What Does a Bluetick Coonhound Look Like?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a large dog, weighing anywhere from 45 to 100 pounds. They stand 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder. They’re well-muscled dogs that are slightly longer than they’re tall, and they have a large head with a long, square muzzle. Their long and floppy ears are set high on their head, and they have a deep chest.
The Coat of a Bluetick Coonhound
This breed has a short, hard coat that is black with blue ticking. You might also describe them as thickly mottled with black spots. They may also have some white markings on the chest, toes, and tip of the tail. Because of their striking coat, it’s impossible not to notice them when they’re around. They look like a walking canvas of abstract art.
What Is the Bluetick Coonhound’s Temperament Like?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a sensitive and affectionate dog that loves being around their family. They’re gentle with children and get along well with other pets in the home. They’re also very loyal, making them great protectors. However, they can be timid around strangers and may bark excessively if they feel threatened.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds Easy to Train?
Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent dogs. They’re relatively easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. Like all hounds, they need consistent training and positive reinforcement to learn best. They may be more motivated by food than a desire to please!
How Much Exercise Do They Require?
This breed needs moderate exercise to stay in shape. They enjoy long walks and hikes, and they also like to play fetch and other games. They do exceptionally well in agility training. Bluetick Coonhounds will be happy with one or two walks a day, but they’ll need more if they live in an apartment or small home.
How to Train Them to Be Quiet?
One of the most important things you can do for your Bluetick Coonhound is to voice-train them. They have a tendency to bark excessively, which can be a nuisance for your neighbors. The best way to train them is with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise.
For example, you could teach your dog to be quiet on command by using a clicker and offering treats when they stop howling.
Health and Lifespan of a Bluetick Coonhound
Blueticks are a relatively healthy breed, and they can live 10 to 12 years in great condition. However, like all deep-chested breeds, they can be prone to bloat – a stomach condition that can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. This is why it’s important to never leave your Bluetick Coonhound unattended while eating or drinking.
Their long, floppy ears can easily get infected if not cleaned regularly. These dogs are also susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts. Make sure your dog gets regular eye exams and joint evaluations at the vet.
How to Groom and Care for a Bluetick Coonhound?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their short, glossy coat only needs to be brushed once or twice a week with a medium-bristle brush. They only need to be bathed when they get dirty, which won’t be too often.
Trim their nails once or twice a month, as when they get too long, they can be painful for your dog to walk on. Clean their ears weekly with a cotton ball dampened with water or ear cleaner to prevent infection.
Your Bluetick Coonhound’s diet should consist of high-quality dog food, and they should have two or three meals per day. They need plenty of protein and fat to maintain their energy levels, but some may be prone to weight gain, so watch their calorie intake closely.
Breeders and Pricing of Bluetick Coonhound Puppies
If you’re interested in getting a Bluetick Coonhound, be prepared to pay around $600 to $1000 for a well-bred puppy. This breed is still relatively rare, so there may be no litters available at the moment. Be sure to do your research on any breeder you’re considering – visit their facility and meet the parents of the puppy to make sure they’re well-cared for.
Adopting a Bluetick Coonhound
If you’re interested in adopting a Bluetick Coonhound, there are a few things you should know. First, there aren’t many in shelters or rescue organizations, so you may have to wait for a while to find one. Be prepared to pay an adoption fee, which can range from $100 to $500.
Second, the organization should be transparent about their dogs’ health history and temperament. Often, purebred dogs that end up in shelters come from puppy mills they’ve been rescued from. This means they may have health problems that are uncommon in well-bred puppies.
The History of the Bluetick Coonhound Breed
The Bluetick Coonhound is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the United States in the early 1900s. They were created by crossbreeding the English Foxhound with the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the English Coonhound and other hounds. The resulting breed was used for hunting deer, bear, and raccoon – hence their name.
Originally, the breed was lumped together by the United Club Kennel with the English Foxhound. In 1946, it was recognized as a separate breed, and the American Kennel Club accepted it in 2009.
While they’re still used as a hunting dog breed today, Bluetick Coonhounds have also become popular pets. They’re gentle and loving with their families, but they still have the energy and determination of a working dog.
Is the Bluetick Coonhoud the Right Dog for You?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a great breed for families who are active and enjoy the outdoors. They’re also good with other dogs and children, as long as they’re properly socialized. However, they’re not ideal for first-time dog owners, as they need a lot of exercise and training.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance apartment dog, the Bluetick Coonhound is not the breed for you. They need plenty of exercise – at least an hour a day. They’re also vocal dogs, so if you have close neighbors, their barking may not be appreciated.
Because of their high prey drive, they should be very cautiously introduced to small animals such as bunnies or guinea pigs. And when you take your pup outside, put them on a leash, so they don’t run after the neighborhood cat!
Overall, the Bluetick Coonhound is a great breed for active families who are looking for a loving and loyal companion. If you’re prepared to provide them with plenty of exercise and training, they’ll make a wonderful addition to your family.
Fun Facts about Bluetick Coonhounds
Looking for more facts about these striking hounds? Here’s our selection of interesting information.
- The Bluetick Coonhound is the official state dog of Tennessee, and a dog of this breed (Smokey) is the mascot of the University of Tennessee.
- They’re named for their “bluetick” coat, which is a dark blue or black coat with white ticking (spots).
- They have a very distinctive bark, which is often described as being similar to a bay.
- The more old-fashioned subgroup of Bluetick Coonhounds – with a larger stature and a slower style of tracking – is called the American Blue Gascon Hound.
- A Bluetick Coonhound starred in the 1980s TV show Airwolf as a companion of Stringfellow Hawke.
- Huckleberry Hound, the cartoon character, is a Bluetick Coonhound.
Ready to Add a Bluetick Coonhound to Your Family?
If you think the Bluetick Coonhound is the right breed for you, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. You can also check your local shelters – though there may not be any available, it’s always worth a try! And if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.
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