Are you ready to get yourself a best friend for life? The Bluetick Coonhound can be your perfect companion, be it hunting, traveling, or whatever you like.
There’s a calmness on their face that can melt anyone’s heart at a glance. Whether or not this breed is suitable for you, you can only find out after reading till the end.
About The Breed
Behind the glossy body of the Bluetick Coonhound, there’s a friendly dog who has the talent of becoming anyone’s best friend.
They are said to have a cold nose and are the happiest in the woods, where they get to chase different smells.
These dogs look so adorable with their droopy ears, but they have alert eyes. They are full of energy until they drain out and start dozing near your feet.
New owners might not be able to handle such a magnificent breed. Making a Bluetick Coonhound a part of your family means finding creative ways to keep them entertained and satisfied.
A large fenced yard or even a yard is enough to keep these giant fur balls happy. These dogs like to follow their nose and experience new adventures.
An owner who understands that their dog’s detective nose can also mean trouble is capable of handling this breed.
The Bluetick Coonhounds stand out in a crowd because of their unique coat and their name suit their coat.
They have coarse, short coats with slender but muscular bodies behind this coat. They have charming, long, and dark-colored ears that give them the appearance of a hound.
Their catlike, well-arched paws show that they are ready to follow any interesting smell quickly.
Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed History
The Bluetick Coonhound, like all coonhounds, is an American scenthound. But it’s said that this breed’s origin dates back before the nation’s founding.
Their traces can be found in the English foxhound and the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne dog.
Being a scenthound, hunting and chasing prey with their strong nose is the Bluetick’s true nature.
Their breeding was done to track the quarry with their detective’s nose and force the animal to jump the tree (called treeing) to help the hunter easily hunt the animal.
The earlier versions of the Bluetick were the frontiersmen’s favorite. When the Bluetick wasn’t busy hunting raccoons, these dogs would help their handlers with big targets like lynxes, black bears, and even cougars.
The Bluetick breeders wanted the dog to have a cold nose that could track the days old or miles away the scent.
They still have this ability making them suitable for search and rescue work. This breed has been the Tennessee state dog and the University of Tennessee’s mascot since 1993. In 2009, this breed got recognition from the American Kennel Club.
Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Bluetick Coonhound |
| Other Name | Huckleberry Hound |
| Dog Breed Type | Hound dogs |
| Origin | United States, Louisiana |
| Parent Breeds | American Foxhound, English Foxhound, French Grand bleu de Gascogne hound |
| Height | 23-30 inches |
| Weight | 45-100 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Coat Type | Glossy coat |
| Common Colors | Bluetick |
| Grooming Needs | Medium to high |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Friendly, Active, Smart |
| Apartment Living | Not recommended for apartment living |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Autoimmune thyroiditis, Hip dysplasia, Luxating patellas |
| Overall Health | Healthy |
| Intelligence Level | High |
| Trainability | Difficult to train |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Active |
| Litter Size | 7 puppies |
What To Know
• They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• Socialize them early to ensure a well-adjusted pet.
• Their distinctive bay is a trait used in hunting.
• Be prepared for their strong prey drive and determination when on the trail.
Characteristics
Adaptability
These dogs were originally bred for hunting, but they can also be great pets. They are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them easy to train.
They can adapt to both city and country living, as long as they get enough exercise. Bluetick Coonhounds can be your buddy in various settings, making them an adaptable and fun addition to your family.
Adaptability
Adaptive to Apartment Living
Suitable for New Owners
Sensitivity Scale
Comfortable Being Alone
Comfortable with Cold Weather
Comfortable with Hot Weather
Friendliness
Friendliness within Bluetick Coonhound dogs means they are very friendly and caring! They are like furry companions who are always looking for new friends.
They love to wag their tails and offer warm kisses that show their affection. Bluetick Coonhounds are fond of engaging in games and playing with other dogs, particularly children.
