Is the Afghan Hound Better than the Black and Tan Coonhound as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Afghan Hound Versus Black and Tan Coonhound: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Black and Tan Coonhound. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Black and Tan Coonhound.

Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound: Overview

A very important difference between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is a large-sized dog while the Black and Tan Coonhound is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are Hound Dogs. This means both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Black and Tan Coonhound based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound

FactorAfghan HoundBlack and Tan Coonhound
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Easy To Groom1/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight5/51/5
Easy To Train1/52/5
Life Span10 to 12 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone2/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/51/5
Height24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners3/52/5
General Health3/55/5
Does NOT chew on things3/55/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Does NOT Shed2/51/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Potential For Playfulness4/55/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather5/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather5/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/51/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Weight50 to 60 pounds75 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan11.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$2290$580
Price Range$1912 – $2500$400 – $800
Temperament Score72.7 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)7944

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Black and Tan Coonhound. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Black and Tan Coonhound is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Afghan Hound is a better pet than the Black and Tan Coonhound. So, you should get the Afghan Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are most different:

    • Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds are very easy to groom.
    • Afghan Hounds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Afghan Hounds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Afghan Hounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Afghan Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Black and Tan Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound

    The Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are most similar:

    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are not easy to train.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are very playful.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Black and Tan Coonhounds weigh 75 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Black and Tan Coonhounds are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound

    The lifespan of Afghan Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Afghan Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Black and Tan Coonhounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Black and Tan Coonhounds is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Afghan Hound Versus the Black and Tan Coonhound

    The Black and Tan Coonhound has a better temperament than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black and Tan Coonhound is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Afghan Hound is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Afghan Hound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Black and Tan Coonhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound by measuring the temperaments of 165 Afghan Hounds and 15 Black and Tan Coonhounds.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Black and Tan Coonhound

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2290. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $1912 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black and Tan Coonhound puppy is $580. The price of the Black and Tan Coonhound typically ranges from $400 – $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 22 Black and Tan Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Afghan Hound is more expensive than the Black and Tan Coonhound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Black and Tan Coonhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Black and Tan Coonhound puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black and Tan Coonhounds

    A breakdown of the prices of Black and Tan Coonhounds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Black and Tan Coonhound puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Intelligence of the Afghan Hound versus the Intelligence of the Black and Tan Coonhound

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    Afghan Hound Black and Tan Coonhound
    Intelligence Rank 79 out of 130 dog breeds 44 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Afghan Hound has an obedience intelligence rank of 79 out of 130 dog breeds. The Afghan Hound belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Afghan Hounds tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Black and Tan Coonhound has an obedience intelligence rank of 44 out of 130 dog breeds. The Black and Tan Coonhound belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Black and Tan Coonhounds tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Black and Tan Coonhound is more intelligent than the Afghan Hound.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Afghan Hound versus Health Problems of Black and Tan Coonhound

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Black and Tan Coonhound is prone to more genetic health problems than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black and Tan Coonhound than for the Afghan Hound.

    3 health tests are recommended for Afghan Hound while 5 tests are recommended for the Black and Tan Coonhound.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Afghan Hounds and in Black and Tan Coonhounds.

    Afghan Hound Health Problems

    Afghan Hounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Afghan Hound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Afghan Hound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Afghan Hound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Afghan Hounds for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Afghan Hounds here.

    Black and Tan Coonhound Health Problems

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black and Tan Coonhound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Black and Tan Coonhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black and Tan Coonhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black and Tan Coonhounds for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black and Tan Coonhounds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Black and Tan Coonhounds?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Black and Tan Coonhound

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Black and Tan Coonhounds?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black and Tan Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Black and Tan Coonhound

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black and Tan Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Black and Tan Coonhounds?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Black and Tan Coonhound?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Black and Tan Coonhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Black and Tan Coonhound. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound better suits you and your family.