The Bluetick Coonhound dog breed has a distinctive coat that sets them apart from other breeds. They have a long, drawn-out bark and a kind, imploring gaze. They also have a huge bawl mouth. The Bluetick, despite being primarily a hunter, is a wonderful family dog and adores its human companions.
This breed's dogs have a great deal of heart and are very affectionate. In time, they'll be able to get along with the other kids in the house as well. Apartment pets can't have them due to their high activity levels and demand for regular exercise. Walks, games, and plenty of space are all they need to keep healthy and happy. Families with large properties might consider enclosing their backyards to protect their pets from unwanted visitors.
See here for a complete list of Bluetick Coonhound characteristics and facts.
Highlights
- As a hound, the Bluetick Coonhound excels in the field.
- The Bluetick is a dog that can proudly say it was "made in the USA."
- A heavily mottled dark blue with black dots on the back, ears and sides of a Bluetick coat. Its head and ears are mainly black, although it has tan markings above its eyes and on its cheeks, as well as dark-red ticking on its paws, lower legs, and chest and beneath its tail.
- In other words, the Bluetick has a cold nose and is adept at tracking down and following old trails.
- It's been said that the Bluetick's trail bark sounds like a bawl.
- Grooming the Bluetick Coonhound is a breeze.
- Bluetick Coonhounds are highly versatile and can live in a variety of environments.
- As soon as you bring your Bluetick Coonhound home, you should begin teaching him.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
45 to 100 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder
History
The Bluetick Coonhound's lineage may be traced all the way back to the days when the United States was even a country. Many believe they are descended from dogs given to George Washington by a French nobleman in the 1800s. Bluetick coonhounds are also said to have been influenced by the English foxhound and other hound breeds.
In the end, they had a large scenthound with excellent endurance and a keen sense of smell for hunting. Raccoon hunting, from whence the species got its name, and big-game hunting were both common uses for this breed among frontiersmen. When working in packs, the dogs perform exceptionally well.
Other kennel associations, such as the United Kennel Club in 1946, have recognised the breed for decades. In 2009, however, the American Kennel Club finally acknowledged it. It is still a popular dog breed in the United States, and even serves as the mascot of the university.
Personality and Temperament
The temperament of a Bluetick Coonhound, perhaps more than many other breeds, is heavily dependent on how well they are socialised as a puppy.
As a result of proper socialisation, these dogs will be dedicated to their owners and guarded but friendly toward outsiders. A dog that is distrustful of everyone and unlikely to form a strong bond with any one person if the training is done incorrectly.
Their intelligence is undeniable, but they have a hard time keeping their attention on a single person or thing for long periods of time. As they're readily distracted by the scents in the area, you'll always have competition for their attention.
Despite this, they'll learn quickly when they're focused on you. In fact, Blueticks generally do well in obedience competitions, so putting in the extra work is worthwhile.
As a result, they don't often put themselves in harm's way, and they aren't prone to rebellion. Simply said, you'll need to stand out from the stench of your own yard.
Care
In order to give adequate care to a hound, whether an adult or a puppy, it's vital to know as much as possible about this breed. Maintaining a pet's health requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a thorough grooming regimen.
Health
Because they were bred for utilitarian purposes, these dogs are generally in good health. Many are bred specifically for hunting, which necessitates an efficient body and few health issues. However, there are still a few things that can go wrong.
Bloat
Bloat is a dangerous illness that affects the stomach in deep-chested dogs. Stomach gas that can't be released causes swelling in the canine stomach, which is known as bloat. This isn't always the case; sometimes the stomach rumbles. The dog's life will be cut short if the dog's stomach expands, preventing blood flow to the rest of the dog's body. This is a life-threatening disease that worsens rapidly, so getting your pet to an emergency vet as soon as possible is critical.
Lysosomal Storage Disease
An enzyme deficiency causes lysosomal storage disorder, which has a hereditary basis and is characterised by an inability to complete metabolic processes. Puppies are most commonly affected, so be sure to ask your breeder about it and obtain any necessary medical records.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia may potentially be a problem for some pets. Because of their size and tremendous energy level, they are able to do this. They are prone to hip and arthritis problems due to the easy wear and tear on their joints. Overfeeding your puppy throughout his puppy years can result in him growing faster than his bones and joints can support.
Recommended Health Test
- Hip
- Knee
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
Nutrition
In terms of diet, there are no specific requirements for the Bluetick Coonhound. The optimal diet is one that is strong in protein and includes a lot of meat. The Bluetick fits under this group, therefore looking for solutions developed for active dogs.
These dogs are prone to stealing food if they can get their hands on it. It's critical to keep them out of trouble because they're so brilliant at finding solutions. By doing this, they can avoid dangerous foods like grapes and almonds as well as consuming too many calories.
