Home / Dog breeds / Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhound breed guide
The American Kennel Club calls the Bluetick Coonhound a sleekly handsome, sweet and affectionate charmer that might enjoy snoozing in the shade but is relentless, bold and single-minded in pursuit of prey.
The name comes from the mottled black-and-blue ticked pattern of the glossy coat.
Temperament
Droopy-eared and irresistible, Bluetick Coonhounds crave affection and are deeply devoted to those who protect them. An off-the-charts prey drive must be channeled. Speedy, compact nocturnal hunters, they are well-muscled but sleek and racy, never chunky or clumsy.
The deep, loud, choppy bark may be cacophonous to some, but to coon hunters it is the music of the night.
Lifespan
Bluetick Coonhounds live 11 to 12 years. Any deep-chested dog may be susceptible to bloat, a sudden life-threatening condition in which the stomach distends and may twist, so owners should learn the symptoms.
The low-hanging ears need daily checks for signs of infection.
Care
The short glossy coat sheds only moderately and weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush, rubber mitt or hound glove removes loose hair. Bluetick Coonhounds need only an occasional bath.
Bred as hunting dogs, they benefit from plenty of exercise but also enjoy snoozing at the owner's feet. Play sessions in a securely fenced yard or long leashed walks fit a scent hound with a strong prey drive.
History
Hounds come as sighthounds or scenthounds and Bluetick Coonhounds. Their coonhound cousins are scenthounds that use an uncanny sense of smell to follow a trail over a distance. Like all coonhound breeds, the Bluetick is an American creation.
Bluetick bloodlines are said to extend back before the founding of the country.
AKC trait ratings
| Trait | AKC rating | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Level | 4 of 5 | Couch Potato to High Energy |
| Trainability Level | 4 of 5 | Self-Willed to Eager to Please |
| Shedding Level | 3 of 5 | No Shedding to Hair Everywhere |
| Barking Level | 4 of 5 | Only To Alert to Very Vocal |
| Adaptability Level | 3 of 5 | Lives For Routine to Highly Adaptable |
| Good With Young Children | 3 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Children |
| Good With Other Dogs | 5 of 5 | Not Recommended to Good With Other Dogs |
| Watchdog/Protective Nature | 2 of 5 | What's Mine Is Yours to Vigilant |