This view is puzzling to us coonhound lovers who know our hounds to be loving, sensitive family companions of the best sort. They never knew a stranger and they are sweet on kids of all ages. They love other dogs. They make us laugh on a daily basis. There are hounds competing in the highest levels of companion dog sports like obedience and agility. And there are hounds sleeping at the feet of their people as you read this.
All dogs were originally bred for a purpose, yet most breeds fulfill many roles in society far beyond their original development. Many hunting dogs never ever meet the game they were bred to pursue. It's past time for coonhounds and foxhounds to join family life like retrievers, pointers, and setters do. It's time for them to be loved and celebrated like their cousins, the Beagles, the fourth most popular breed in America according to recent statistics by the AKC.
A surprising true fact: coonhounds are all-American bred dogs, did you know? Yes, they are true-blue American originals. As such, they deserve our respect, admiration, and devotion. They deserve to be adopted into loving families.
We decided to create a series of posters that portray coonhounds as adoptable family pets named the "Long Ears Campaign." That led to a web site and blog, and lots of ideas for the future. We hope to share some of the joy we receive every day from our beloved coonhounds by sharing the tales of their exploits, sharing new features like an upcoming poetry contest, and sharing brags and news of hounds all over.