They are prone to obesity if not given the right amount of physical activity. It's also possible that if they're left alone, they'll overeat. Monitor your dog's food intake to ensure he or she maintains a healthy weight. Obesity can harm a dog's joints and set the stage for a host of other health issues.
Grooming
Bluetick Coonhound grooming is a breeze. They have a short coat that sheds a little, but not too much. In order to keep your furniture free of hair, you should brush your pet's fur at least once a week. Unless they get into anything particularly messy, they don't need to be bathed on a regular basis.
It's important to cut their nails frequently. Even if the dog is routinely exercised, they seem to grow at a rapid pace. As dogs run, their long nails might cause them to hurt themselves. These dogs can be particularly dangerous since they are so active. Cleaning and caring for their ears are equally important. Stubborn dirt and debris may accumulate within. Getting rid of dirt that becomes stuck is as simple as using a moist cotton ball.
Brushing their teeth on a regular basis is vital for their oral health as well.
Exercise
In order to keep their energy levels up, Bluetick Coonhounds require a lot of daily exercise. Every day, you should set aside an hour or more to spend with your dog. Long walks on a leash or an intense play session can be used to accomplish this. Fetch is a resounding success because of their predation drive. Using quickness and tracking to tire them out without exhausting yourself is an effective strategy.
When these canines aren't getting their daily dose of exercise, they may be downright sluggish. Energy levels can be either on or off at any given time for these people. Expect to see them snoozing throughout the day, only to burst into a flurry of activity when they wake up from their nap.
Training
This breed of dog is frequently referred to as "clever." The difficulty is that their intelligence is more focused on problem-solving, which doesn't apply to the vast majority of training. They have a reputation for being adamant. Although they may be able to pick up the commands after a few sessions, this does not guarantee that they will always obey your commands.
They tend to be motivated by rewards. To use it to your advantage during training, you'll need a supply of rewards on hand at all times. If you don't, you risk being ignored.
Fortunately, these dogs perform well when kept inside. Even if they are well-trained, their memory still fails to deliver. They stop listening to everything else when they find a trail. As a result, we do not recommend releasing them loose in public unless they are in a secure location.
Children and other pets
They can be good family dogs if properly socialised. They frequently have a soft approach to youngsters. Because of their bigger stature, they are unable to harm or frighten most children, hence reducing the likelihood of fear-based aggression. They're also not particularly raucous, especially if children's exercise demands are being satisfied, to knock them down very often.
You should plan to spend at least 1-2 hours a day training these dogs because of their high level of athleticism.
With other dogs, these dogs are usually fine. Early socialisation is crucial, although despite their size, these dogs aren't particularly hostile to other dogs. They tend to be pack animals and like the companionship of other canines, especially if those canine companions are fun to play with. Dogs might become bored if they are left alone for long periods of time, thus some breeders recommend that you buy two.
The problem is that this breed is not ideal for households with cats, small animals, or even smaller dogs. These creatures are likely to be viewed as prey and pursued by other animals. Even though socialisation can assist, it's still not a good idea to let these dogs alone with a smaller animal. Even if they've known a cat for a long time, their instincts for hunting and tracking can lead them to chase and potentially kill it.
Puppies
This breed of dog is used for hunting. That doesn't mean they're always bought for that reason, or that they don't make great pets, but they have a strong urge to hunt small creatures written in their genetic code.
Adopting one of these pets means you're taking home a hunting dog, even if that's not your objective. For those who aren't prepared to deal with that, it may be in your best interest to look elsewhere.
However, these dogs can be wonderful pets if you know what you're putting yourself into before you buy one. Make sure that you and the dog are a good match by doing this.
In order to obtain a Bluetick Coonhound that is 100% purebred, you will almost certainly need to work with a reputable dog breeder. If you're looking for a Bluetick Coonhound mix in the American South, however, you'll find them all over the place if you're not too picky about genetics.
A purebred puppy can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 if purchased from a breeder. For a normal dog, that's a good rough amount. However, if you're looking for superior bloodlines, those numbers can rise significantly.
Dog breeds Similar to Bluetick Coonhounds
The American English Coonhound, Basset Hound, and Bavarian Mountain Hound are all breeds that are closely related to the Bluetick Coonhound.
American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound, like the Bluetick, is a member of the hound family and has a similar appearance. A male Bluetick Coonhound, on the other hand, is heavier than a male American English Coonhound.
Basset hound
Although both the Basset Hound and the Bluetick belong to the hound family, the Basset Hound is much smaller and has a shorter tail. Also, unlike a Bluetick demands daily running, a Basset Hound may get by with a simple walk around the neighbourhood.
Bavarian Mountain Hound
This is yet another hunting dog that resembles a Bluetick Coonhound in terms of size and appearance. Children and Bavarian Mountain Hounds don't get along.
