This dog is an American breed. The bluetick coonhound can trace its ancestry to the English foxhound and the French grand blue de Gascogne. These dogs were brought to the Americas during colonial times. Whether breeding was intentional or not, the product of cross breeding was the bluetick coonhound. The breed was originally used as a hunter. Today’s blueticks do well when they have a job to perform, but they are just as happy to live in the house and take walks with their owners. Like any hound, this breed can be a challenge to train as they don’t typically have a strong desire to please their people.
The Bluetick Coonhound is a hunting breed and has all the characteristics of a perfect hunter: It has a medium-sized, muscular and sturdy body with long and muscular hind legs. Its muzzle is square-proportioned and it has strong jaws. Blueticks have thin, long ears and shiny coats. Their glossy coats appear dark blue and may tan markings. Grooming these dogs is a breeze, their coats only need occasional brushing. Their ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections.
Personality
Bluetick Coonhounds are easygoing, calm and affectionate. They are highly intelligent and very loyal towards their human families. These dogs are not suitable for apartment life because of their exercise needs. They need vigorous daily exercise that can only be fulfilled by long runs or long brisk walks. Indoors, they are mostly calm and like to relax. Bluetick Coonhounds are pack animals and do well with other companions. They will identify their owners as their pack leaders and need consistent leadership. They are kind and affectionate towards children and make great playmates. They may be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel threatened or if they don’t have consistent leadership.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Scenthound |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Bluetick |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Bluetick Coonhound Build Information
The Bluetick Coonhound is a hunting breed and has all the characteristics of a perfect hunter: It has a medium-sized, muscular and sturdy body with long and muscular hind legs. Its muzzle is square-proportioned and it has strong jaws. Blueticks have thin, long ears and shiny coats. Their glossy coats appear dark blue and may tan markings. Grooming these dogs is a breeze, their coats only need occasional brushing. Their ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections.
| Size: | Large |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Bluetick Coonhounds are easygoing, calm and affectionate. They are highly intelligent and very loyal towards their human families. These dogs are not suitable for apartment life because of their exercise needs. They need vigorous daily exercise that can only be fulfilled by long runs or long brisk walks. Indoors, they are mostly calm and like to relax. Bluetick Coonhounds are pack animals and do well with other companions. They will identify their owners as their pack leaders and need consistent leadership. They are kind and affectionate towards children and make great playmates. They may be aggressive towards other dogs if they feel threatened or if they don’t have consistent leadership.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Very Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
The bluetick coonhound does not require much in the way of professional grooming. If your dog is too heavy for you to get in the bathtub, you may need to enlist the help of a professional. Outside of bathing, your coonhound does not require anything more than weekly brushings with a curry comb or other brush made for dogs with short, tight coats. As is the case with any dog, attention should be paid to the toenails. Begin trimming your dog’s nails when it is a puppy to get it used to having its feet handled. Keep an eye on your dog’s ears, and clean them when it becomes necessary. If your dog allows you to do so, daily teeth brushing can keep the mouth clean and healthy.
| Colors: | Blue, Blue Gray |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Bluetick Coonhound Common Health Conditions
Like any larger breed of dog, the bluetick coonhound is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Outside of these two issues, the breed is a relatively healthy one. Be sure to purchase your puppy from a responsible breeder who has bred healthy dogs.
Bluetick Coonhound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The lifespan of the bluetick coonhound is 10 to 12 years. The dog can weigh anywhere between 45 and 100 pounds. This hound is one that loves its people and should not be banished to outdoor living. The breed is most recognized for its striking coat color. Once its motivation is found, the breed does extremely well in obedience. The bluetick coonhound can be good with other animals but should be socialized early to ensure this. Good with children, the dog can knock little ones over due to its large size. Always supervise interactions between your coonhound and children. The bluetick coonhound is not known by any other names, but the name is often shortened to bluetick.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | No |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
