Last Updated on September 20, 2023
The Bluetick Coonhound, one of America’s most popular breeds, is a beautiful, charming dog with a striking coat that you won’t find elsewhere. These dogs were originally developed for hunting .. Blueticks can be used to hunt raccoons, raccoons, and other animals with their keen sense of smell and sight. Blueticks require a lot structure in order to be happy. This is usually achieved through a job. Many blueticks are happy to be loved family members as long as they get enough exercise.
This breed is a great choice if all their needs have been met. Bluetick Coonhounds can be affectionate and sensitive, even though they are respected as serious hunters .. Bluetick Coonhounds can be very playful with their cute antics. They just want to make your smile. You need to be able to keep up with this intelligent and hardworking dog.
Looking for more information about the Bluetick Coonhound This profile will give you all the information you need about this amazing hound. This profile will provide information about the Bluetick’s past, temperament, and appearance as well as how to care for them in all aspects of their lives.
Breed History
The Bluetick Coonhound was born in the United States .. Although this breed is from Louisiana, much of their origins remain a mystery. Although this breed is not well-known, it has been suggested that they are derived from before America’s . was founded.
Little is known about their past, but they may have been bred from dogs from other countries. Among these dogs, notably, is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne— the French Staghound. With their mottled “blue”, you can see the similarities between these dogs!
Other dogs that may have contributed to their development are the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound, the Black And Tan Virginia Foxhound, and Louisiana’s Cur Dogs. These breeds were mixed together to create a hound dog with impressive endurance and a cold nose— a nose that can sniff out trails that are hours, or even days old.
Early History
These dogs were bred to hunt raccoons ; which is where the Coonhound’s name comes from. They chased their quarry until it was under a tree, howling as they waited for the hunting party to catch up. This was done for small animals like rabbits.
But they are also able to handle large, dangerous game like bears, wild boar and cougars. Bluetick Coonhounds are descendants of French Staghounds and have an impressive baying sound that is used for hunting.
George Washington’s friend, the French General Marquis de Lafayette, would write to the president about the magnificent sounds that rang forth from the voices of the French Staghounds- “like the bells of Moscow,” Washington later wrote.
AKC Recognition
The breed was originally recognized under the United Kennel Club of the United Kingdom. It is the English Foxhound and Coonhound. Many Blueticks were registered under these breeds, though it wasn’t until 1946 that the breed received its own separate recognition.
Bluetick Coonhounds are the AKC’s 162nd breed. They were not accepted into the AKC’s hound group as late as 2009. They are the 137th most popular dog in America, according to the 2020 survey done by the AKC.
The breed is an important part of the US’s Southern Culture .. The University of Tennessee has had a Bluetick Coonhound as their mascot since 1953, with 10 generations of Smokey from then until now. In 2019, Tennessee recognized the breed as their official state dog, which is an amazing testament to how beloved the Bluetick really is.
Temperament
Bluetick Coonhounds are loyal to their families with an amazing loyalty. According to the AKC, they are “smart and devoted” and “tenacious”. They live up to their name, and make a great companion.
These dogs are always happy to interact and play with their pack . They love to have fun with their silly antics and will do anything to make you laugh. They are proud of their family and will do everything to make sure you feel loved.
While they are a wonderful choice for many families, Blueticks require a lot of energy. They are not suitable for novice dog owners or people who can’t commit to their mental and physical stimulation.
With Families
Blueticks are very open to interacting with family members. They are good with children and very patient. They might prefer older children over younger ones because they are more disciplined.
As long as the pets are raised alongside one another , there is no problem with pets living in harmony with this breed. Smaller animals like birds, rabbits and hamsters may be an exception.
Because they were raised to hunt, their prey drive is high. It might be wise to avoid having smaller animals in your home as they could become injured. Blueticks are also very affectionate and will be happy to cuddle with you if all their needs are met. Since they are so attached to their family, you should not leave them alone for too long in case they develop separation anxiety.
In the Home
One thing you should know about this breed is their vocal ability. You must train them to recognize when it is appropriate to let out a lot of noise. They are very vocal and have a tendency to bark or bay. They make excellent watchdogs , and are able to guard your home with their bravery.
These hounds can seem stubborn due to their tendency to get distracted easily. Although they are intelligent, they may be a bit too stubborn. It’s a smart idea to give your hound a job, especially if they live in rural areas. This will keep them calm and happy.
Size Appearance
The Bluetick Coonhound is a classic hound appearance. They are medium-sized and quite muscular with cute floppy ears. They are not as fast as other hounds but they can still hunt well. Males stand at around 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while females are 21 to 25 inches. Males weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 pounds, while females weigh 45 to 65 pounds.
Their head is broad between the ears and has a domed skull. The muzzle of the Bluetick is wide and deep. It should appear square in profile. They have large eyes that are well-set apart and round. This gives them an adorable “pleading dog” expression.
