Ever heard the thrilling sound of a hound baying under a moonlit sky, hot on the trail of a masked bandit? Raccoon hunting is a time-honored tradition, and the success of any hunt often hinges on one crucial element: the dog. Choosing the perfect coonhound is no small task. You face a jungle of breeds—Treeing Walkers, Black and Tans, Plott Hounds—each with unique traits. How do you know which dog has the drive, the nose, and the stamina you need for those long nights in the woods?
Many hunters waste time and money on dogs that just don’t cut the mustard. They might have the look, but lack the true hunting instinct. You need a dog that reliably trees the quarry and minds your commands. This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We will explore the top breeds favored by seasoned raccoon hunters.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what qualities to look for and which breed best suits your hunting style. Get ready to discover the secrets to selecting your next champion coonhound and transform your nighttime pursuits!
Top Raccoon Hunting Dogs Recommendations
- Scents contain natural musks and other animal extracts
- Comes with complete instructions
- Made in the U.S.A
- This premium training scent is a game-changer for Raccoon Dog enthusiasts and dedicated dog trainers alike.
- Developed by industry experts, this scent is designed to enhance your canine companion's hunting skills and take their training to new heights.
- The HuntEmUp Branded Coon Dog Training Scent captures the authentic scent of Raccoons, providing a realistic training experience for your dog.
- This scent stimulates their natural hunting instincts and encourages exceptional tracking skills.
- Whether you have a young pup or an experienced retriever, our Coon scent is an invaluable training aid.
- Proven performance
- Effectively condition your dogs for all types of hunting
- Made in the U.S.A
- Stuff Less Design: Say goodbye to messy stuffing! This plush raccoon toy won’t leave a trail of fluff around your house
- Double Squeakers: The head and tail of the raccoon are equipped with enticing squeakers, stimulating your pup’s interest during play
- Safety First: These toys meet or exceed child toy safety standards, ensuring they’re safe for your beloved pet
- Dental Health Bonus: As your dog bites down or chews, the toy helps clean their teeth
- Click on the link "Raccoon Hunting Gifts and Apparel Co." for more products with this design. This fun coon hunting design is a perfect gift for those coon hunters (both men and women) that love loading up the coon dogs, and heading out for the night.
- Night Life. This design is awesome for those coon hunts that you enjoy with your buddies, or those competition hunts. So throw on your hat, coon hunting light, and this great design and get your night life started.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
- Click on the link "Raccoon Hunting Gifts and Apparel Co." for more products with this design. This fun coon hunting design is a perfect gift for those coon hunters (both men and women) that love loading up the coon dogs, and heading out for the night.
- Night Life. This design is awesome for those coon hunts that you enjoy with your buddies, or those competition hunts. So throw on your hat, coon hunting light, and this great design and get your night life started.
- 8.5 oz, Classic fit, Twill-taped neck
- Coon Hunting design.
- Dual wall insulated: keeps beverages hot or cold
- Stainless Steel, BPA Free
- Leak proof lid with clear slider
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Raccoon Hunting Dogs
Raccoon hunting is an exciting sport. Choosing the right dog makes all the difference. This guide helps you find the best canine partner for your night adventures.
Key Features to Look For
A great raccoon hunting dog needs specific talents. Think about these features when you shop.
- Scenting Ability: The dog must track a raccoon’s scent well, even when the trail is old or faint. Good noses lead to successful hunts.
- Treeing Instinct: When the dog corners the raccoon up a tree, it must bark loudly and consistently. This is called “treeing.” You need a dog that won’t quit barking until you arrive.
- Stamina and Endurance: Raccoon hunts often last many hours and cover rough ground. Your dog needs the energy to keep going all night long.
- Temperament: Look for a dog that is focused when hunting but calm at home. A good hunting dog should be manageable off the clock.
- Brail/Strike Dog vs. Tree Dog: Some dogs are excellent at finding the trail (strike dogs). Others are best at holding the quarry once it is treed (tree dogs). Know what role you need the dog to fill.
