Bluetick Coonhound: Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

It’s interesting how many breeds have names that describe their appearance and what they were bred for. That’s certainly the case with the Bluetick Coonhound! This bold and single-minded dog is an excellent hunter and companion. If you’re curious about this breed, keep reading!

The Bluetick Coonhound originated in the southeastern United States sometime in the early 1900s. They were developed by crossing American and English Foxhounds with breeds like the Grand Bleu de Gascony (Great Gascony Blue). They were bred to be a high-endurance and strong scent hound for hunting raccoons and intimidating quarry like cougars and bears.

This large breed is both slender and well-muscled and has a white coat with black ticking and black patches. Their long, floppy ears are typical of hound dogs and are usually black, and their tail is carried high (also typical of hounds).

Bluetick Coonhound Characteristics

Bluetick Coonhound Puppies

The Bluetick is not as common a breed as many others, so locating a breeder tends to be tricky. There are more breeders in the U.S. since that’s where the Bluetick originated, but even so, you’ll probably need to have your puppy flown to your location.

Don’t look for a breeder through online “classifieds,” as these are where people who run puppy mills tend to post. Look for ethical breeders, though bear in mind that while a good breeder charges high prices for their puppies, they don’t make much money at all. Most of the money that they get for their puppies goes toward the upkeep of their dogs and the puppies in future litters. Be sure to ask the breeder plenty of questions too!

A Bluetick could show up at your local animal shelter, but your best bet is to try a breed-specific rescue like one of these:

• American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue
• Carolina Coonhound Rescue
• Northeast Coonhound Rescue
• Northwest Coonhound Rescue

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bluetick Coonhound 🧠

Bluetick Coonhounds form strong bonds with their families and are devoted and affectionate. They are also highly energetic, intelligent, and courageous, and they won’t hesitate to rush into action, typically led by their nose. They tend to be wary of strangers but are otherwise friendly and gentle dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Blueticks are excellent family companions! However, they do better with older children because they are large and rambunctious, which can lead to little ones accidentally getting knocked over. But they are excitable and playful dogs and will make fantastic playmates for your children.

That said, it’s up to you to teach your kids how to deal with dogs in a gentle and respectful way. You can do this through talking but also by getting them to help with caring for the dog, which will give them a sense of responsibility and a stronger bond with their pet.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Blueticks get along well enough with other dogs. Like most hounds, they work in packs, so the company of other canines can be welcome. However, since Blueticks have a tremendously high prey drive, smaller pets might not be safe. If the dog is raised alongside these animals and socialized well, there might not be any problems. However, it’s still likely best not to bring a Bluetick into your home if you own pets like cats or rabbits.

Things to Know When Owning a Bluetick Coonhound

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Always aim for high-quality dog food formulated for your Bluetick’s current age and weight. The food must also be able to sustain their high energy. Speak to your vet regarding the amount that you should feed your dog, and they can also advise you on the best food for your pet.

Be careful when feeding table scraps to your dog, as too many can lead to obesity and the potential exposure to toxic ingredients. Lastly, ensure that your Bluetick has constant access to fresh and clean water.

Exercise 🐕

This breed needs a significant amount of exercise! The Bluetick Coonhound is not a dog for someone who is not active, as they require about 90 minutes of exercise every day. These dogs were also built for endurance, so you’ll want to work in tiring playtime sessions in addition to their regular walks. They will excel at hiking and jogging, so consider enrolling them in agility and tracking.

You’ll always want to keep the Bluetick on a leash or a fenced yard because if they catch a whiff of an enticing scent, they’ll be off and running!

Training 🎾

Being a hound, the Bluetick is known for their loud baying bark, which they like to show off. Part of training them might include reducing their barking, particularly if you have neighbors who don’t appreciate dog songs.

But this breed is intelligent and loves their humans, so their training can be fairly straightforward. That said, hounds are also known for their stubbornness, and the Bluetick is no exception. You’ll need plenty of patience and to make the training sessions interesting and short, only using positive reinforcement.

Grooming ✂️

Blueticks have short coats that will need brushing weekly to distribute the oils and keep the coat in good condition. They only need a bath about once a month or sooner if they get into something stinky or dirty. Be sure to use a good dog shampoo.

Blueticks have long, droopy ears that need checking and cleaning about once a week. You should also brush their teeth daily or once a week at the very least, and check their nails for trimming every 3 to 4 weeks.

Health and Conditions ❤️ 🏥

Blueticks are healthy dogs overall, but there’s always the possibility of certain health conditions affecting them. The following medical issues aren’t necessarily going to affect all Blueticks, but it’s still a good idea to familiarize yourself with them.

Male vs. Female

The female Bluetick is notably smaller than the male. The male is 22 to 27 inches in height, and the female is 21 to 25 inches. Additionally, the male weighs 55 to 80 pounds, while the female weighs 45 to 65. Regarding the differences in temperament, the males can be more excitable and take longer to mature, which can impact their training. Females tend to mature more quickly and are therefore easier to train.

However, while differences in sex can occur, what truly determines a dog’s temperament is how they are treated and what kind of training and socialization that they’ve had.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bluetick Coonhound

1. The Bluetick Coonhound Has a Cold Nose

This doesn’t mean this breed has a perpetually chilly nose. It means they have an excellent sense of smell that they can put to use by sniffing out what is called a “cold trail.” The Bluetick Coonhound can follow a trail that is hours or even days old!

2. The Bluetick Coonhound Has Unique Paws

These dogs have large paws, even considered among the largest of most breeds. But their paws are also well-arched and rounded, giving them a catlike appearance.

3. The Bluetick Coonhound Isn’t Exactly Blue

They get their name from the unique pattern of black ticking on their white coat, which gives the appearance of a navy blue color. This ticking covers most of the body.

Closing Thoughts

Bluetick Coonhounds make excellent hunting dogs but are equally amazing companions for the family. They do best in rural settings or homes with fenced backyards. Just don’t take your eyes off them if they are off-leash outside!

Blueticks need experienced owners who know how to train stubborn dogs and can keep up with their boundless energy. But these are excellent dogs that will run by your side and then cuddle up after a long, exhausting day.

Featured Image Credit: Taylor Walter, Shutterstock