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Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Introduction
Bluetick Coonhound is a medium-to-large sized coonhound dog breed from the United States. It is popular for its deep bawl mouth, friendly personality, and a cold nose that is able to trail a scent that is a week old. This makes them suitable for scent as well as search-and-rescue-work. Although, a Bluetick Coonhound’s nose can get it in trouble. Therefore, garbage and food should never be left unattended.
Often, the breed is misunderstood for being aggressive. This is because they greet strangers with their signature howl and will sniff the subject until satisfied. Normally, this is the way the Bluetick Coonhounds get to know their subjects. When compared to other Coonhounds ( Redbone Coonhound, Plott Hound, Black and Tan Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, etc.), Bluetick Coonhounds are easier to handle in the field.
This breed gets its name from the ticked black-and-blue pattern of the glossy coat. Bluetick Coonhounds are vocal dogs known for bawling, baying, and chopping bark that may be noisy to some, but music of the night for coon hunters. If left alone for long hours in a Kennel, a Bluetick Coonhound will express her feelings by loud howling, barking, and baying. This might upset your neighbors. While leaving the house, provide a comfortable place where the dog can retreat to. It should be away from the distracting windows. Give the dog plenty of interactive toys to keep them occupied.
Bluetick Coonhound History | Origin
The Bluetick Coonhound was developed in the United States like other coonhounds. Their bloodlines extend back to before the founding of the USA. To be specific, from the French staghounds gifted to George Washington by his friend the Marquis de Lafayette. The dogs were huge and slow due to their great weight. Therefore, they were easy to follow on foot. Early breeders mixed in some English Foxhound along with a few hound breeds to develop a scent hound dog with good endurance and cold nose.
The frontiersmen used these dogs for racoon hunting. The early Bluetick Coonhounds were also used to accompany their handlers on big hunts for large games such as lynx, black bear, and cougars. Initially, these dogs were registered in the United Kennel Club under the English Foxhound and Coonhound, however, they were recognized as a separate breed in 1946. Bluetick Coonhounds were recognized by AKC in 2009.
Bluetick Coonhound Lifespan
A Bluetick Coonhound has a lifespan of 11 to 12 years.
Bluetick Coonhound Grooming
A Bluetick Coonhound sheds all-year round at moderate levels. Brush the coat on a weekly basis using a houng glove, medium-bristle brush, or a rubber grooming mitt to remove dirt, loose hair, and keep the coat looking healthy and glossy. Bluetick Coonhounds need an occasional bath every 6 to 8 weeks unless they roll off into something stinky.
Use a hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner to bath and moisturize the coat. Use a high-fragrance shampoo to mask off the hound scent from the prey while the dog is hunting. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the cleaning products from the coat to prevent skin irritation. Wipe the eye corners using unscented canine wipes or a clean damp washcloth. Trim the nails of a Bluetick Coonhound every 3 to 5 weeks to prevent cracking, overgrowth, and splitting using nail clippers or grinders.
Overly grown nails are painful for your dog while running or walking. Brush the teeth of a Bluetick twice a week if not daily using a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush to remove tartar buildup. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution. While cleaning the ears, check out for signs of dog’s ear infection such as redness, odor, or a dark discharge.
Bluetick Coonhound Shedding
A Bluetick Coonhound sheds at moderate levels throughout the year.
Bluetick Coonhound Coat
A Bluetick Coonhound has a smooth, glossy, and medium coarse coat that lies close to the body. During the winter months, the coat does not insulate the dog against cold. Parents should ensure the pets live indoors and have access to warm coats, sweaters, and jackets.
Bluetick Coonhound Hypoallergenic
Bluetick Coonhounds are not hypoallergenic breeds. They shed all-year round at moderate levels. Shedding releases dander and fur into the environment triggering inflammation. Apart from dander and fur, Bluetick’s saliva, urine, and mucus contain a protein allergen that aggravates allergies.
Bluetick Coonhound Training | How To Train A Bluetick Coonhound
A Bluetick Coonhound is an intelligent and independent dog that has mysterious talent for problem solving. They were bred to work independently while hunting and notify the hunter with a loud baying sound once they get the prey. This is a plus while hunting. Although, it makes training difficult. Unless socialized and trained from an early age, Bluetick Coonhounds will chase after cats or other small animals. This breed also has a cold nose. It can trail a scent that is days old. While scent trailing, they are single-minded. Therefore, owners should train them in a secured and fenced yard to avoid distraction.
