The Bluetick Coonhound is an athletic and tenacious hunting dog with a history as rich and deep as its famous bawling cry. Renowned for its stunning coat and powerful sense of smell, this breed is a tireless worker in the field and a devoted, affectionate companion at home. For owners who can provide the exercise and engagement this intelligent animal craves, the Bluetick is a truly wonderful and loyal friend.
Bluetick Coonhound Facts
The Bluetick Coonhound is a quintessential American breed, developed in the Southern United States, with Louisiana often cited as its origin. This popular dog possesses a ‘cold nose,’ allowing it to follow scent trails that are hours or even days old. Known for its endurance and determination, the Bluetick is an excellent choice for active individuals and families. You can find more of this breed’s information on the American Kennel Club website. Recognized by the AKC in 2009, they began competing in the Hound Group in 2010.
Vitals and Life Span
Height
21-27 inches
Weight
45-80 pounds
Life Span
11-12 years
AKC Group
Hound
Origin
USA
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Personality Traits
Ratings (1–5). This is an energetic and smart animal that forms a strong bond with its people. These are the key breed characteristics.
History and Origins
The ancestry of the Bluetick Coonhound is a tapestry of European hounds and American ingenuity. Bred for the specific purpose of hunting, this goal has shaped their history and development for centuries.
French Ancestry
The breed’s roots trace back to French staghounds, likely the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, prized for powerful noses and stamina. Some were gifted to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette and are sometimes called American Blue Gascon Hounds.
American Development
In the Southern U.S., particularly Louisiana, breeders crossed the French hounds with others like the American Foxhound to create a faster, more tenacious hunter perfectly suited for the American frontier and its quarry, like raccoons.
A Separate Identity (1946)
For many years, Blueticks were registered by the United Kennel Club under the English Foxhound and Coonhound category. Breeders, desiring a faster dog that was “more blue than black,” established the Bluetick as a separate breed in 1946.
Modern Recognition
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Bluetick Coonhound in 2009. Today, it is a cherished hunting dog and beloved companion, celebrated for its unique appearance and unwavering spirit among coonhound breeds.
Physical Characteristics
The Bluetick Coonhound is a striking animal—muscular and sleek, built for both speed and endurance. Its most famous feature is its beautiful coat, which gives the dog its name and defines its working heritage.
The “Bluetick” Coat
The unique coat features a dark blue, mottled pattern created by heavy black ticking on a white background. This gives the illusion of a navy blue color. They often have tan markings over the eyes and on their cheeks and may have black spots on the back, ears, and sides.
Build and Stature
This is a strong, deep-chested dog with a streamlined, athletic body. Males can stand up to 27 inches tall. Their long, low-set, floppy ears and soulful, pleading expression are classic, endearing hound features.
Understanding Bluetick Temperament
The Bluetick’s disposition is a fascinating mix of relentless hunter and devoted family dog. They are intelligent and eager to please, but their powerful instincts must be understood and managed. They are not known to be aggressive animals. Their independent, scent-driven nature means training can be challenging, but a structured approach with a good dog training book can yield great results.
💖 Affectionate and Devoted
At home, the Bluetick is a dog that loves its people. They are known for their affectionate temperament and will happily cuddle on the couch after a long day, forming strong bonds with their household members.
🐾 High Prey Drive
Bred to hunt raccoons and other quarry, these hounds have a powerful prey drive and will instinctively chase small animals. A secure fence and reliable leash are essential for this breed’s safety.
🗣️ The Famous Howl
The Bluetick is famous for its loud, bawling howl. This “bawl” or “bay” is used to signal to the hunter that the dog has treed its quarry. It’s a classic hound trait that owners must be prepared for.
👨👩👧👦 Good with People
This breed is generally good-natured with people, including strangers and older, respectful children. Their friendly nature makes them a poor guard dog but a wonderful companion.
Training & Socialization
The Bluetick’s intelligence and desire to please make it trainable, but its independent, scent-driven nature means training must be firm, consistent, and engaging. Early and ongoing socialization is crucial for this breed to ensure it grows into a well-mannered companion.
💡 Key Training Tips
Start Early: Begin obedience training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home to teach good manners.
Master the Recall: A solid “come” command is non-negotiable for a hound whose nose can lead them into trouble. Practice in secure areas.
Channel Their Nose: Engage their powerful sense of smell with scent work games or tracking activities. This provides essential mental and physical stimulation.
Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to reward desired behaviors. Avoid harsh methods, as these sensitive dogs can shut down.
Health Considerations
The Bluetick is generally a healthy and hardy breed. Like all large dogs, however, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for these issues. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to prevent excess stress on their joints.
🔴 Serious Concerns
Bloat (GDV): As a deep-chested dog, the Bluetick is at higher risk for bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition. Owners must know the signs (e.g., restlessness, swollen abdomen, non-productive retching) and consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals.
🟡 Moderate Concerns
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic issue in many large breeds. Reputable breeders will have hip scores (e.g., OFA or PennHIP) for their breeding dogs.
