina.
The Plott Hound is muscular, smart, people-pleasing, tenacious with a streak of undying loyalty. Ideal for owners who are experienced, firm and consistent when it comes to training him and engaging him in physical and mental activities — not the best option for faint-hearted or novice owners.
As a dog with a pack hunting background, they are friendly towards other canine residents especially if they have a hound origin. They make great family dogs in a household of older children and will stand to protect their owners or belongings in times of trouble.
Not a perfect dog for city dwellers since he is highly vocal and can easily be sent over the edge with a prey scent.
Provide your dog with an easy-to-roam enclosure or a securely fenced yard with enough space to be his adventurous and fun-loving self and you will be blessed with an affectionate and happy companion.
Plott Hound’s coat is smooth, short and sheds very infrequently. Their coat color is brindle (striped) and some may have light and dark markings on their chest, feet or back
The Pitbull Plott Hound Mix combines two energetic, courageous and people-pleasing dogs but Plott Hounds, unlike Pitbulls, are not aggressive towards other canines. Both dogs will live happily in homes with more lenient schedules and enough time to spare.
Pitbull Bluetick Coonhound Mix
This American bred dog, Bluetick Coonhound, dates back to colonial times when the pack-hunting dogs, Grand Bleu De Gascogne, and the English Foxhounds imported from Europe to the United States were crossed. This dog breed was recognized by UKC and eventually, AKC after its name was changed from English Coonhound to Bluetick.
The Bluetick Coonhound is a boisterous, friendly and highly devoted working hound known for his hunting instincts on the trail, but he also excels indoors, bonds well with his humans and gives them comic relief with his sweet, musical voice.
The Bluetick Coonhound has a large bawl mouth — expressly, a long, drawn-out bark, giving him a pleading expression that seemingly looks like those of beagles. He has an independent streak especially when it comes to tracking scents from his creatures of interest.
Due to their powerful nose and athletic nature of Blueticks, they perform exceedingly well in challenging canine sports like agility, man trailing, rally and obedience. They will respond positively to motivation in form of treats and praise rewards.
The Bluetick’s lustrous, short coat is dark blue, thickly mottled with randomly shaped black spots on their back, ears and sides. They shed at a very low rate and do not require much maintenance.
Like with other Coonhounds, Blueticks are not that easy to train and you must be prepared to deal with a bit of rowdiness in their journey to perfection. He will need early socialization and consistent training to be on his best behavior.
It would also be imperative to meet the Bluetick Coonhound parent, to get an idea of what temperament they may pass on.
Pitbull Black and Tan Coonhound Mix
Black and Tan Coonhound is of an American origin and descends from American Foxhound and the colonial-era Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, with bloodhound introduced somewhere into the pedigree. Black and Tan’s size, coat, color, long ears, trailing and hunting finesse has an evident similitude with their ancestors.
If you want an outgoing, confident and loyal dog who will live amicably with his canine compatriots, look no further from a Black and Tan Coonhound. His mild-mannered and laid-back demeanor is very lovable and doesn’t denote fear or shyness. However, at times, he may bring out a stubborn streak or become too independent.
This alert and vocal dog will make an excellent watchdog barking continuously to warn his humans of invaders or impending dangers. You can harness most of his wonderful qualities by providing him with enough exercise coupled with firm and consistent training right from puppyhood.
Your Pitbull Black and Tan Coonhound Mix could inherit aspects from either parent, but is likely to be somewhere in between in terms of size, appearance and temperament.
Also Read: Blue Heeler Jack Russell Mix: A Complete Guide To The CattleJack
Pitbull American English Coonhound Mix
Previously known as Virginia hound, the American English Coonhound comes from the English Foxhounds and has gained popularity for his speed, resilience and vocal nature. He was bred with a dual purpose — fox hunting during the day or raccoon hunting at night.
American English Coonhounds are muscular dogs with deep chests and strong backs, giving them an athletic build. They love human interactions and do well in outdoor activities including exercise, leisurely walks and competitive canine sports. They exist in various colors and color combinations including black, blue, black and white, black and tan, red and white, or tricolor.
The same energy that makes them good hunting dogs can translate into a problem for first-time owners since they have little to no experience handling hyper dog breeds. However, with enough patience and training, your dog can become a peaceful and friendly version of himself.
A Pitbull American English Coonhound Mix can take after one or both of its parents.
You can expect this first-generation cross to be dauntless, loyal and stubborn.
In most cases, the traits of the Pitbull American English Coonhound Mix are difficult to guess.
Pitbull Coonhound Mix Temperament
The Pitbull Coonhound Mix is a high-energy, brave and athletic dog that excels in hunting and other challenging canine sports.