Important Materials (Understanding Breed Backgrounds)
While we aren’t buying physical materials, the dog’s genetic “material”—its breed history—is crucial. Different breeds excel at different tasks.
Popular Raccoon Hunting Breeds:
- Treeing Walker Coonhounds: These dogs are famous for their speed and loud voices. They are often considered the top choice for serious hunters.
- Black and Tan Coonhounds: Known for their powerful scenting ability and endurance, these hounds work tirelessly.
- Bluetick Coonhounds: They have a deep, distinctive bark and strong tracking skills, especially in thick cover.
- Plott Hounds: These dogs are known for their grit and ability to handle tough terrain and sometimes even fight off a cornered coon.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your hunting dog depends on training and genetics. Good breeding practices lead to better hunting dogs.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Proven Bloodlines: Dogs whose parents and grandparents were successful hunters usually perform better.
- Early Exposure: Introducing puppies to the sounds of the woods and the smell of raccoons early helps them develop naturally.
- Consistent Training: Regular, positive training reinforces good hunting habits.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Lack of Drive: A dog that gets easily distracted or quits when tired makes a poor partner.
- Poor Health: Untreated injuries or genetic health problems will quickly reduce a dog’s hunting time.
- Improper Socialization: A dog that is aggressive toward people or other dogs needs careful handling.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to hunt. This affects your choice.
Hunting Scenarios:
- Deep Woods Hunting: If you hunt in remote, thick forests, you need a dog with massive stamina, like a Black and Tan.
- Quick Evening Hunts: For shorter, local hunts, a fast, eager dog like a Treeing Walker might be perfect.
- Cold Weather: Some breeds handle cold better than others due to coat thickness. Always check the breed’s tolerance for your local climate.
A well-trained coonhound becomes more than a tool; it becomes a loyal teammate. The best user experience involves a dog that understands your signals and works independently but reliably returns to you.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Raccoon Hunting Dogs
Q: How old should a coonhound be before I start training it?
A: You can start simple obedience training as soon as you bring the puppy home, usually around 8 weeks old. Serious scent and treeing training often begins between 6 months and 1 year old.
Q: Do I need a GPS collar for my hunting dog?
A: Yes, a GPS tracking collar is highly recommended. Raccoon hunting often takes dogs far out of sight, and GPS helps you locate them quickly, especially if they tree a coon far away.
Q: Are coonhounds difficult to keep as house pets?
A: Many coonhounds are sweet and docile indoors, but they require a lot of exercise. If they do not get enough running time, they can become destructive or too restless in the house.
Q: How often should my dog hunt to stay sharp?
A: Ideally, a hunting dog should hunt at least once or twice a month during the season. Consistent work keeps their nose sharp and their instincts tuned.
Q: What is the difference between a hound and a cur dog in hunting?
A: Hounds (like Coonhounds) rely almost entirely on scent to track. Cur dogs are often more versatile and may use sight or scent, sometimes being used for both coon and squirrel hunting.
Q: Can a female dog hunt as well as a male dog?
A: Absolutely. Many top-performing coonhounds are females. Their drive and ability are not determined by gender.
Q: What vaccinations are most important for a hunting dog?
A: Standard core vaccines are necessary, but ensure your dog is up-to-date on Rabies and Leptospirosis, as they may encounter wildlife carrying these diseases in the woods.
Q: How do I stop my dog from chasing deer or other game?
A: This is called “breaking bad habits.” Consistent training using the “check cord” (a long lead) and immediately correcting the dog when it chases non-target game is essential for developing focus.
Q: What kind of food is best for an active hunting dog?
A: Active dogs need high-quality, high-protein dog food formulated for active or working breeds. This helps them maintain energy levels for long nights in the field.
Q: How do I introduce my dog to a live raccoon in a tree?
A: When introducing them, keep the dog on a short lead. Let the dog smell the base of the tree and hear the coon. Praise them heavily when they bark (treeing). Do not let them jump or harass the tree, as this can teach them bad habits.