Thanks a million guys, very good info.
I am not yet ready to recieve a dog, no place to put it yet, and it will be a while before I am, so I have to pass on the offers I have had for free dogs.

The main reason I am going to get the dog, or dogs, is for family pet. My grandfather and great grand father bred blueticks and walkers, as well as beagles, and I have always loved coon hounds. I live in the sticks and love to hear them bark. Their size and looks are perfect for my taste. And they can help keep the varmints out of my garden. I just need to do some fencing before I get them, cause I know they roam, and I do not want them getting on the road, or shot on adjascent farms.

Might get two - one for me and one for my 2-1/2 year old son.

Thanks again, I'll get a hold of those you guys recommend!