Bluetick Coonhounds should also be taught from puppyhood through adulthood necessary skills such as walking on a leash and coming when they are called upon. To set up a Bluetick Coonhound for a successful training, owners should use positive reinforcement methods and also assume pack leadership. Bluetick Coonhounds are pack dogs that thrive where a pecking order has been established. Owners may create the pecking order by making the dog understand they are the source of all good things like food, treats, and toys by eating first and always getting through the door first. Furthermore, parents may instill pack leadership by only allowing the dog to join them in their private space following an invite.
Some of the positive training methods include use of treats, verbal praise, playtime, petting, and toys. A Bluetick Coonhound is also a sensitive breed. Harsh correction or training methods such as yelling, kicking, shoving, beating and use of choke or prong collars should not be used on them. These methods are counterproductive. Socialization is key in raising a well-mannered, well-adjusted companion pet. This training starts while the Bluetick is 3 weeks old until the age of 16 weeks after the dog has already settled in its new home. Although, socialization can be a life-long process even after the age of 16 weeks to ensure the dog matures to have a well-rounded temperament.
Usually, owners take their pets home from the age of 8 weeks. To socialize a Bluetick Coonhound, expose it to a wide variety of people, surfaces, animals, smell, sights, places, situations, surfaces, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, door bells, sirens, whistles, lawn mowers, washing machine, and vacuum cleaners. Enrolling a Bluetick coonhound in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes create a controlled environment where canines get to interact. Puppy classes are also beneficial to parents. They not only allow them to have access to training information and assistance but also identify and correct bad habits.
Keep the training sessions short, challenging, and fun to avoid boredom and distraction. Start teaching basic command words like come, sit, stay, lie down, leave it, heel, etc. immediately the pup joins your home. Bluetick Coonhounds were bred to bay while hunting. They are highly vocal breeds. Owners may teach them the quiet command while in doors especially if they are not interested in hunting. Although, the parents may enroll their dogs in nose work and tracking trials. However, it may be difficult to teach these dogs not to bay since it is in their nature. Teach one basic command at a time until the dog is well-acquainted before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid issuing a command while too excited or frustrated since it sounds different or strange to your pet.
Effectively housebreak a Bluetick by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training. A crate is an indispensable tool that enables the owner to monitor the pup for signs that it wants to eliminate such as sniffing, whining, squatting, restlessness, circling, and lifting a leg against the crate wall. While potty training, take the pet to the designated toilet area immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity such as playtime and car ride, after naptime, and before bed time. After the age of 8 months, Bluetick Coonhounds should go for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours. This is because the bladder and bowel muscles of a pup strengthens as it matures.
Bluetick Coonhound Hunting
A Bluetick is a nocturnal hunter that has a good eye sight during the night. This breed was bred for hunting. The skill is innate. As this breed matures, so is their nose. Bluetick Coonhounds have a cold nose that is able to trail scents that are days old. While hunting, a Bluetick will produce a distinctive baying sound after pursuing the prey up the tree to notify the hunter. This breed is a free tonguer while on trail. It produces a medium bawl when striking and trailing, which may easily change to a steady chop when running and a steady coarse chop at the tree.
Bluetick Coonhound Temperament | Personality | Traits
- Sweet.
- Intelligent.
- Independent.
- Vocal.
- Bold.
- Relentless.
- Speedy.
- Alert.
- Active.
- Athletic.
- Hardy.
- Friendly.
- Mindful.
Bluetick Coonhound Exercise
This is an active and athletic breed that also benefit from getting plenty of exercise. Although, this does not rule out how they enjoy snoozing at the feet of their owner. Bluetick Coonhounds will enjoy play sessions in a secured fenced yard and long walks on a leash with their owners. This breed can also channel its energy to hunting, agility, and tracking trials.
Bluetick Coonhound Barking | Bark | Baying
A Bluetick Coonhound is a highly vocal breed that has a quite an ability to share its thoughts by baying, barking, and howling when it finds it necessary. The baying sound is rapid while hunting. However, Bluetick Coonhounds are famous for howling, barking, and baying if they are left alone for long hours or they have not been properly stimulated. This breed can also bark or bay when curious or excited.
Bluetick Coonhound Height
A female Bluetick has a height of 21 to 25 inches ( approx. 53 to 64 cm ) while its male counterpart has a height of 22 to 27 inches ( approx. 56 to 69 cm ).
Bluetick Coonhound Weight
Male Bluetick Coonhounds have a weight of 55 to 80 pounds ( approx. 25 to 26 kg ) while their female counterparts have a weight of 45 to 65 pounds ( approx. 20 to 29 kg ).
Bluetick Coonhound Size
A Bluetick is a medium to large-sized Coonhound. However, male Bluetick Coonhounds are slightly heavier and taller as compared to female Bluetick Coonhounds. A male Bluetick has a height of 22 to 27 inches ( approx. 56 to 69 cm ) and a weight of 55 to 80 pounds while a female Bluetick has a height of 21 to 25 inches ( approx. 53 to 64 cm ) and a weight of 45 to 65 pounds ( approx. 20 to 29 kg ).
