Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

25-36.2 kg

Height

55.8-68.6 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Bluetick Coonhound

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium to large hound breed which originated in the United States. These dogs are characterised by smooth and glossy coat, which is short and spotted.

Bluetick Coonhounds are gentle, affectionate and loyal. This hound is commonly used as a scent hound, to hunt small animals, and as a family pet. The Bluetick Coonhound is an intelligent breed, which requires stimulation and plenty of exercise.

Read on to find out more about the Bluetick Coonhound.

What is the history & origin of the Bluetick Coonhound?

Bluetick Coonhounds come from Louisiana in the United States. They date back to before the founding of America.

What is the history & origin of the Bluetick Coonhound?

It is rumoured that the Bluetick coonhound descended from French hounds which were presented to George Washington as a gift. It is a mixture of many breeds, including the English foxhound, Grand Bleu de Gascogne hound, American foxhound, Black and Tan Virginia foxhound, and the cur dog.

The result of this crossbreeding was a hound with plenty of endurance and a good nose for picking up scents on the hunt. Historically this breed was well to hunt racoons – therefore the name “coonhound” – but was also able to track big game like wild boar and hunt in a pack.

The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1946, and it was recognised by several international Kennel Clubs. A breed club was established in many countries across the world. Yet, the American Kennel Club only recognised the Bluetick coonhound in 2009.

What is a Bluetick Coonhound Breed?

The Bluetick Coonhound is recognised by its characteristic ticked coat pattern that contains dark blue and tan markings.

These dogs are affectionate and loyal, but don’t let their easy-going personality fool you. They have a high prey drive and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.

These dogs are medium-sized, sleek and slim. They are sure-footed and can be single-minded while on the hunt.

Although they can be loud and tend to bark frequently, their large droopy ears and loving personality have made pet owners swoon for many years.

Who is a Bluetick Coonhound Best For?

This dog breed is very sensitive. They require a regular daily routine and a calm household.

They enjoy social interaction with their family or furry friends, but they do have an independent streak and enjoy alone time as well.

Bluetick Coonhounds are not well-suited to apartments, as they need room to roam. However, if their needs are met, they are well-behaved indoors and love spending time with their owners.

These dogs are excellent family pets. They love their people and get along well with children of all ages. Being pack animals, they also interact exceptionally well with other dogs. However, when it comes to other pets, they may require some training, such as positive reinforcement training or socialization training, due to their prey instinct, which can lead them to chase cats and other animals.

Bluetick Coonhound Grooming & Shedding

The glossy coat of the Bluetick coonhound is easy to care for. Although they are moderate shedders, they simply require a weekly brush to remove any loose hairs and to help distribute natural oils.

The bathing frequency will depend on how dirty your dog gets. It is recommended to bathe your coonhound once a month. Nails must be trimmed monthly if it is not worn down naturally.

The large, droopy ears require some maintenance as well. You must keep the ears dry and clean and check them weekly.

Do Bluetick Coonhounds bark a lot?

Bluetick coonhounds bark a lot. They are incredibly loud, and will have a good time barking and howling for fun. When left alone, or not getting enough exercise, your Coonhound will sing you his song. This makes them unsuited for apartments or homes without yards.

Other reasons for barking include notifying their owners of a threat, when they are alarmed, in greeting, or when bored.

What is the average weight & height of a Bluetick Coonhound dog?

Bluetick Coonhounds are medium to large dogs known for their strong build and agility, making them excellent companions for outdoor activities and hunting. Their size allows them to track scents effectively while maintaining endurance. Here’s a quick look at their weight and height:

Weight:

Males typically weigh between 25 to 36.2 kg.
Females generally weigh between 20.4 to 29.4 kg.

Height:

Males stand around 55.8 to 68.6 cm tall.
Females usually measure between 53 to 63.5 cm.

Are Bluetick Coonhounds easy to train?

Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent dogs and do respond well to training if you can work around their stubborn mindset (which can make them challenging to train). It is best to start training your dog from a young age and use positive reinforcement methods.

Training must be consistent. It is best if one person in the family does the training so that all cues remain the same. Obedience training classes will be a good investment as it will socialise the pup and also teach you proper training techniques.

