The Pitbull Coonhound mix is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier) and American English Coonhound. These large dogs can be wonderful companions, but they are not the ideal mixed breed for everyone.
If you’re considering bringing a Pitbull Coonhound mix into you’re, read this guide to decide if they’re the right breed for your lifestyle.
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Overview of Parent Breeds
Before diving into the characteristics of a Pitbull Coonhound mix, the sections below will give you an overview of the two parent breeds.
Pitbull Coonhound mixes are interesting as Pitbulls and Coonhounds have very different temperaments and qualities.
Pitbulls
The American Staffordshire Terrier, commonly known as a Pitbull, is an often misunderstood breed. The number one thing Pitbull owners will tell you is how lovey-dovey their Pitbulls are. These dogs are incredibly loyal and affectionate, so you can expect lots of snuggles and kisses.
Because of their large size and muscular build, Pitbulls are not an ideal pet for a household with small children. Despite their good-natured spirit, they often don’t know their own strength and can be reactive.
As for other dogs, it’s a case-by-case situation. Some Pitbulls love other dogs, while others can be very defensive and standoffish.
They can be fiercely protective of their owners and love to play, especially with chew toys and rope toys. Pitbulls love to please their owners, so most Pitbulls can be well-trained with patience and determination.
Pitbulls can weigh anywhere between 40 and 70 pounds and grow up to 17 to 19 inches tall. They have a stocky build that can give them an intimidating appearance, but generally, Pitbulls are adorable and loving pups.
Coonhounds
The most notable difference between Coonhounds and Pitbulls is how much Coonhounds love to play with other dogs. They’re extremely social with other dogs but can be less friendly when it comes to humans, especially strangers.
Coonhounds are working dogs, so they appreciate plenty of exercise and mental stimulation via toys and playtime. They tend to have a regal demeanor despite being clumsy when running or playing.
Another characteristic of Coonhounds is their classic howling, which they like to do at night or, in reality, any time of day. While Pitbulls do bark, it’s typically warranted and infrequent. But Coonhounds can be incessant barkers.
Despite their lack of interest in strangers, they can be extremely warm and affectionate toward their owners. But not nearly as cuddly and loving as Pitbulls. Overall, they have a mellow and easygoing spirit but can be stubborn when focused on a task.
Coonhounds can weigh between 45 and 65 pounds and stand between 23 and 26 inches. They have a lankier build than Pitbulls but are still athletic and strong.
Pitbull Coonhound Mix Temperament
As you can see, Pitbulls and Coonhounds have dissimilar temperaments and interact with people, dogs, and children very differently. So how do these traits amalgamate in a Pitbull Coonhound mix?
Like both parent breeds, Pitbull Coonhound mixes are highly athletic and energetic. They can run and play for hours and excel in hunting or other stimulating, focused activities.
While Pitbull Coonhound mixes are apt for training, if they get off leash, they can excitedly run off. So this mix is generally not an off-leash kind of dog.
A Coonhound Pitbull mix is friendly and loving but can be quite stubborn like Coonhounds. They do best with a strong leader who is not afraid to command them firmly.
Most Coonhound Pitbull mixes are tolerant and sometimes friendly with children but generally care more about playing with other dogs and adult humans.
Coonhound Pitbull mixes tend to bark more than Pitbulls but less than Coonhounds. Of course, it depends on the individual dog and their environment, but don’t expect a perfectly silent pup if you take one of these mixes into your home.
To summarize, Coonhound Pitbull mixes are super energetic and moderately friendly. They rarely have aggressive traits but can act aloof and disinterested around strangers and children. Generally, Coonhound Pitbull mixes do well in households with other pets, such as dogs and cats.
Pitbull Coonhound Mix Appearance
Pitbull Coonhound mixes are adorable. They often have a prominent barrel chest, as both parent breeds have this trait. Usually, the Coonhound’s floppy ears appear paired with the broad forehead and defined jawline.
Since the bodies of the two parent breeds are not super different, their height and weight range are easier to predict than some other mixed breeds.