This rompy dog may be keen to run miles in pursuit of a game or following his nose. While this wonderful quality is all you would wish for in a hunting companion, it means that your dog can easily flee into the jungle when your yard is not adequately fenced to stop him. Not quite a reliable “off-the-leash” dog but can live happily with other dogs if given proper training and early socialization.
Pitbull Coonhounds are lovely and friendly dogs but can equally be stubborn. Hence they will require a firm leader to turn out well. They might not be an ideal dog breed for first-time owners.
Both parents are a bundle of excitement. You are likely to see them hyperactive at a very young age but gradually become more settled as they grow. Some may even turn into your couch potato! They do well with children of all ages if properly trained and have a high tolerance. Regardless, make sure your children are dog-friendly to prevent your dog from being mistreated.
Like every dog, exercise is very crucial for physical and mental stimulation of Pitbull Coonhounds. Due to their excess pent-up energy, they may need more than short daily walks. However, how much exercise your dog needs can also depend on their age and health condition.
Pitbull Coonhound Size (Height and Weight)
A Pitbull Coonhound mix can have the size or traits of either parent breed or a mixture of both. On average, the height of a Pitbull Coonhound Mix ranges between 20 to 25, while the weight is about 35 to 80 pounds. The Coonhound is often slightly larger in size than the Pitbull.
How Long Do Pitbull Coonhound Mix Live?
The lifespan of a Pitbull Coonhound Mix is expected to be between 10 – 14 years. At the age of six or seven years, they will enter the “senior” stage. Their energy levels will dip at this point, necessitating dietary and exercise modifications.
Pitbull Coonhound Mix Health Complications
As a general rule of thumb, pedigree dogs are more predisposed to health problems than crossbreeds as a result of an increased gene pool. However, before you bring any dog home, it’s advised to choose a breeder who can show you documentation of the health test for the dog alongside his parents.
Pitbull Coonhounds are relatively healthy but as with other mixed breeds, they have the potential to develop genetic health problems. If we are aware of the health concerns unique to Pitbull Coonhound Mix, we can take preventive measures to avoid any possible health risks.
The more common health problems associated with this mixed breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Kneecap Dislocation
- Cataract
- Heart Disease
- Dental Disease
- Allergies
Caring For A Pitbull Coonhound Mix
Because both the Pitbulls and Coonhounds are both low-maintenance dogs; feeding, grooming, and caring for a Pitbull Coonhound Mix should be simple.
If you buy commercial dog food, make sure it is of good quality. Also, ensure that the food you provide them contains the essential nutrients they require to remain healthy and strong. Always add vegetables and high-protein foods like chicken breast to their diet.
Like any other dog, the nutritional needs of a Pitbull Coonhound Mix will change as he matures into an adult. Your veterinarian can advise you on your dog’s nutritional needs depending on characteristics such as size, health, and activity level.
Pitbull Coonhounds should have a short and dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Brushing at least once a week is usually sufficient since they do not shed a lot. Their coat color will vary to a larger extent.
Regular exercise is a necessity for Pitbull Coonhounds to keep them healthy and happy. You should take your pooch on long walks every day and ensure they always have a safe space to stretch their legs. During hot periods, provide a shady environment for your dog to play and exercise.
Training and socialization of your Pitbull Coonhound should start from a very young age. Pitbulls are obedient, people-loving and relatively easy to train. Coonhounds, on the other hand, have a reputation for being difficult to train and would rather chase prey that comes their way than settling at night.
Deciding Whether Pitbull Coonhound Mix Right For You
There is a lot to consider when deciding whether a Pitbull Coonhound Mix is right for you.
The Pitbull Coonhound mix offers the perfect blend of two outgoing and energetic dogs, thanks to its Pitbull and Coonhound parents. Both parents are friendly and make great family dogs.
If you live in the countryside or just love the outdoor lifestyle, Pitbull Coonhounds may be a good fit for you, as they will have plenty of space to express their natural exuberance. Apartment dwellers will have a tough time handling this dog if this cross takes after the highly vocal trait of the Coonhound parent.
Your level of experience will determine whether you can tolerate such a rambunctious dog with a high prey drive. Training, socializing and exercising this mixed breed will undoubtedly require a strong hand and consistent discipline. So, be ready to devote some of your time daily to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
If left in lonesome for a long time, they may devise unpleasant means to entertain themselves — probably by digging, nosing, destructive chewing or baying.
Ultimately, predicting the personality and other traits of a first-generation cross is quite difficult. Hence, you should consider carefully the cons before bringing home a fairly recent dog.
