Bluetick Coonhound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium to large American hound with a strong, balanced frame, a rounded head and long, low ears. Its most remarkable feature is the coat: a glossy black base heavily ticked with white, which gives a blue look, with black patches on the body and tan points on the eyebrows, cheeks and feet. Males are taller and heavier than females, and the whole build suggests speed and stamina.

The breed was developed to trail raccoons and other game at night and bay when the animal is treed. It has a strong nose and a deep, musical bawl that carries for miles. Blueticks are still working hunting dogs in many parts of the country, and in the home they are affectionate dogs that are happiest with a job or a long run.

Temperament and family life

A Bluetick is friendly, loyal and eager for human attention. It is usually good-natured with its family and with guests, though some individuals are reserved with strangers at first. It does not make a good guard dog, but it will voice an opinion about anything outside.

The breed generally gets on with children, particularly active ones, but its enthusiasm and size can overwhelm small children. It is a pack animal and usually gets along with other dogs. Cats and small animals are another matter, as the hound is bred to chase and may not recognize an animal in the house as part of the family unless raised with it. Left alone, a Bluetick is likely to howl, dig or chew.

Exercise and training

This is a high-energy breed that needs many hours of activity every week: long walks, runs, hikes or hunting. A short stroll around the block will not do. Without enough exercise the Bluetick becomes loud, restless and destructive. A fence is essential, and it must be secure, because the dog will follow a scent for a very long way. It should not be let off leash in an unfenced area.

Training takes patience. The breed is intelligent but single-minded when it finds a trail, and recall is unreliable. Positive training, early socialization and short sessions work best. Scent work, tracking and coonhound field events provide good outlets. Many Blueticks also benefit from a crate, which helps teach settling inside the house.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat is easy to care for. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry or hound glove takes off loose hair, and a bath only when the dog is dirty or smelly is sufficient. Shedding is moderate year-round, and the short ticked hairs show on light furniture.

The long, drooping ears limit airflow, so they need regular cleaning and a look for signs of infection, especially in a dog that swims or works in wet country. Nails, teeth and the dog's feet should be checked after hard outings.

Health

The Bluetick is generally robust, but the breed has some typical hound ailments. Ear infections are common, and hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism are seen. Deep-chested dogs can suffer bloat, a sudden twisting of the stomach that needs emergency care. Cherry eye, a prolapsed gland of the third eyelid, occurs in some dogs, and there are inherited disorders affecting the nervous system in some lines. Obesity is a risk in dogs that are fed well but kept sedentary. Breeders should screen hips and may check other conditions. Treat this as general information on the Bluetick Coonhound, and take questions about an individual dog to a veterinarian.

History

The Bluetick developed in the American South from several hound lines, including French hounds that came to Louisiana and English foxhounds, selected for their voice, nose and color. It was first registered with the United Kennel Club under the name English Foxhound and Coonhound and was recognized as a separate breed by that club in 1946. The American Kennel Club accepted it in 2009.

Is the Bluetick Coonhound right for you?

A Bluetick suits a rural or large-property household, a hunter, or an athletic owner who wants a trail companion and can tolerate a loud voice. It is a poor choice for apartments, first-time owners, or people with cats or small pets.

Related coonhounds include the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Redbone Coonhound and the Treeing Walker Coonhound, which differ in color, speed and temperament.