Rottweiler/Coon Hound Mix

by Elizabeth
(Louisiana)

This is 'Blackie' (named by my 91-year-old father-in-law:). We think he is a Black and Tan Coon Hound/Rottweiler mix. He showed up at the farm one day, and it took us four months to catch him; he was incredibly wary and refused to trust us no matter how hard we tried. Finally, I sneaked up on him when he was asleep and laid a loop of rope over his head. He woke up instantly and the rodeo was on! This dog literally dragged me 20 feet down the driveway on my elbows and knees, crying in panic the whole time - it wasn't pretty, but we finally had him. He was so scared he peed and pooped all over himself when we put him in the back seat of the truck. Took him in to the vet's for mange, heartworms, etc., and then I kept him in the house where he couldn't get away from interacting with our family, including three other dogs and four cats. We were careful to respect his boundaries as much as possible without babying him too much, and after about two weeks he began to relax and start to show a little interest in his surroundings. Two more weeks have now gone by, and he's transformed from a depressed, terrified dog into a happy, playful guy. I honestly had my doubts as to whether he might ever be a 'normal' dog. Someone had obviously done a number on him, including what looks to be a home-made tail docking, and he was absolutely petrified of people. This morning Blackie actually trotted up to my husband when he came downstairs for breakfast, wagging his little crooked tail, wanting to be patted on the head. I think he's going to be okay.

So, do you think he could be a Rottweiler mix? The hound part is almost a definite, judging from the one time I've heard him bark. He weighs 65 pounds and stands 23" at the shoulder. Though lean, he is much more thick-set and muscular than a hound. His head is wide and heavy, and he is extremely strong. Just curious.