Bluetick Coonhound

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Bluetick Coonhound

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Originated in the United States, the fast and muscular Bluetick Coonhound dog breed stands out for their striking coat. This breed is most commonly used for hunting raccoons but they are also energetic, lovable, and friendly dogs who enjoy the company of an active family. 

Other Names none
Color Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked & Tan
Height Males: 22–27 inches. Females: 21–25 inches.
Weight Males: 55–80 pounds. Females: 45–65 pounds.
Life Span 11-12 years
Personality Smart, Devoted, Tenacious
Exercise Energetic
Origin
Popularity #138
Groom Needs Weekly
Kids Friendly Yes with supervision
Dog Friendly Yes
Watch Dog
Family Dog Yes
Litter Size 6-8

Bluetick Coonhound Pictures

Bluetick Coonhound Video

Introduction

Bluetick Coonhounds are energetic and agile. They walk with ease, laid back with erect ears and a head held high. They appear speedy and muscular, disposed to periods of mournful barking and baying which comes in handy during hunting but disturbing to the neighborhood. Blueticks have a glossy coat that is smooth and short. Their mottled blue or navy blue color is a reflection of the blending of black tickings against a white background. They are members of the Hound Group.

As a medium- to large-sized dogs, Blueticks give an impressive height profile. A standard male stands 22-27 inches at the shoulder and weighs 55-80 pounds. A similar female measures around 21-24 inches and tips the weighing scales at 45-65 pounds. Bluetick Coonhounds are sweet and affectionate dogs with exuding passion for their work, blended with unwavering loyalty to their master. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years, on average.

Living with Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound’s short and glossy coat sheds only moderately. Weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove will help to remove loose hairs and keep him looking his best. This breed has large, long ears that should be checked and cleaned regularly for any signs of infection. And they only need to be bathed when dirt or odor becomes especially noticeable. The owner needs to brush the teeth several times a week to keep fresh breath and prevent gum disease. Last, trim the nails regularly is helpful to prevent painful splitting, cracking, or a broken nail.

The Bluetick Coonhound requires plenty of exercise as a working breed. The Bluetick may become destructive and difficult to manage without enough exercise for physical and mental stimulation. It is better to exercise your dog for about an hour every day. Although they benefit much from exercise, but also enjoy time spent snoozing at their owner’s feet. Besides, they would enjoy playing sessions with their owner in a securely fenced yard, or long walks on a leash. Never allow your dog off-leash in outdoors because he is a scent hound with a strong prey drive.

In addition to hunting and field trials, the Bluetick Coonhounds are also excellent candidates for canine sports such as agility and tracking.

Generally, it is recommended to feed the Bluetick Coonhound with two and a half to three cups of high-quality dry dog food every day, divided into two meals. And there should be clean and fresh water at all times. More importantly, the food amount should depend on the dog’s weight, size, age, and activity level. 

Some dogs are easy to get overweight, so you need to watch their calorie consumption and weight level all the time. Treats may be an important aid in training, but excessive intake can lead to obesity. Also, owners need to distinguish which human food is safe for dogs and which are not. If you have any problems with your dog’s weight or diet, just consult from your veterinarian.

Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to the following health conditions: Hip dysplasia, Cataracts, Ear infections, Bloat, Working injuries, CHD, etc. 

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Occasionally seen: ear infections, CHD, lysosomal storage disease

Suggested tests:

Hip Evaluation

Total Annual Cost: $2889

Cost is estimated for the first year and may vary depending on many factors, such as dog food, health care, leash, collar, licensing, possible fencing, crates, training and obedience classes, dog-walking, grooming, treats, toys, flea, tick, and heart-worm meds, microchips, etc.

The Bluetick Coondog is easily distracted by smells because this breed is always following its nose. It is suggested to be firm when training as they will ignore you if you are too gentle and lenient. Intelligent but stubborn, the Bluetick Coonhound can learn basic obedience with ease, the difficulty is in getting him to comply with your requests if he thinks there is something better to do. 

And it is suggested to use positive reinforcement to train the Bluetick because they have a sensitive side and may choose to ignore harsh correction. Both the Bluetick and the owner can benefit from participating in activities, such as agility, tracking, and dog sport.

History

The English Fox Hound is generally accepted as the grandparent of the Bluetick Coonhound and probably many other Coonhounds. The story of the descent of the Bluetick Coonhound has an interesting ring to it and begins with the migration of Europeans into America long ago. In the beginning, European settlers who occupied U.S regions of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, and the Carolinas, brought their dogs with them. 

As hunting was a popular sport in England at the time, the British settlers arrived with their Fox Hound which they prized for its exceptional hunting ability in the open fields of England. These events might have happened in the 1650s. However, the conditions they met in the New World seemed to differ markedly from what was prevalent in England. Unlike most quarry in England which would easily run underground into burrows, some in the U.S, such as the raccoon, would clamber up a tree. This trumped-up a need to develop a hardier and more dynamic breed out of the English Fox Hound for treeing purposes. Subsequently, the American Fox Hound, as well as several Coonhounds, was created out of the English Fox Hound. 

Among the European settlers were the Frenchmen who settled predominantly in the region of Louisiana. They brought their Grand Bleu de Gascogne dogs to America, and this breed later formed an essential part of the stock for creating the Bluetick Coonhound. First, American Fox Hounds were bred with Bloodhounds to improve their scenting abilities. However, it is widely known that the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and American Fox Hounds were cross-bred to develop the Bluetick Coonhound, although it isn’t clear which breed was more favored. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2009.

Helpful Information

Breed Club: NATIONAL BLUETICK COONHOUND ASSOCIATION

Breed Club Link: https://nationalblueticks.com/

Breed Club Rescue: 

Breed Club Rescue Link: https://bluetickcoonhound.rescueme.org/