The Bluetick Coonhound is a smart and obedient dog that loves being with its family. They can adapt well to living indoors, but they do need regular exercise. It’s best to have a securely enclosed yard for these dogs, as they have a tendency to follow interesting smells and may wander off. They generally get along well with kids, although older children may be better suited as they can be quite energetic and rough at times. Proper socialization from a young age can make them pleasant and outgoing.
In terms of appearance and temperament, the Bluetick Coonhound is a beautiful breed. They have a strong and muscular build, yet they carry themselves with elegance and grace. They excel as night hunters, thanks to their sharp vision and dedication to the hunt. Training can be a challenge for less active owners, and if they don’t get enough exercise, they may become anxious and exhibit destructive behaviors. Having some outdoor space, like a backyard, can greatly benefit this breed. While they are generally not aggressive towards people, it’s important to remember that their instinct to hunt may make them unsuitable to be around cats or other small animals. Once properly trained, they are very gentle and attentive to their owners.
Below, we look at Bluetick Coonhound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Bluetick Coonhound, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Bluetick Coonhounds!
Dog Breed | Bluetick Coonhound |
Size | Large |
Weight | 45-65 lbs (average) |
Height | 21-25″ (average) |
Location | Southern US |
Ancestry | Foxhounds, Cur, French Hound, English Coonhound |
Date of Origin | 1940s |
Group | Hunting |
Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Price | $500 – $600 |
Family | Canidae |
Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Bluetick Coonhound has its origins in Louisiana and is a mix of various hound breeds, including the Bleu de Gascogne Hound from France, the English Foxhound, The Cur, the American Foxhound, and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. These dogs were specifically bred for hunting, with a particular talent for tracking, especially during nighttime. Originally, they were bred to hunt raccoons, and a skilled Bluetick Coonhound would pursue the target until it was treed. The dog would then sit under the tree, howling to alert the owners. Unlike fox hunting where the owners closely followed the dog, in coon hunting, they would stay back and listen for the distinct baying and howling sounds to locate the prey. Apart from raccoons, Bluetick Coonhounds were also used for hunting opossums, bobcats, and even larger animals like cougars and bears. They were equally adept at hunting alone or as part of a pack.
During the early days of colonization, these dogs were highly valued in the Southern states, primarily as hunting companions. They were later recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club in 1946, after initially being registered under the English Foxhound and Coonhound. Eventually, they were also registered with the American Kennel Club and officially became a member of the Hound Group in 2009.
🐕 Bluetick Coonhound Appearance
With their distinctive tricolored coat and sleek, muscular body type, Bluetick Coonhounds are a gorgeous breed. Dark blue in hue, the coat has black markings on the sides, back, and ears. The ticking creates the blue look by using black hairs on a white backdrop. Their large head is topped with a domed cranium. Low on the head, with tiny, floppy, silky ears. The Bluetick Coonhound’s head and ears are primarily black in color. Some dogs may have red ticking on their paws and lower legs in addition to tan markings around their eyes, cheeks, chest, and behind their tails. The eyes are big and wide set with lovely begging eyes that are round and tinted a rich brown. The tail tapers to a tip and is carried high. They are a remarkable breed of dog with compact, well-arched paws and strong, powerful hind legs. They are also loving and devoted dogs by nature.
👀 Eye Color | Brown |
🐽 Nose Color | Black |
🐕 Coat Color | Blue, Brindle, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact: Bluetick Coonhound dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don’t mind being left alone for a few hours either.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is an endearing, if little silly, canine friend. They serve as the family and home’s protectors and are incredibly devoted to their owners. If properly socialized as puppies, they will develop into amiable and hospitable individuals. Because they are a dog that was developed particularly to hunt, caution should be exercised around non-canine animals. The greatest way to foster a friendship between a cat and a dog is to nurture them together from an early age. They are be difficult to teach since they frequently become sidetracked by attractive odors that they would rather pursue, but persistence and toughness will pay off. They do require a powerful owner who is the alpha dog. This athlete is strong and tough, and his dog makes a wonderful hunter and tracker. Due to their propensity to pick up scents and vanish, this breed does best when kept on a leash. They need space to exercise and, ideally, a nice, long walk every day since they are loyal and faithful. Additionally, instead of a bark, they have a pretty loud, baying cry that might have an impact on your neighborhood interactions.