Ear Infections: Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly.
Essential for a hound like the Bluetick. Regular cleaning helps prevent painful ear infections that can arise in their long, floppy ears, especially for an active dog.
Petroyale Ear Cleanser for Dogs and Cats | Effective & Gentle Formula
Essential for a hound like the Bluetick. Regular cleaning helps prevent painful ear infections that can arise in their long, floppy ears, especially for an active dog.
View on AmazonBluetick Coonhound Care
Caring for a Bluetick centers on meeting their high need for exercise and providing consistent training and mental engagement. Their grooming is minimal, but their energy is boundless. An active Bluetick is a happy Bluetick.
Exercise Requirements
Daily Activity
A Bluetick needs significant exercise every day (60-90 minutes). A long run, hike, or vigorous play session is essential to keep them happy and prevent destructive behaviors. A tired Bluetick is a well-behaved one!
Best Dog Activities
These canines excel at dog sports that use their brains and bodies, like tracking, agility, and of course, hunting trials. These activities provide much-needed mental and physical stimulation.
Grooming Your Bluetick
This is an easy dog to groom. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will keep their short coat shiny and healthy. Regular nail trims, dental care, and ear checks are also vital for their overall health.
A sturdy, no-pull harness is a great idea for a strong hound like the Bluetick. It provides better control on walks and prevents strain on their neck, letting you both enjoy your adventures safely.
PAYTON PERRY Customized Dog Harness and Leash | No Pull Design
A sturdy, no-pull harness is a great idea for a strong hound like the Bluetick. It provides better control on walks and prevents strain on their neck, letting you both enjoy your adventures safely.
View on AmazonNutrition & Diet
A high-quality, protein-rich dog food is essential for this energetic breed. The Bluetick’s diet must fuel their active lifestyle and maintain lean muscle mass. Monitoring their weight is important to prevent obesity, which puts stress on their joints. For more detailed information, consult our comprehensive dog food guide.
Feeding Guidelines
- Puppies: A Bluetick puppy should be fed a high-quality puppy food formulated for large breeds to support healthy, controlled growth.
- Adults: An adult Bluetick’s caloric needs will vary based on their activity level. A working hunting dog will require a performance diet with more calories than a family pet.
- Weight Management: It’s crucial to keep this dog at a healthy weight. You should be able to feel their ribs but not see them.
Finding a Bluetick Puppy
Whether you choose to go to a breeder or a rescue, it’s important to do your research to find a healthy, well-socialized dog. Blueticks and other coonhound breeds can often be found in rescues, needing loving homes.
Rescuing a Bluetick
- Give a Dog a Home: Adopting from a rescue gives a deserving animal a second chance at a happy life.
- Coonhound Rescues: Look for rescue organizations that specialize in hounds to find this breed. They will have experience with their unique needs.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
- Health Clearances: Reputable breeders will provide health clearances (like OFA for hips) for their dogs and will be transparent about their lines.
- Meet the Parents: If possible, meet the puppy’s parents (or at least the mother) to get an idea of their temperament and condition.
Consider rescue first — you can save a life and find a wonderful companion!
Famous Bluetick Coonhounds
The Bluetick Coonhound has a special place in American culture, from presidential history to university mascots. This popular dog is a true American icon.
Presidential Hounds
The breed’s ancestors, the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne–type hounds, were a gift to George Washington from his friend, the Marquis de Lafayette. These dogs helped form the foundation for several American hound breeds, including this one.
Smokey, the Mascot
One of the most famous Bluetick Coonhounds is “Smokey,” the beloved live mascot for the University of Tennessee Volunteers. The tradition began in 1953, and a line of Smokey dogs has been cheering on the team ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bluetick Coonhound?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a fast and muscular American hunting dog, famous for its striking ‘bluetick’ patterned coat. Originally bred to hunt raccoon and other small animals, this breed is known for its powerful sense of smell and loud, bawling howl.
Are Blueticks good family dogs?
Yes, this breed can be excellent family dogs. They have an affectionate temperament and bond deeply with their families. They are typically good with older children, but require a home that can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Are Blueticks aggressive?
This breed is not typically aggressive towards people and is known for its friendly nature. However, they have a very high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with small animals like cats or rabbits.
How much exercise does a Bluetick need?
This is an active dog breed that needs a great deal of exercise every day, ideally 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity. They thrive in homes with large, fenced yards and enjoy dog activities like hiking, running, and scent work.
How do you groom a Bluetick Coonhound?
Grooming a Bluetick Coonhound is relatively easy. Their short, sleek coat requires weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Their long ears, however, need regular cleaning to prevent infections.
Making the Right Choice
The Bluetick Coonhound is a remarkable animal, but it is not the right choice for every owner. This is not an idle pet but a devoted partner for an active person who can appreciate its intelligence and fulfill its deep-seated need for exercise and a “job.” If you can provide the structure, activity, and affection this breed requires, a Bluetick will reward you with unparalleled companionship and a lifetime of adventures.
