Welcome to the BarkPost guide to dog breeds where we belly flop straight into the depths of dog breed origin, evolution, and purpose. Follow along each week as we publish new guides that highlight the strangest, most interesting, and most surprising stuff about these creatures who have been our best buds the last 30,000 years.
Intro / Overview
(All dogs are individuals, which means any single dog from any breed can be any number of ways, both good and not so good. Keep that in mind as we discuss breed generalities!)
Bluetick Coonhounds have one of those adorable faces that you just can’t help but love. Of course we love all dogs, but the droopy eyes and ears that are iconic on hounds are just so cute. Bluetick Coonhounds, named for the pattern on their coats, are a hunting dog that loves nothing more than to chase down their prey and capture it for their humans.
They’re a loyal and smart breed that absolutely loves to cuddle. They’re incredibly affectionate and want nothing more than to be loved by you. They may be a little tricky to train, so probably not ideal for first-time dog owners, but for those who can handle them, they’re a great lifetime companion.
Also Known As…
Blueticks? Maybe? “
Origins
Bluetick Coonhounds are a distinctly American dog. They are thought to have derived from a hound given to George Washington from the French. Bluetick Coonhounds were created hundreds of years ago to be hunters, particularly of raccoons. They’re what is commonly known as a “scenthound,” which means they rely on their keen sense of smell to hunt prey.
Size
Male Bluetick Coonhounds generally are 22-27 inches tall and females are 21-25 inches tall.
Weight Range
Males weigh between 55 and 80 pounds on average and females weight from 45 to 65 pounds.
Personality
This breed is very devoted to hunting and to their owners. They love affection and are eternally grateful to those who provide it to them. They have the knack for hunting in their blood, so they are driven to track prey and can misbehave if they don’t have an outlet for that sort of energy. Overall they’re a friendly and affectionate breed who will love you forever.
Intelligence / Trainability
Bluetick Coonhounds are smart dogs that do well with puppy training early on. As with any dog, you want to socialize them with other dogs and other people. They’re not always eager to listen and can also get bored if they don’t have something to keep them busy.
Best Training Techniques For Bluetick Coonhounds
Treats! Treats! Treats! Of course pretty much all dogs like treats, but Bluetick Coonhounds respond well to being rewarded with treats when they do what they’re told, so this is one solid tactic you can use.
Ideal Environment
This breed doesn’t require anything special when it comes to environment, however, it is a breed that does really love to be outdoors. Because they so love to hunt, they naturally thrive outside where they can sniff around and hunt for something. While a house might be the best option for them, an apartment would be fine as long as you walk them and take them to parks often enough. They also have a tendency to howl, so your next door neighbors might not appreciate that if you live in an apartment building.
Good For Families And Kids?
Bluetick Coonhounds should thrive in your family, as they’re an affectionate breed who love to dote on their humans. They’ll fit right in with all of you and snuggle you on the couch any time you let them.
Average Lifespan
11-12 years.
Health
Bluetick Coonhounds are actually an incredibly healthy breed. The main health concern you need to watch out for is bloat, as with any breed with a deep chest. Bloat is what happens when your dog’s stomach gets twisted and it’s highly dangerous. It’s not always easy to spot, but if your dog is restless, throwing up, or salivating more than usual, take them to the vet. You know your dog best, so if you suspect something is off, it’s always good to err on the side of caution and get them checked.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your vet is always thoroughly checking your Bluetick Coonhound’s ears. Because they’ve got those long, floppy ears, they can have more issues with things like bleeding and infection than other breeds.
Energy
Bluetick Coonhounds love to play outside — they are hunting dogs after all. They love to go for walks or be left out to play and hunt, but they definitely tire themselves out and are happy to snuggle with you inside after playtime is over.
Friendly With…(Dogs? Strangers? Cats/Other Pets?)
Bluetick Coonhounds aren’t typically reactive toward other dogs, but they take some time to get used to having other dogs around. Early socialization and training are both key!
As for strangers and other pets, again, early socialization is the key, and all the better if they’ve grown up together.
If you decide to bring a new animal into your established household with, just make sure to keep an eye on your Bluetick Coonhound to ensure everyone gets along.
Coat & Grooming
Good news: Bluetick Coonhounds are incredibly easy when it comes to grooming. They have short hair, so they only require infrequent brushing. Once a week is enough. They also don’t need baths very often. Their nails need clipped every so often, but otherwise, they’re pretty low maintenance.
Toys Bluetick Coonhounds Would Like Best
- Tug Toys: These toys can serve a dual purpose for your dog: they’ll make for a fun game of tug-of-war for the two of you, but you can also get some serious distance when you toss one of these for your dog to fetch.
- Plush Toys: After a long day of hunting and playing, your Bluetick Coonhound will love to curl up with you and a Plush Toy (that is, if they don’t tear the toy apart).
- Treat-dispensing Super Chewer Toys: Bluetick Coonhounds will use their powerful noses to sniff out the treats inside these extra-durable toys!
Recommended Diet Or Supplements
Bluetick Coonhounds don’t require any special diet. You should always feed them good-quality food appropriate for their age and refrain from overfeeding. Table scraps aren’t advised, as with any dog. You can always check with your vet if you think you need to change your dog’s diet or add any supplements into the mix.
While Blueticks are ordinarily quite healthy, a joint supplement can go a long way toward keeping them free of aches and pains, especially if they spend a lot of time outside.
Glucosamine Supplement For Hip & Joints
Bark Hip + Joint soft chews are veterinarian-formulated in the USA with powerful ingredients like glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid to keep your dog’s joints strong, flexible, and pain-free. ($32.99.)
Recommended Products
For Bluetick Coonhounds with joint issues – or any dog who just loves to lie around! – a nice comfortable bed with orthopedic support is probably a good idea.
Orthopedic Ultra Plush Memory Foam Dog Bed
Orthopedic dog beds from Bark are made with ergonomic memory foam and gel foam to cradle joints and relieve the stress on pressure points. They help ensure your best friend gets a good night’s sleep, free from body aches. Just be sure to order the XL! ($64.99.)
Notable Rescues to Find The Bluetick Coonhound Of Your Dreams
- Northeast Coonhound Rescue
- Rescue Me! Bluetick Coonhound Rescue
- Carolina Coonhound Rescue
- Houndsong Rescue
- Coonhound Rescue
- Adoptable Bluetick Coonhounds on Petfinder
Notable Instagram Bluetick Coonhounds
Sir Winston @sirwinstonthehound
Grover the Bluetick @groverthebluetick
Waylon and Cash @the_hounds_are_loose
Ginny @ginnythehound
Elsie Bean @elsiebean_bluetick
***Looking for a gift to blow your pup’s mind? Spoil them with BarkBox! Every month BarkBox delivers 2 original toys, designed in-house, 2 full bags of all-natural treats, and a chew. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. <– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription!
Featured image via SirWinstonTheHound/Instagram
Want More Coonhound Breed Guides?
Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Information Guide
Treeing Walker Coonhound Breed Information Guide
Redbone Coonhound Breed Information Guide
American English Coonhound Breed Information Guide