The average Pitbull Coonhound mix will be between 20 and 25 inches in height, taller than the typical Pitbull, and 45 to 70 pounds in weight. So if you have a smaller home or apartment or don’t feel comfortable walking or caring for larger dogs, this breed mix is not a suitable option.
Pitbull Coonhound Mix Health
Like any breed, Coonhounds and Pitbulls come with some possible health complications. Below is a list of the most likely health complications a Pitbull Coonhound mix can develop:
- Allergies
- Hip dysplasia
- Kneecap dislocation
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Cataracts
- Heart disease
- Dental disease
Many of these complications are common in large dog breeds. Generally, Pitbull Coonhounds are a very healthy breed with a life expectancy between 12 and 16 years.
Luckily, some of these complications can be prevented with proper routine care, such as dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and careful exercise. And for allergies, you can ask your vet about doggie Benadryl!
Caring for a Pitbull Coonhound Mix
If you think this mixed breed sounds right for you, peruse the care tips below regarding exercise, affections, routine care, and the ideal environment for this mix. Consider if you can offer this dog what they need to flourish and be content.
Exercise
The odds of you finding a Pitbull Coonhound mix with low energy are not good. This high-energy mix requires plenty of exercise. So a short daily walk is not going to cut it. These dogs will love hikes and long walks.
If you don’t have the time or dedication to walk them for a minimum of an hour each day, this likely isn’t the right breed mix for your lifestyle.
Ideally, this dog should live in a household with a large fenced-in backyard so they can run freely and get their pent-up energy out. Plus, they’ll get to explore tons of smells and keep those pesky squirrels and rabbits out of your yard. Remember, they love to hunt!
Routine Care
One thing to note about the parent breeds is that Pitbulls are extremely trusting once they bond with someone.
A happy Pitbull will typically allow its owner to look inside its mouth, investigate its paws, and perform other actions to assess its health. But Coonhounds are more resistant to such actions.
Teeth-brushing, nail-clipping, and similar routine actions can be tough to perform on a standoffish Coonhound Pitbull mix. But if the dog has a loyal temperament closer to a Pitbull, these tasks may be easier.
The degree to which they allow you to touch them will always depend on the relationship you’ve built and how much trust is fostered.
Environment
As mentioned, this breed will do best if they have enough space to explore and exercise. They are not suitable for apartments or general city living unless you have a large house and yard in the city.
The hunting gene in them also means they’ll enjoy more rural areas where rabbits, birds, and squirrels are plentiful. Even if they never get to go on a genuine hunt, seeing the small critters will stimulate and excite them.
Affection
Because the two parent breeds have such different levels of affection, it’s hard to make a blanket statement about how much affection and pets your Coonhound Pitbull mix will want.
Some can desire constant petting and cuddles, while others are content to lay in their bed and just be near you. The dog will cue you into how much affection they want, but almost every Coonhound Pitbull mix will enjoy some level of head rubs and ear scratches.
Types of Pitbull Coonhound Mixes
There are several varieties of Coonhounds, so not every Pitbull Coonhound mix is the same. Mostly, the different Coonhounds breed relate to coloring and appearance, not temperaments. You can expect all these mixes to have the same characteristics discussed above.
- Pitbull Redbone Coonhound Mix
- Pitbull Treeing Walker Coonhound Mix
- Pitbull Plott Hound Mix
- Pitbull Bluetick Coonhound Mix
- Pitbull Black and Tan Coonhound Mix
- Pitbull American English Coonhound Mix
Is a Pitbull Coonhound Mix Right for You?
The biggest demand of this breed is exercise. If you can’t give these dogs daily exercise to work their muscles and tire them out, they will not live happy lives.
Pitbull Coonhounds need stimulation and a spacious environment, so consider if you have the proper tools to care for this dog as well as they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Coonhound Pitbull mixes can be a lot to handle. They typically are not the best dog for first-time owners or people with little experience with larger breeds.
They need excitement and activity to be satisfied. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance couch potato, this breed is not ideal. If you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a Pitbull Coonhound may be the perfect pup for you!