Bluetick Coonhounds do well in canine sports and other dog sports like tracking activities. This will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Although Bluetick Coonhounds are friendly and get on well with other dogs, it is still important to socialise your dog from a young age. A crucial part of dog ownership is boosting the confidence of your dog. This can be done by introducing your dog to other breeds and taking your dog to different environments.

Dogs that lack mental stimulation will let you know – they will use their loud hound bay and barks to indicate boredom.

How do Bluetick Coonhounds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

A Bluetick Coonhound’s temperament can be described as affectionate, loyal and active.

These dogs do everything at max capacity. They are hard workers, they are playful, but they also enjoy relaxing in the sun on the porch.

Coonhounds are great with children and will put up with a playful young child as well as other dogs in the household.

The Bluetick Coonhound is not an apartment dog. Their affinity for barking means they will loudly announce their boredom or frustration. Even in homes with yards, they will need proper training to reduce their barking tendencies.

Blueticks love their people. They are loyal, gentle and kind. This breed makes for excellent therapy dogs because of their close bonds to their owners.

Does the Bluetick Coonhound have any common health issues?

This breed is generally healthy but can have some hereditary health issues. Bluetick coonhounds are prone to the following health conditions:

Hip dysplasia: This condition causes hip joints to dislocate. It can cause pain and may require surgery when the dog is older.
Ear infection: The large, floppy ears of a Bluetick Coonhound can cause ear infections in young dogs (Better write that Ear infections are quite common due to the large floppy ears). This can be monitored by regularly checking their ears and cleaning them as required.
Bloat: Dogs with deep chests, like the Bluetick Coonhound, can experience bloat – or stomach torsion. If your dog eats or drinks too fast and swallows air, the stomach can twist and appear bloated. This condition can be fatal.
Coonhound Paralysis: This is a rare condition that affects the nervous system and can lead to weakness and paralysis.
Cataracts: Bluetick Coonhounds may be prone to cataracts, which can affect their vision and may require surgical intervention.

What is the lifespan of a Bluetick Coonhound?

The breed has an average life span of 10 to 15 years.

How much does a Bluetick Coonhound need to be fed?

Coonhounds must always have access to fresh drinking water.

Your Bluetick Coonhound will require high-protein, quality dog food. Food should be spread across two mealtimes each day. The amount of food will depend on the age and activity levels of your dog.

Coonhounds can experience bloat when eating too fast. If your dog is a fast eater, you should use a slow-feeding bowl, use a food puzzle or snuffle mat, or spread smaller meals out throughout the day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bluetick Coonhound in Australia?

A Bluetick Coonhound will cost between $715 and $860. The price of the puppy will depend on the breeder, the age, and the bloodline of the pup.

Bluetick Coonhound FAQs

Is a Bluetick Coonhound ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds are great dogs for first-time dog owners. Their easy-going personality makes them ideal dogs for first-time pet owners.

Do Bluetick Coonhounds suffer from separation anxiety?

Bluetick Coonhounds love their families, but they also do not mind being alone for a few hours.

They will have mild separation anxiety if they are still pups, and will whine and bark to indicate their distress.

Are Bluetick Coonhound hypoallergenic dogs?

No, bluetick coonhounds are not hypoallergenic.

They shed moderately throughout the year, which releases both dog hair and dander. This will trigger an allergic reaction in people. Although they do not drool a lot, they may express their affection by licking, which will also trigger allergies.

Do Bluetick Coonhounds require a lot of exercise?

Coonhounds are hunting dogs, and their prey drive, hunting instinct, endurance and strong sense of smell make this breed incredibly inquisitive. Their intelligent minds and historic purpose to pursue prey means they require plenty of physical activities to get rid of their energy.

A Coonhound should have about two hours of physical exercise each day – in the form of walks, runs, hikes and active playtime. These dogs also do well with dog sports like agility to keep their minds and bodies active.

Just like similar hunting dog breeds, it is best to keep your Coonhound on a leash or exercise them within a fenced area. Once they pick up on a scent, there is not a lot you can do to discourage their need to follow it.