They’re so soft and loving that they make great companions for all. If you’re looking for someone who’s as amiable as you can get then you should consider a Bluetick Coonhound might be just the right fit for you!
All About Friendliness
Lovable with Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Frank with strangers
Personality
The Bluetick Coonhounds make great pets for a house that can fulfill their needs and keep them happy.
Their breeding was done to make them scenthound machines that can track even the faintest smells.
If they don’t get enough opportunities or an environment where they can use their natural talents, these dogs don’t feel very happy.
That said, you should be able to let your dog use their natural abilities.
The Bluetick Coonhound can be your perfect travel or jogging partner, thanks to their detective’s nose.
These dogs are the happiest when outdoors and will chase anything that smells interesting.
This means they have a high chance of getting lost. That’s why you should always keep them on a leash and provide a fenced backyard for them to play around.
They are athletic but heavy sleepers too. Overall, you can call the Bluetick Coonhound an adaptable breed.
If you ever see your Bluetick howling, barking, or bawling, consider it as them giving you a signal that they are bored. These dogs also bark when they feel excited or curious.
These dogs love investigating; that’s why open grounds excite them. They need an owner who can provide them with an active lifestyle even inside the house.
Their nose tends to direct their mind, and when they start listening to their nose, they become very dedicated.
Their nose can even get them lost in an unknown place; that’s why you should train them to come when called their name. You can also use a tracker on their collar in case they go too far; you can easily track them.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
Bluetick Coonhounds are extremely friendly with children. They are soft and affectionate personalities making them great pets for families.
Children can count on an animal friend to be part of their adventures and give plenty of cuddles.
Be sure to be sure to supervise their interactions because Coonhounds are very active and could accidentally knock over children who are very small because of their ferocious nature.
Amicable to Other Pets
Bluetick Coonhounds generally have a great relationship with other pets, particularly when socialized at an early age.
Their sociable disposition extends to pets however it is essential to observe their interactions in the beginning.
They are known to have a strong urge to hunt which means smaller pets like rodents or cats may require more supervision.
Barking Tendencies
Bluetick Coonhounds possess distinctive baying voices which they use to hunt. They are vocal and can bark when they are excited, however, this breed generally stays at peace indoors.
Training can help control their barking behaviors and help them understand when it’s appropriate to speak.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Bluetick Coonhounds prefer the closeness of their humans. Being left alone for long periods can cause separation anxiety, which could cause destructive behavior.
To help them deal with being in a crate, think about training. Then, gradually increase the amount of time they spend with their own.
Engaging toys as well as a safe and comfortable environment can help keep them busy.
Pros And Cons Of The Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed
Pros
- Excellent tracking and hunting abilities.
- Loyal and affectionate family companions.
- Striking and unique blue-speckled coat.
- Energetic and outdoorsy, great for active owners.
- Minimal grooming needs, easy to care for.
Cons
- Strong prey drive may chase small animals.
- Can be stubborn and independent in training.
- Requires ample exercise and mental stimulation.
- Loud and frequent barking, is not ideal for apartments.
- Prone to weight gain, need portion control.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
The gender of a Bluetick Coonhound doesn’t define its attitude.
Appearance
General Appearance
They are medium-sized to large-sized dogs that are known for their strong build and graceful athletic posture.
Their coat is short and thick and is adorned with a distinctive blue speckling pattern that is what gives them their name.
Their eyes are expressive and soulful, while their ears are large and low. This breed is renowned for its vigor and determination, which makes them a unique and beautiful member of any family.
Coat Color
The name Bluetick was given to this breed because of its unique coat pattern. You’ll notice blue, white, black, and tan colors covering the coat with small black spots all around.
These spots are known as tickling. Their head and ears have black color while the chest, lower legs, feet, and tail might have red markings.
It isn’t a tough job to groom a Bluetick Coonhound. Simply brushing once a week is enough to maintain their coat.
As they have drop ears, you should clean their ears from time to time and get them checked by a vet too.
