Bluetick Coonhound

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Updated:  April 11th, 2023
fast facts

About Bluetick Coonhound

Weight
45-80 lb
Lifespan
11-12 years
Group
AKC Hound
Best Suited For
Families with children, singles, seniors, houses with yards
Temperament
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, friendly
Comparable Breeds
Black and Tan Coonhound, American Blue Gascon
Height
20-27 inches

Bluetick Coonhound Basics


An all-American hunting dog, the Bluetick Coonhound is known for his athleticism, sociable nature, and great intelligence. Originally bred to chase and corner their prey into trees, letting the owner know of the capture with a distinctive howl, the breed especially loves to go after raccoons, hence the Coonhound part of their name. However, these days, Bluetick Coonhounds are not kept only as working dogs – their many qualities make them beloved family pets all across the United States. 


Still, it is important to keep the roots of this breed in mind when considering adopting a Bluetick Coonhound, as their instincts remain even though they are not used to hunt racoons as much as they were when they breed was originally developed. The Bluetick Coonhound might get along well with children, but they will have a high prey drive, which means you will have to watch them if you have smaller animals in the household. If not given a task to do, these active dogs will find one by themselves – and usually, it’s some kind of trouble. One look in those adorable hound eyes, though, and all will be forgiven! 


All things considered, the Bluetick Coonhound is an easy-going pooch who fits well into almost any environment as long as their needs are met. Train and socialize them on time and make sure they get plenty of exercise each day, and you’ll get to see only the best side of this loveable breed!


Origin


The Bluetick Coonhound is the state dog of Tennessee, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to learn that is where the breed is said to have originated. The breed was referred to as the English Coonhound for many years, but in 1945, Bluetick breeders broke from their English counterparts, as they were not interested in breeding a hot-nosed and faster hunter. The breeders renamed the larger, cold-nosed and resolute dog the Bluetick Coonhound and maintained their own hunting style.


Pedigree

The Bluetick Coonhound was descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (French Staghound), English Foxhound, the cur dog, the American Foxhound, and the Black And Tan Virginia Foxhound.


Even though the Bluetick Coonhound has a well-documented history and an impressive pedigree, the breed was officially recognized by the AKC more than five decades after its origins, in 2009.


Food / Diet


You may find that your Bluetick Coonhound loves to eat fast. If so, feed your dog a few small meals daily – this will help your Bluetick Coonhound properly digest their food. A high-quality dog kibble is recommended, made for dogs of their size, age, and activity levels. In most cases, a formula for active dogs suits the Bluetick Coonhound well. Their chow should be made with natural, wholesome ingredients and real meat as the first ingredient on the list, and high in protein to give them fuel to go about their day and stay lean and in top shape. 


As with any dog, it’s important to consult a veterinarian before establishing or altering your Bluetick Coonhound’s diet. Sure, dog food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines that can be referenced for advice. However, these are still only guidelines and should not be treated as gospel. All dogs are different after all, each with their own needs. The only person qualified to determine the specific dietary needs of your personal pooch is a vet, so always defer to their expertise before deciding what goes into your dog’s bowl.


Training


The Bluetick Coondog is a hunting dog, so expect some challenges in the training and housebreaking department. Always following its nose, the Bluetick Coondog is easily distracted by smells. Be firm when training, as this breed will ignore you if you are too lenient and gentle.


On the other hand, you’d do well to remember that the Bluetick Coonhound is sensitive to harsh words, so being too firm with these dogs can prove to be difficult. Don’t be discouraged because this breed is intelligent and performs trailing exercises very well. If you are not a seasoned pet owner, the Bluetick Coonhound will be a bit difficult to navigate, training-wise.


A delicate balance of positive reinforcement training and an assertive, confident attitude must be established to achieve the best results. If it proves to be too challenging to find that balance, then it might be a wise idea to enroll your Bluetick Coondog into some sort of training program. Not only will this take the pressure off (especially for any first time dog owners), but it will also help establish an early training regime. This is a wise option for dogs who are tricky to train and will pay off in the long run.


Weight


Male Bluetick Coonhounds weigh 55 to 80 pounds, while females weigh 45 to 65 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior


Bluetick Coonhounds are gentle and loyal dogs that grow to be very devoted and affectionate with their family members. You’ll find that your Bluetick won’t be aggressive to people, but you need to watch your dog around cats or other small animals. Those old hunting instincts are still buried within these pups, so they require extensive training and socialization to coexist with pets smaller than them.


An intelligent breed, the Bluetick Coonhound has a knack for problem-solving, so be sure to keep your pup stimulated and out of trouble. If they don’t live in a setting where they can express their working dog nature, regular exercise and mental stimulation are a must. Try interactive or puzzle toys for dogs or consider training them for agility sports – they sure have what it takes to succeed in them.


