Turnspit Dog vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison

American English Coonhound is originated from United States but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. American English Coonhound may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. American English Coonhound may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Turnspit Dog. American English Coonhound may live 3 years less than Turnspit Dog. American English Coonhound may have more litter size than Turnspit Dog. Both American English Coonhound and Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
23 - 65 cm
9 - 26 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 27 kg
55 - 60 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
12 - 13
1 - 4
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Coonhound, English Coonhound
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
Black and white ticked, blue ticked, red with black and white tick
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
hard, sleek
Shortish
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american english coonhoundThe American English Coonhound was developed in the Southern part of the United States from the variety of English hunting dogs that came to the States with the early settlers. At one point they were known as the Virginia Hound. This breed is well known for its prowess in hunting raccoons and her endurance and speed. Of course as a hound dog he loves to howl during the hunt and at home with the family. He can be frustrated and destructive if his energy and need for a job are not satisfied.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

Description

american english coonhound puppy - descriptionThe American English Coonhound is an athlete with a deep chest and cute face. They have broad heads, domed skulls, dark eyes and soft, low ears. They are as fast and athletic as they look. These are highly athletic dogs with long legs and a slim but muscular body. They are so well built for their hunting role, that any deficiencies are quickly identified and bred out of the breed.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

Characteristics

american english coonhound dog - characteristicsThe American English Coonhound knows how to relax just as much as he knows how to work. He is mellow after work and tenacious in the chase. This is not the dog for a first-time owner. They are stubborn and hard to train. They howl and bark at home as much as they do on the hunt. They need a strong pack leader, especially when living in the city or neighborhoods.

They are outgoing and friendly and very sensitive. They mature later than most other breeds their size. They are about 2 when they mature.

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

Health Problems

american english coonhound puppies - health problemsIf kept active and happy, the American English Coonhound has very few health problems. The benefit from a large gen pool but do have some health concerns including elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, cataracts, bloat, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They do have a tendency to gain weight as they age. These issues will be addressed in more detail below. DNA testing is available for the dysplasia and eye issues.

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american english coonhound dogs - caringyour working American English Coonhound needs different food than one who is not working. So, if you hunt with your dog remember he really needs the calories to keep his energy up. However, they can get obese as they age so cut back with less activity and more years. Watch the number of treats when training.

Health issues mentioned earlier include

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia – the joint issues prevent the bones from connecting and functioning properly. Any good breeder of American English Coonhounds will do tests for both.

Eye issues range from cataracts to PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) Again there are tests available for these conditions.

Bloat is a condition many medium to large size dogs can experience when their stomach can become inverted and intestines distended. The is a situational issue and can’t be predicted. Don’t allow your coonhound to wolf down food right before exercise and feed him more than once a day in a smaller meal.

Exercise and games

The American English Coonhound needs a lot of exercise and has an extremely strong work and prey drive.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. American English Coonhound vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American English Coonhound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American English Coonhound vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American English Coonhound vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American English Coonhound vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American English Coonhound vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American English Coonhound vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American English Coonhound vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American English Coonhound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American English Coonhound vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American English Coonhound vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American English Coonhound vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American English Coonhound vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American English Coonhound vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American English Coonhound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American English Coonhound vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American English Coonhound vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American English Coonhound vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American English Coonhound vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American English Coonhound vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American English Coonhound vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American English Coonhound vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison