The Black and Tan Coonhound is a direct descendant of the Bloodhounds brought to the English colony of Virginia in the U.S.A. His initial job was to trail raccoons and help to rid farmers of this nuisance animal.

The Black and Tan Coonhound was developed by crossing the Bloodhound and Foxhound on the basis of its colour (black and tan). Best known as a raccoon hunter, the Black and Tan Coonhound howls as he trees his quarry. The breed has also been used very successfully to hunt other types of game such as bear, stag, possum, deer and mountain lion - even on difficult terrain. This breed withstands well the rigors of winter as well as intense heat.

Six coonhound breeds were developed in the U.S. but only the Black and Tan has been officially recognized by both the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs, although the United Kennel Club in the U.S. registers all six.