🤝 Are Bluetick Coonhounds Friendly or Aggressive?
Bluetick Coonhound dogs are generally sociable with other pets and are average friendly towards strangers. They are also known to be kid-friendly, making them a good choice for families with children. Although they are average friendly towards cats, Bluetick Coonhounds are very dog-friendly, making them a great choice for those who want more dogs in their family or enjoy dog meetups. Additionally, this breed is often recommended for elderly people, as they can provide companionship and be a suitable companion for them.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Friendly
- Gentle
🐩 Bluetick Coonhound Care & Maintenance
The Bluetick Coonhound requires only occasional brushing to keep its coat smooth and clean. A bath once a month, or as necessary, is sufficient. Although they don’t drool much, they might require a face wipe now and again to protect your clothes or the furnishings. Being a dog who is active outside, they will need their ears checked often for dirt and debris so that infection does not occur. If you can, brush their teeth more frequently than once a week. A active dog like the Bluetick Coonhound may wear their nails down on their own, but it is advised to check their length frequently. Trim their nails as needed.
Bluetick Coonhound dogs have a moderate shedding tendency, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Brushing their fur regularly can help minimize the amount of hair that is shed. The extent of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed. As for bath time, it is recommended to give Bluetick Coonhounds a bath every 3-4 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.75 – $2.25 daily, or roughly $52.50 – $67.50 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Bluetick Coonhound dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 10 miles per week, which equates to about 90 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Bluetick Coonhound dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Bluetick Coonhound Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed can be:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
🤧 Important: Is Bluetick Coonhound hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Bluetick Coonhound.
⚡ Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Bluetick Coonhound a great choice for families with young children?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a great choice for families with young children because they are loyal and devoted to their family. They are known to be good with children, although they may be better suited for older children due to their boisterous nature when excited.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Bluetick Coonhound is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They do well living indoors but require a fully fenced yard to prevent them from wandering away following an interesting scent trail.
How much exercise does a Bluetick Coonhound require compared to other breeds?
The Bluetick Coonhound requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They are an athletic breed and need a decent backyard or some land to move around in. A good long walk each day is also necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound breed known for being good with other pets?
The Bluetick Coonhound is not known for being good with other pets, especially cats or small animals. Their instinct to hunt may make them unsafe around non-canine animals. It is best to raise them with other pets from a young age so they can bond and be trained to coexist.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bluetick Coonhound?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bluetick Coonhound include the Basset Hound, Beagle, and Bloodhound. These breeds also have a keen sense of smell and may require similar exercise and training needs.
What are the common health issues that Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to?
Some common health issues that Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these conditions.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Bluetick Coonhounds can be challenging to train, especially for lazy pet owners. They have a tendency to get distracted by interesting scents and may require firmness and patience during training sessions.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Bluetick Coonhounds are not necessarily more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. However, like any dog, they can develop separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Bluetick Coonhound that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no specific dog breeds similar to the Bluetick Coonhound that are known to be suitable for people with allergies. However, some hypoallergenic breeds, such as the Poodle or Portuguese Water Dog, may be better options for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Bluetick Coonhound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller dogs similar to the Bluetick Coonhound, such as the Beagle or Basset Hound, may be more suitable. These breeds can still provide companionship and exercise without requiring as much space.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Bluetick Coonhound is known to be good with children, but their suitability for children with special needs would depend on the specific needs and temperament of the child. It is always important to introduce any dog breed to children with special needs in a controlled and supervised manner.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Bluetick Coonhound?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Bluetick Coonhound are relatively low compared to other breeds. They have a sleek and racy coat that requires minimal grooming. However, they do shed moderately, so regular brushing can help minimize loose hair around the house.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Bluetick Coonhound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.