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Official NKC English Coonhound
Standards
The English
Coonhound standard has been revised (1994) for the purpose of helping
judges select the best dogs at shows, and to help breeders select the
better dogs for their breeding programs. Following the standards will
enable English breeders to develop a more uniform dog in appearance and
performance. Dogs will be evaluated on the following;
General
Appearance and Coat 10
A true hound
appearance of any hound colors but redtick, bluetick, spotted with ticks
is preferred. Coat should be short, glossy and thick enough to offer
protection from briars and weather. No scars from accident or hunting to
count against dog in shows.
Head and Neck
(teeth, jaws, muzzle, eyes, and ears) 15
Head should be
broad and slightly domed. Neck should rise stately from shoulders with a
slight taper toward the head. Muzzle of good length, nostrils wide
apart, Jaws strong and well formed, eyes bright dark brown or black.
Yellow or light eyes a fault. Ears are to hang moderately low, fine
textured, and nearly to end of nose.
Front Quarters
(chest, shoulders, front feet and legs) 15
Chest should be
moderately broad and deep to ensure adequate lung space. Shoulders well
proportioned, showing good muscles, tapering into well built strong and
straight legs. Feet should be catlike and well padded. Dog should stand
well on feet. Cow hocked, splay footed appearance is a major fault.
Hind Quarters
(hips, back, back feet and legs, and tail) 15
Hips well
muscled, tapering into strong straight legs, with strong catlike feet.
Feet should be well padded and straight indicating speed and strength.
Tail to be carried Gaily and high of medium size and length never cooked
or rat tailed.
Special
Characteristics of Breed 15
A strong
muscular hound slightly higher at shoulder than hips with a broad deep
chest. Preferred colors of red tick, blue tick, or spotted with ticks.
Solid black, red, and brindle acceptable but not to desired. Voice
should be a long hound bawl or chop. Males should be 22-27 inches tall
and weighing between 50-75 lbs; at hunting weight. Females should be
21-26 inches tall and weight between 45-65 lbs. A dog a little over or
under these heights and weights is not to be penalized, if well
proportioned.
Gait and
Movement
15
The English
Coonhound should appear racy slowing speed, strength, and endurance. An
awkward or jerky movement is a serious fault. This hound is designated
for long hours of hunting. Any weakness in Gait and Movement should be
considered undesirable.
Temperament
15
The English
Coonhound should appear happy and loveable. He should show boldness and
trust for owner. Fighting or extreme shyness is a major fault. This dog
is designed to hunt with other dogs. Any indication of wanting to fight
on leash, in box, or on tree, is a serious fault.
---------------Total 100
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