A Bluetick has a dark eye color that is never lighter than light brown. Their eyes are tightly framed. Their ears are set low and have a thin appearance, typical of a hound. When pulled forward, they taper towards their nose. The nose is usually large and black.
Body Structure
The body of a Bluetick Coonhound is usually deeper towards the elbows and wider at the rest. Their necks are medium-sized and muscular. They taper from the shoulders to the head. Muscular back and a slope downward from the hips to the withers is the norm. The ribs are well-sprung and move into a moderate tuck towards the loins.
The forequarters have straight legs and slightly sloping pasterns. They have a sloped shoulder and don’t seem to be very wide. This allows for freedom of movement and a strong stride. Their hips are strong and not as wide as their rib cage. They have strong thighs that allow for power and movement. They have strong, moderately bent hocks.
Their feet look like a cat’s. They have well-arched toes . and hard paw pads HTML3_ HTML3_. The tails are medium in length. They are proudly carried with a tapered tail and a thick covering of fur. However, it doesn’t feather like a flag. AKC standard dictates their gait to be “Active and vigorous, with topline carried firmly and head and tail well up”.
Coats and Colors
One look at the dog will reveal a unique coat pattern. This mottled, or “ticked” pattern comes from the flecks of color on the blue and black coat. The coat is short, coarse and close to the body. It is very shiny and smooth which makes it a great pet. It must be kept to the AKC standards of “not too rough” and “not too short”. They are not hypoallergenic, unfortunately for allergy sufferers.
The breed has a standard appearance in terms of coat colors. A dark blue with thickly textured body is the AKC’s preferred color. You will find black spots over the ears, back, and sides. The ears and head are predominantly black.
Bluetick coonhounds may have tan marks over their eyes , below their tail and on their chests. However, you might also see them with no markings. Red ticking can be seen on the feet and lower legs. Blue ticking is visible on the body against white fur. However, the coat is primarily blue-ticked and not white. Other colors are not allowed by the AKC.
Exercise
The high energy requirements of Bluetick Coonhounds is one of the greatest challenges. They require a lot in exercise, and you will have to make sure they are happy. For first-time dog owners, this can be a difficult breed to manage. You will need to set up a routine for your dog to exercise regularly, as they are intelligent.
Try to include as many different activities as possible and keep it as regular as you can. Because this dog enjoys spending time with their family, it is important that everyone in the family participates in their exercise. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior in dogs, so make sure they get enough exercise.
You can avoid destructive tendencies and take your dog for long walks every day. It’s recommended to give them at least 90 minutes of exercise each day, though you can split this up into multiple sessions throughout the day. Your Bluetick Coonhound is happy to go hiking with you if you live in the mountains or forests.
Your Bluetick will love to play and run around the yard. However, it must be well fenced in. The Bluetick can become easily lost, and can even wanderlust ,. You should provide a variety of games, including tug-o-war and fetch. If you have enough space, your dog may also enjoy running an obstacle course.
Living Requirements
They are prone to barking and baying, so it is not a good idea for them to be kept in an apartment. They will be happier in rural areas that allow them to make as much noise and as many as they want.
If you can train them to behave in a manner that makes them happy, and keep them active with games and exercise, they might be able to live happy in a suburban environment . To prevent destructive tendencies, make sure they have plenty of toys.
Your Bluetick Coonhound is most comfortable in mild climates. As long as the weather isn’t too severe, they can handle all kinds of weather. Keep them warm in winter by using a heater and putting on a sweater when you go for walks.
In the summer, keep them cool by placing fans and air conditioners in a shaded area of your home. You should also ensure that they have plenty of water throughout the house. To ensure your dog’s safety and health, keep them indoors.
Training
Bluetick Bluetick Coonhounds can be smart, but they can be difficult to train. They can be stubborn and prefer their own way. This is why training them as soon as possible is so important. As soon as your dog comes home, train them. Dogs will be more comfortable learning when you provide firm guidance, confidence, and a consistent training schedule.
It is important to teach this breed how to walk on a leash. They have a strong nose and will chase any scent you find while on walks with you. They have high wanderlust , and will flee as soon as they can. If they are able to smell a small animal, this will make it even more difficult. It is important to train them not bark in inappropriate ways, which can be difficult.
During training you might become frustrated with your Bluetick. You should never treat your Bluetick unfairly. They are sensitive dogs and will be very understanding. They will quickly become resentful at an unkind trainer, making it difficult for everyone. Positive reinforcement is the best approach. Reward them when they are worthy.
Giving your dog lots of treats, praise and affection for a job well done is a great way to motivate them to do more. Once you have established a rapport, you can move on to more difficult tricks as your dog will be more willing to work for you. You can even choose to train them in competitive agility and obedience! To keep your dog well-behaved, it is important to teach them a sense of structure and routine.