Bluetick Coonhound Health Issues
This is a medium to large-sized breed that is robust and healthy. However, the desire to follow a trail may make Bluetick Coonhounds susceptible to scrapes, cuts, and leg injuries. This is also a deep-chested breed that is prone to bloat or gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the stomach which eventually twists cutting off the supply of blood and oxygen to organs. Bluetick Coonhounds may also suffer from ear infection, eye disorders like cataracts, and hip dysplasia.
Apart from Bluetick Coonhounds, other dog breeds include:
Pug.
Bluetick Coonhound Names
A Bluetick parent may decide to get a name for the pup before it joins them home from the breeder or days after the pet has settled home to ensure they understand the personality and behavior of a particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the heritage of the breed, the coat color and texture, celebrity Bluetick Coonhounds, personality, books, movies, food, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where the parent will source the name, they should ensure it freely rolls off the tongue and will not make them embarrassed once uttered out loud in the public places. Bluetick Coonhounds and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels. If a parent settles with a long name, he or she should find a cute nickname for Bluetick. Avoid giving a Bluetick a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If a Bluetick shares a name with any household member or guests that frequent the household, it may result to confusion.
Female Bluetick Coonhound Names
- Teddy.
- Pixie.
- Zuhura.
- Izzy.
- Gracie.
- Bella.
- Mia.
- Sadie.
- Tinsel.
- Aurora.
- Bonnie.
- Runa.
- Cedes.
- Brandy, etc.
Bluetick Coonhound Colors
A Bluetick Coonhound is preferred to have a thickly mottled body, dark blue color, and should be spotted by various shaped black spots on the ears, back, and sides.
Male Bluetick Coonhound Names
- Nero.
- Duke.
- Gus.
- Max.
- Rex.
- Ruger.
- Remy.
- Cooper.
- Murphy.
- Hinto.
- Capri.
- Tinsel.
- Grigio.
- Smurf.
- Oxford, etc.
Bluetick Coonhound Food
The amount of food that a Bluetick Coonhound feeds on depends on its age, metabolism, size, activity level, and body build. Bluetick Coonhounds puppies have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults or senior dogs. Therefore, a puppy should feed 3 or 4 times a day immediately they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Bluetick Coonhounds feed a total of two meals for life with snacks in between.
As earlier discussed, a Bluetick Coonhound is susceptible to bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that results to the swelling of the stomach putting pressure on other nearby organs, cutting off the supply of blood and oxygen, and also puts tremendous stress on the heart functionality leading to shock and eventually death. AKC urges pet parents to be well-versed with the signs of bloat and what to do in such cases. To reduce the risk of bloating, Bluetick Coonhounds owners should avoid exercising their dogs one hour before or after meals, feeding one large meal but instead to split the food into two meals, and should also not allow their dogs to consume large amounts of water after eating.
Like other dogs, Bluetick Coonhounds should feed on the right amount of minerals, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, water, and fats to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Depending on the budget and the time of preparation needed, pooch parents may feed Bluetick Coonhounds with dry food, wet food, home made meals, or a raw diet. Parents who prefer commercial dry or wet food should ensure the first three ingredients that are listed are proteins from a known source.
Commercial foods should also neither have fillers, chemicals, meat by-products, additives, nor preservatives. The same goes to the snacks given to the pets. Dry or wet food should also be formulated for medium-sized puppies, adults, and senior depending on the age of your Bluetick Coonhound. Check the physique of your dog to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The pooch is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a Bluetick Coonhound has an ideal weight. Although, if the ribs cannot be felt after pressing, the pet is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the Bluetick is only feeding on the new food.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds Aggressive
No. Bluetick Coonhounds are friendly and mindful dogs often mistaken for being aggressive. This is because the dog greets the strangers with its unique howl and will sniff the person until satisfied.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds Like To Swim
Yes. Although Bluetick Coonhounds have cat-like legs and are more associated with land-based activities, they also like to swim.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds Shed
Yes. Bluetick Coonhounds shed all-year round at moderate levels.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds Good Pets
Yes. Bluetick Coonhounds are good pets for active families that meet their daily exercise needs. They are athletic, active, vocal, affectionate, sweet, relentless, bold, intelligent, and independent.
Bluetick Coonhound Quick Facts
- A Bluetick Coonhound has larger paws than nearly all other dog breeds.
- This breed has been the sports mascot of the University of Tennessee since 1953.
- Bluetick Coonhounds are highly vocal breeds popular for baying, howling, or barking.
