Orrin and Neuve

Meet Orrin and Neuve! We are only 3 month old and were born here at the shelter to a wonderfully sweet mama. She looked like a Redbone Coonhound mix and weighed about 50 lbs or so. We are in training since we’ve been here so long, and are learning all the skills we need to know to be wonderful companions! Orrin has the red collar and is calmer although he can be a clown, and Neuve has the purple collar and is very playful and active. Both are very people oriented. They are learning sit and come and how to walk nicely on a leash as well as how to behave in a kennel or crate, among other useful life skills.

Hi! My name is Neuve- I'm the one with the purple collar. I am a very playful, happy little puppy, and I love to chew! I enjoy being around people, especially if you are playing with me! I'm very inquisitive, and very smart.

Hello! My name is Orrin (I'm the one with the red collar). I am a 3 month old puppy and am currently living with my brother Neuve. I love treats but I love people and petting even more! I am a fairly relaxed puppy (although you should still expect me to be a puppy) and I can be a bit of a clown. I am in training, and am learning sit and come- which I am very good at. Stairs scare me a little still, but I am getting over that.

What are Coonhounds?

“Coonhound” is a term referring to a variety of breeds including the black and tan coonhound, the redbone coonhound, the treeing walker coonhound, bluetick coonhound, and more. They are in general very easy to groom (although they do shed), requiring very little maintenance, and can be great exercise partners! They are a medium to large dog who tends to be laid back with people and other dogs. However, they need to be exercised and tired out mentally and physically or they are prone to jumping, chewing, and other destructive behaviors. They can be stubborn, and are bred to hunt by smell, so when they are on a track (of a bunny, etc) they may not respond to your commands. When on a track (or when bored or excited) they can bay quite loudly (this is so hunters can locate them on a trail).

Coonhounds are not known as the most graceful of breeds, and they can romp and play quite exuberantly. They have a strong chase and track instinct and can be independent and stubborn. They need supervision outside unless taught boundaries and to come when called very well. However, once they are tired out, they tend to sprawl out on a comfy spot on the floor and not move except to snore. They are often good with kids, and can make good watchdogs if you are looking for a big dog with a loud bark.

Our coonhounds were born to a mama named Annie who looked like a Redbone Coonhound mix, weighing around 50 lbs. We don’t know what the dad was, but he was possibly a Black and tan Coonhound mix (although he could have been anything). If so, these puppies could grow up to be 50-70 lbs, although that’s just a guess. Redbones tend to be light shedders and tend to be very healthy, although they are prone to hip dysplasia. They tend to live 10 to 12 years. Black and tans are prone to becoming overweight, and to hip dysplasia (a common ailment for the larger dog breeds). Their life expectancy is about 10 to 12 years as well. They tend to be low maintenance dogs requiring an occasional brushing, but need regular attention to their ears to avoid ear infections.

Check back to see how Neuve and Orrin do with their training!