Socialization
Socializing with your Bluetick Coonhound can be a great way to improve their mental health. It is good for their mental health and the well-beings of the people who live with them. You can help them to become confident, more well-rounded and better-rounded dogs . by getting used to different people, animals, places and situations.
The breed is known for being friendly and will not have any trouble adapting to new surroundings. It is possible for them become shy or discouraged. Be gentle with them.
Puppy kindergarten classes can be a great way for your dog to learn how to behave with other dogs. This is especially important for dogs who will be sharing their home with other dogs as well as dogs that are stray dogs. Your dog will be less afraid and will become more friendly and confident if they learn to behave properly. It can also help to reduce aggression and anxiety.
Health
Bluetick Bluetick Coonhounds can be healthy and happy dogs. You can make sure they are well-bred by buying from responsible breeders. Breeders who are committed to your dog’s health will make every effort to ensure that they have a healthy and happy puppy. Blueticks have an average lifespan of 11 to 12 years. You can make your dog’s life easier by taking good care of their health. This will allow you to enjoy more time with them.
However, like all dogs, this breed is predisposed to some illnesses. You can give your dog the best chance of a healthy life by understanding these diseases early. It will be easier to inform your veterinarian immediately if you are familiar with the symptoms. Although your dog may not get any of these diseases ,, it is a good idea that you are familiar with them. These are common conditions they might experience.
Hip Dysplasia
Your Bluetick Coonhound could be at risk for hip dysplasia because they run a lot. This condition is often inherited and breeders will screen your puppy for it before they give them to you. Hip dysplasia is a condition where your dog’s thigh bone does not fit properly into their hip socket.
This can lead to limping in one or both of the hindlegs, irregular gait, and an abnormal posture. This can lead to arthritis or lameness. This condition can be very painful so it is important to get it treated immediately. Your veterinarian might recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs or weight loss for overweight dogs.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is a condition where your dog’s knee cap becomes dislocated from its normal place in the groove of the thigh bone. This condition is difficult to detect if it has become severe enough to cause discomfort or pain in your dog.
Your Bluetick Coonhound may show hindleg lameness and kick in an effort to “pop” his kneecap. You should immediately address this condition as it can lead to degenerative arthritis extremely painful . Your veterinarian may recommend surgery to treat your condition.
Gastric Torsion
Bluetick Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their deep chests, which makes them more susceptible to gastric torsion or bloat. This condition can be very dangerous and even deadly. You should seek immediate medical attention. Gastric torsion occurs when the dog’s belly becomes distended with air that is unable to be expelled, and then twists.
Dogs that are unable to expel their stomach contents from their stomachs go into shock. Gastric torsion can be characterized by excessive drooling and restlessness, as well as retching that does not allow them to vomit.
Bloat is a common condition that can be avoided. Bloat is a common condition that can be avoided. Gastric torsion can be prevented by giving your dog enough food and water. Your Bluetick should not be allowed to exercise until at least one hour has passed since the last meal.
Nutrition
To ensure your dog’s health and well-being throughout their lives, you must provide a balanced, healthy diet. Good nutrition is essential for all living things. Your Bluetick must have a healthy puppyhood. Your Bluetick’s puppyhood is the most crucial developmental stage in a dog’s life.
Your dog’s diet will change as they age. They will need to maintain their health and vitality. Good nutrition is essential for your dog’s health.
There are many types of dog food on the market. It can be confusing to decide which one is right for you. The best dog food for your dog is the easiest. choose all-natural, dry food to feed your dog. This will ensure that your dog has the right nutrients for good health.
It’s best to avoid food that claims it is for all life stages, as each stage has its own nutritional needs. Avoid artificial ingredients as they can cause problems for your dog’s health.
Portion Sizes
The factors that determine the portion size of your Bluetick Coonhound depend on their age, size and activity level. This last factor is particularly important as this breed is very active. They will eat more than other dogs their size especially if they are involved in competitive agility . To help them grow up healthy, puppies will require a variety of nutritious foods. Their portion sizes will change as they get older.
Adult blueticks will eat more food due to their larger size. However, their kibble will contain fewer calories. While senior dogs will consume less food, they will still need to eat a lot to maintain their strength and muscle mass. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right food portions for your dog throughout his life. Feeding your dog too much food can lead to canine obesity, which paves the way for many preventable diseases.
If your dog is picky, you should address it immediately. It is best to limit your dog’s eating times. Try leaving your dog’s food out for 30 minutes; take it away if it goes untouched. Keep the food out of reach until they are ready for the next meal. This will help them understand that food may not always be available and will encourage them to eat at their scheduled times. To increase the dog’s palatability, you can add wet food to their dry kibble.