Shedding
The Bluetick Coonhounds shed moderately throughout the year.
Size
The Bluetick Coonhounds are gigantic breeds that grow tall between 24-30 inches. Their huge size combined with their energetic nature is a deadly combination.
Dogs usually don’t realize how big they are and can accidentally knock over things. That’s why you should train them from a young age to avoid such accidents.
Health
Regular vet visits can help to maintain the health of your Bluetick Coonhound. They are a healthy breed, but there are some health problems you should know before making them a part of your family.
- Luxating patellas
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Hip dysplasia
Health And Grooming Requirements
Shedding Quantity
Drooling Capability
Effortless to Groom
Overall Health
Capable of Gaining Weight
Size
Maintenance And Care
Though the coat of a Bluetick Coonhound looks shiny, it doesn’t provide that much protection during a cold climate.
They make great travel partners, so you should equip your dog with warm and cute sweaters while taking them outside during winter.
Nail trimming twice a week should be done or when you notice nails growing too long. This will keep their catlike paws healthy.
You don’t have to provide them with expensive grooming sessions with a professional groomer. Instead, invest in quality exercise gear to keep these dogs healthy.
Long-line leashes, exciting toys, and body harnesses are some of the equipment needed. Never let your dog roam freely, as they don’t know where they’re going; they’re just following their nose.
Grooming
These dogs have a slender coat that is easy to take care of. Apply a soft brush to keep it shining. Be gentle and use it as an opportunity to bond.
Make sure to clean their floppy ears frequently to avoid infections. Cut their nails with care.
Make sure to brush their teeth to maintain their health. Bathing? Only if they’re really dirty.
Food And Nutrition
Every dog, like the Bluetick Coonhound, deserves a high-quality diet. Now what kind of and how much food you should give them depends on a lot of factors like their age, health, size, and upbringing.
A vet will check your dog’s special dietary requirements and then make a diet plan accordingly.
No matter how much your dog demands human food with their doll eyes, you should never even give a bite to them.
Also, never leave food on the table or any chewable items as interesting smells excite them.
Exercise And Activity Level
As these dogs have loads of energy to burn off, you should prepare yourself to dedicate at least an hour of your time to get them proper exercise.
Physical Requirements
Energy range
Intensity
Exercise Requirements
Capable for Playfulness
Trainability
The Bluetick Coonhound is a smart and determined dog. Although they are excellent hunter, they can also be a bit stubborn in training.
The importance of patience and consistency is when teaching new techniques and commands.
Make use of positive reinforcement, such as sweets and praise to entice them. Engaging them in early socialization with dogs as well as humans can help them become more happy and well-behaved pets.
If you follow the right way, Bluetick Coonhounds can be trained to be excellent companions.
Trainability
Effortless to Train
Smartness
Capable for Mouthiness
Tendency to Attack Prey
Urge to Howl or Bark
Wanderlust Ability
Children and other pets
The Bluetick Coonhounds need proper socialization and training when it comes to children. They are usually not aggressive with other dogs, but socialization will help them to have calm behavior.
Conclusion
The Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their “singing” abilities, which were particularly useful during hunting.
These dogs are wonderful family members who love to play and get active. They are renowned for their hunting skills and distinctive sound of the baying.
It is important to provide them with ample exercise as well as early socialization. They are your best friends and guardians, filling your home with adventure and love.
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FAQs On Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed…
Where do the Bluetick Coonhound dog breeds come from?
Bluetick Coonhounds originated in the United States, with roots in English Foxhounds and French hounds, resulting in their distinctive appearance and hunting prowess.
What is the best diet routine for a Bluetick Coonhound?
A balanced diet for a Bluetick Coonhound should consist of high-quality dog food rich in protein, supplemented with fresh vegetables and occasional treats.
How much exercise is required for a Bluetick Coonhound?
Bluetick Coonhounds need at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, as they are active hounds with strong hunting instincts.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.