The Bluetick Coonhound needs plenty of space, and are generally not considered to be a suitable breed for apartment living. Bluetick Coonhounds will drool on occasion, and the breed loves to howl and bark, usually very loudly. The Bluetick Coonhound is a working hunting dog, so they will keep you busy. These dogs need attention and activities to thrive. As a result, these dogs are best suited to owners that can keep up and ideally live in a home with a big backyard, farm, or a similar rural setting.


Great with children and other people, the Bluetick Coonhound will be a mindful and friendly dog once trained. That nose will scope out food and garbage, so don’t leave it out unattended. Guests to your home will feel welcome, as your Bluetick Coonhound will greet them with a howl and a sniff. Because of their strong sense of smell, the Bluetick Coonhound makes a wonderful hunting and tracking dog.


Common Health Problems


The Bluetick Coonhound is a fairly healthy breed, but they are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and Krabbe's disease. It’s important to maintain regularly scheduled checkups with a veterinarian (especially as your pooch ages into their senior years) to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as quickly as possible.


Life Expectancy


Bluetick Coonhounds have a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years.


Exercise Requirements


Get off the couch, because your Bluetick Coonhound needs daily vigorous exercise. If your Bluetick Coonhound doesn’t get a long, brisk daily walk, they may become high strung and destructive. Bred for physical exercise, the Bluetick Coonhound is an anxious and energetic dog. As a natural hunter, the Bluetick Coonhound has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a fenced-in area. In other words, this breed needs highly active owners who can keep up with them. Otherwise, they will find destructive ways to burn off their excess energy that you certainly won’t appreciate.


AKC


The American Kennel Club says this about the breed: “Like many coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound gets its name from a coat pattern, which is dark blue in color and covered in a ticking or mottled pattern. Working ability is very important to owners who prize the sturdy and athletic Bluetick for its skill in trailing and treeing raccoons and other small animals. Blueticks are known for having the typical coonhound “bawling” bark. This steady and determined breed can stay on the most intricate of tracks, making it a prized companion for active sporting families.”


Coat


The Bluetick Coonhound’s coat color is dark blue, with a thickly mottled body, with various shaped black spots on back, ears and sides. Overall, their tricolor coat has a uniquely speckled-blue look. The ticking effect is due to the black-colored hairs on a white background, creating a bluing effect. Their head and ears are predominantly black. The Bluetick Coonhound can have tan markings, which appear over the eyes, on cheeks, chest and below the tail, and the dog will have red ticking on feet and lower legs. The AKC standard prefers more blue than black on the body, and there should be more blue ticking than white.


As for grooming, an occasional brushing will do as these are pretty much low-maintenance dogs when it comes to coat care. You’ll have to pay special attention to their ears to keep them clean and infection-free. Those floppy ears aren’t just adorable, they are also traps for dirt and infection, so pay special attention and care to your Bluetick Coonhounds ears to ensure that nothing goes wrong.


Puppies


Start training and socializing your Bluetick Coonhound puppy as early as possible to ensure that no unfortunate behavioral issues develop. It is also important to establish boundaries and make sure not to over-exercise your puppy as they grow up. These dogs require careful training in order to thrive, so take these responsibilities seriously and don’t let those precious and impressionable puppy days go to waste.

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Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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There is nothing that feels cozier than autumn. As the evenings become chillier and the leaves turn into vibrant shades of orange, we all get into that fall mood and reach for our favorite treats – such as a yummy pumpkin spice latte! And now, thanks to the limited-edition dental chews from GREENIES, your pet can enjoy the same cinnamony, pumpkin flavor you look forward to each year. Specially crafted for the autumn season, these one-of-a-kind chews are designed to give your pet a taste of fall while promoting healthy teeth and fresh breath all the while. 

Can I Fly with My Cat on My Next Vacation?

