About coonhounds....
Coonhounds are typically bred and trained as working dogs for hunting. As working dogs, coonhounds are energetic, fearless and detremined hunters. What is less well known about coonhounds is that they make great family dogs. Coonhounds are sweet, personable, and loyal. A coonhound makes a perfect walking, running, and hiking partners. As an active breed, they are good for people with an active lifestyle. They are usually good with kids, adults and other dogs. Some coonhounds are even good with cats. Contrary to popular belief, coonhounds (who bay rather than bark) are not any noisier than any other dog. Any bored dog can be a nuisance... coonhounds are no exception!
There are several varieties of coonhounds including (with links to Wikipedia information pages):