Grooming
This breed sheds, but is not hypoallergenic. Blueticks shed very little. Brushing your dog a few times per week can help to control their shedding. To help remove excess fur ,, you can use a rubber currybrush. The brush will give your dog a gentle massage. You can also keep your dog’s fur shiny and healthy by using a rubber curry brush.
Dogs don’t need to be bathed too often. A bath once per month should be sufficient. However, if your Bluetick becomes visibly dirty, you can increase the frequency. Use warm water and mild shampoo for your dog. Rinse well to remove any soap residue.
Soap residue could irritate the skin , of your dog. To remove some of the grime from your dog’s skin between washes, you may use a baby wipe. Blueticks are good at keeping their dogs clean.
Bathing & Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears will prevent infections. Use a cotton pad or a veterinary ear cleaner to clean your dog’s ears. This will remove any excess wax or debris. Regular brushing with a toothpaste and toothbrush made for dogs is a must. This will make their breath smell wonderful and remove plaque and tartar.
Bluetick Coonhounds are active dogs who do a lot of running .. You should still inspect their length once a month and trim as needed to avoid injury, cracking, or splitting.
Grooming should bring joy to you and your dog. This is not always the case. You can make grooming stress-free for your dog and yourself by making it enjoyable. To help move this process along ., use basic obedience commands and a gentle hand. They will enjoy grooming and be more relaxed if you are kind to them and guide them well.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Adopting a Coonhound from an experienced breeder is always a good choice. But, it is always a good idea to research before you buy !. Many breeders are greedy and only care about their dogs. These untrustworthy breeders operate puppy mills that are unsafe and inhumane. The dogs are also often abused.
Responsible breeders are happy to get to know you and your puppy over the few weeks prior to you bringing them home. It makes it easier to transition into a happy life. They are happy to answer your questions about your dog and help you understand the most important aspects of raising your puppy. You will be provided with a veterinary certificate that details the screenings for illness and vaccinations.
Find a good breeder to raise your purebred puppy. There are many resources available to assist you. It’s possible that your veterinarian has some suggestions, so it’s worth asking them. To meet dog lovers, you can go to dog shows. This is a great way to find information, especially if you have a dog of the breed you love!
You can also move your search online and look for dog lovers on social media and forums that may be able help you. Lastly, the AKC has this amazing resource on breeder referrals, in case you need the extra help. You can expect to pay an average of $1,000 and up for a Bluetick Coonhound puppy, with show quality dogs costing more.
Rescues & Shelters
While it’s a good idea for a puppy to be purchased from a trusted breeder, we recommend that first look to adopt before they shop for a dog. You might find a bluetick colonhound among the dogs in the shelter. Many of these dogs are seniors or have special needs and will require extra care to help them thrive again.
This can make them less adoptable than other dogs, so we encourage you to give them another chance at a happy life. Since there are 3.3 million dogs put into shelters each year, with many of them eventually euthanized, adoption is saving a life.
When choosing a rescue dog, make sure you ask staff all the questions that you might have about your new pet. Knowing everything about your dog, from their temperament and health, will help you make the right decisions regarding how to best care for them. You will make them happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.
Dogs adopted from shelters will be more sensitive than others. Your new furry friend will likely be frightened or distrustful of your presence. Be patient. You can help them feel safe again by understanding that this is temporary.
As Family Pets
- Blueticks are excellent family dogs and valiant protectors of their homes.
- They make great watchdogs and will always let you know when someone new is around.
- This breed is highly affectionate and love their owners.
- They will enjoy making others laugh and being at the center of the action.
- Bluetick Coonhounds are also prone to separation anxiety.
- You’ll need not leave them alone for too long in case they become sad and anxious.
- They should not be kept around smaller animals, as they may chase due to their prey drive.
- These dogs bark a good bit, and thus will not be suitable for apartment living.
- Bluetick Coonhounds need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy.
- Give them daily walks and lots of toys to play with.
- This breed is fine in temperate weather.
- They don’t do well in extreme heat or cold.
- Blueticks shed, but you can manage this with regular brushing.
- Bluetick Coonhounds do not need baths more than once a month.
- Grooming is relatively easy and painless.
- Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to various ailments.
- Check with your breeder to see if they’ve screened for them.
Final Thoughts
Now, you know everything you need to understand the Bluetick Coonhound. It’s not easy to raise a dog. Knowing how to handle them effectively is a smart move.
We believe the Bluetick Coonhound’s sacrifices are worth it, and we know you will too. You have a lot to offer your dog, so make sure you give them the love and attention they deserve. You can help your dog live a full and happy life, while you enjoy the time you have together.
Your Bluetick Coonhound is more than happy companion for all your adventures. You can count on them to be your best friend and furry companion. You will be able to get to know them quickly, as you are familiar with how to provide the best care. This guide will help you make your life easier. This wonderful dog will soon be sniffing its way into your heart!