Peter Barrett (British, B. 1935) "Coonhound and Foxhound" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Coonhound and Foxhound stamp issued April 4, 1985. As American as the deep South, the Black and Tan Coonhound is one of the few purebred dogs which originated in America. This hound was developed in the South from the bloodlines of the American Foxhound, the Virginia Foxhound of colonial days, and the Bloodhound -- the royal hound of Norman nobles. As a result of the careful work of early breeders, the Black and Tan Coonhound was standardized as an alert and expert tracker ... and was the first coonhound to be recognized as a purebred by the American Kennel Club. The Black and Tan Coonhound retains the classic hound coat of black and tan, pendulous ears and a long curving tail, but has lost the traditional wrinkles of his ancestors. Known as one of the best tracking dogs in the world, this beloved American canine is a devoted companion and loyal friend. Another beloved tracking dog of American origin is the American Foxhound. A cousin of the English Foxhound, this American dog may be the descendant of George Washington's crossbreeds of English hounds and long-eared French staghounds. The offspring of these two crossed varieties had an especially keen nose and amazing speed and endurance which made it a favorite for hunting fox through the roughest terrain. Even today, horsemen love to take the baying American Foxhound on traditional-style hunts ... even if the lure is only a scented bait. Image Size: 8.25 x 11.5 in. Overall Size: 15 x 17.25 in. Unframed. (B99013) See More