Are you dreaming of a vacation with your best friend by your side? What if that best friend is a cat? While many airlines allow cats to fly with you, navigating the rules and regulations can be overwhelming.But don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through the process (and minimize your travel-related stress).This post will break down everything you need to know about cat-friendly air travel, from knowing what to pack to deciding if airline travel is even the right choice for your cat – we will cover all the bases. Start planning your next getaway today!What Airlines Let You Fly with Cats? When discussing pet-friendly air travel and the requirements for flying with a pet, most people refer to flying with a dog. But what about cats? Do all dog-friendly airlines also allow feline passengers? Generally speaking, any airline allowing small dogs to fly will also permit cats. This includes (but isn’t limited to): Air CanadaAlaska AirlinesAmerican AirlinesDelta Air Lines Frontier Airlines Hawaiian Airlines JetBlue Airways Southwest AirlinesSpirit AirlinesUnited AirlinesHowever, we always recommend checking with the airline before assuming any flight will be cat-friendly. For example, an airline that allows cats to travel in the cabin on a domestic flight may not when traveling internationally. This may take a little extra effort, but it could help you avoid an unpleasant surprise on the day of your planned vacation! How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Cat? The fees associated with traveling with a pet vary significantly from airline to airline. Some airlines will charge one set fee for your flight regardless of layovers, while others will charge additional fees if you have a layover that exceeds a set length of time. Always ask for clarification when booking your flights to ensure there are no surprises on travel day. Based on our research, pet fees typically range from $95 to $150 for each leg of the journey. Unlike the others on the list above, Alaska Airlines doesn’t charge per pet. Instead, they charge per carrier and allow up to 2 pets in a single carrier if they fit comfortably. This is great for anyone traveling with two small cats or kittens. Can My Cat Fly with Me in the Cabin? It depends. All the airlines we listed above allow cats to travel on domestic flights in the cabin. The only requirement is that the cat fit comfortably in a carrier that is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you during the flight. While this is a defining statement for dogs, it encompasses all domestic cats. However, this isn’t always true for international travel. Rules when traveling to other countries are often stricter, and your cat could have to fly in cargo. If you’re planning an international trip, contact the airline for clarification.

RSPCA Blames Film and Social Media for Overcrowding in Shelters

UK rescues dealing with influx of super-trendy, uber-fashionable pedigree felines.

Viral TikTok Video Shares the Joy of a Rescue Dog Reunited with Friend

Adopting a rescue dog can be a challenge at the best of times. Having gone through multiple homes/environments, sometimes without the attention to training or socialization that helps to create that “ideal pet,” rescue parents find themselves trying to navigate various challenges and obstacles. Not that it takes away from the benefits of being a rescue pet parent – having only ever rescued our dogs and cats, I can attest to just how much love these amazing pets have to give!  One struggle many rescue pets will need to overcome is leaving behind the other pets they have previously connected or bonded with. This could include pets that they are housed with in shelter environments or those that they live with in foster homes. While some become SO incredibly bonded that organizations decide they can only be adopted together, others try to increase their chances of being adopted by offering the pets individually. This was the situation with Celeste, a beautiful and loving rescue dog that was adopted by TikTok user goosegooseduckling. However, they never could have predicted how this story would unfold… A few months after adopting the pup and bringing her into their Indiana home, Celeste’s new mom, Michelle, decided to introduce her to the neighbor’s dog. However, a short conversation with the neighbor revealed something amazing… Celeste and her new neighbor were best friends in the shelter before they were adopted! Offering even more insight into the incredible situation, Michelle wrote: “What a small world! Today we found out that our next door neighbor’s dog was adopted from the same shelter, nearly 2 hours away from where we live. They were both rescued as young pups, and each spent 9 months at the shelter… with a 6-month overlap. This was their first time seeing each other since being adopted.”The video of the two dogs running and playing has now gone viral on TikTok, with over 300 comments and 7.6K likes. It’s a reminder of the many emotions a dog in the shelter system can experience—from meeting new friends to leaving them behind for their new forever home. However, Celeste would come to enjoy the best of both worlds!

What is the Difference Between a Hamster and a Dwarf Hamster?

Hamsters are popular pets due to their small size and playful personalities. These pocket pets are an excellent choice for those who may be limited in space but still want to bring a companion into their home or apartment. With various breeds available, choosing between a Syrian or dwarf hamster can be overwhelming. Both offer unique characteristics, personalities, and care requirements. Let’s explore the key differences between these two adorable pocket pets to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and living space. Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks for giving your new hamster the best quality of life! Syrian Hamster vs. Dwarf Hamster: Key Differences Deciding between adopting a Syrian hamster or a dwarf hamster largely depends on personal preference. However, there are distinct characteristics that can help drive that decision. Let’s explore the physical differences between the two popular hamster breeds, including size, appearance, and temperament: Size and AppearanceThe most obvious difference between Syrian and dwarf hamsters is their appearance. Syrian hamsters (often simply called hamsters) are larger, growing up to 8 inches long. They have large, round eyes and are frequently described as looking like little teddy bears. This is also due to their most common coloring, a golden brown with white bellies. However, they can be found with white, black, or gray fur if you want a different color. Dwarf hamsters are smaller in size and often described as looking more like a mouse. Fully grown, they are usually 2 to 4 inches long. They are also available in a range of colors, but the most common are shades of grey-brown.Personality While the appearance differences may be more evident at first glance, the personality differences are often the reason why pet lovers prefer one over the other. Syrian hamsters are affectionate and loving pets, thriving off attention from their families. They are active, spending much of their time exploring their enclosure and playing with the available toys and features, but will also gladly spend time being held or handled (within reason). On the other hand, dwarf hamsters are considerably less affectionate. There are always exceptions to every rule, but most dwarf hamsters would be happiest spending their time playing independently. They have more energy than Syrian hamsters and higher exercise needs.

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