“Rough going.” We understand why a breed standard would mention it in regards to stamina, a gamey spirit, even feet. But a coat?

We love to find wording in breed standards that is unusual or unique, and this one, “The coat is short but dense to withstand rough going,” qualifies.  It makes complete sense in an American-style hunting dog that was specifically developed for the conditions of the United States, which is to say that this is a breed that hunts in rugged terrain and varied weather conditions for animals ranging from mountain lions and bear to raccoons. We’re talking about the Black and Tan Coonhound, the first coonhound breed to be admitted into the United Kennel Club (in 1900) and 45 years later, to the AKC.

For several years, the dogs were registered as American Black & Tan Fox and Coonhounds. Happily, (because that’s a mouthful of a name), the name was shortened over time, and by the time the AKC officially recognized the breed, the name was already shortened to Black and Tan Coonhound.

Getting back to “rough going,” the breed standard specifically makes mention of the fact that in a show ring, judges are advised by the show giving club to place great emphasis on this breed’s working heritage when evaluating a dog. The Black and Tan Coonhound is fundamentally a working trail and tree hound that runs his game entirely by scent, and this can take the dog over difficult terrain through rough weather. It is expected to withstand the rigors of the conditions in which s/he is called upon to work. In other words, “rough going.”

Image: “Coonhound 1” by Wendy Whiteside is available here as a print, poster, pillow, duvet cover, and more