Introduction
With a name like Bluetick Coonhound, you might picture a straightforward hunting dog. However, this breed surprises with its sleek, dappled coat, bold spirit, and fascinating link to a Founding Father, making it truly extraordinary.
Bluetick Coonhounds descend from French staghounds gifted to George Washington by his close friend Marquis de Lafayette. Bred as fierce hunting companions, these early Blueticks utilized their remarkable noses and boundless stamina to track raccoons—and even more formidable quarry such as bears, wild boars, and cougars.
Belonging to the hound group, the breed standard highlights the brown-eyed Bluetick’s signature “pleading hound expression,” complemented by their long, floppy ears that enhance their irresistible charm. Their name originates from the distinctive black-on-white speckles (known as ticking) on their short, shiny coats, which create a blueish appearance from a distance. They typically also wear striking tan accents.
Caring for a Bluetick Coonhound
Though historically bred for hunting, Bluetick Coonhounds can flourish as loving family pets—provided their owners meet their size, exercise, and vocal needs thoughtfully.
Blueticks are large, muscular dogs. Males can weigh up to 80 pounds and stand 27 inches tall, while females reach about 65 pounds and 25 inches. Dogs of this magnitude require ample room, and combined with the Bluetick’s near-endless energy, they need plenty of space to run and play.
While you may take the Bluetick out of the hunt, you can’t entirely erase their hunting instincts. This breed thrives on using their sharp minds over long distances, so prospective owners should be ready to offer daily mental challenges and vigorous physical activity. Because Blueticks possess an unstoppable urge to follow scents, exercise must happen on a leash or within a securely fenced area.
These dogs may also need extra space for another reason: their legendary baying—a loud, melodious howl resembling a yodel. This unique and effective form of communication helps scent hounds like Blueticks during hunts, but the booming sound can be less welcome in a typical neighborhood.
Training can manage excessive baying, howling, and barking, but for peace of mind, it’s best to avoid close neighbors or to be home often to minimize your Bluetick’s vocal expressions.
Bluetick Coonhound Health Issues
Generally, Bluetick Coonhounds enjoy good health and have an average lifespan of 11 to 12 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health concerns.
Bloat
Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas or food and expands. In severe cases, it can develop into gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow to vital organs and blocking food from passing to the intestines. GDV is extremely painful and a life-threatening emergency, sometimes leading to stomach rupture.
All cases of bloat require immediate veterinary attention to assess severity. Mild bloat can be treated with medication and fluids, but GDV needs urgent surgery.
Large, deep-chested breeds like Blueticks are particularly susceptible to bloat. Additional risk factors include eating or drinking rapidly, exercising immediately after meals, using elevated food bowls, and feeding only one meal a day.
Beware of these signs indicating bloat:
- Retching or dry heaving without vomiting
- Swollen or distended abdomen
- Sudden restlessness or pacing
- Inability to get comfortable
- Front legs stretched out with hindquarters elevated (downward dog pose)
- Excessive drooling and heavy panting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Collapse or weakness
If your Bluetick shows any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care at once.
Ear Infections
The Bluetick’s floppy, fur-covered ears are prone to infections. Foreign objects can easily become trapped, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria and yeast thrive.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but often includes topical cleaning agents and both topical and oral medications.
Look for these signs of ear infections in your dog:
- Ear redness or swelling
- Foul odor from the ear
- Persistent scratching or pawing at the ear
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Frequent head shaking or tilting
- Discharge or debris in the ear canal
What To Feed a Bluetick Coonhound
Every Bluetick pup is unique, so work closely with your veterinarian to craft a feeding regimen that ensures balanced, complete nutrition tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health background.
How To Feed a Bluetick Coonhound
Most adult Blueticks thrive on two meals daily—morning and evening. Splitting their food helps reduce the risk of bloat. If your dog tends to scarf down food quickly (a known bloat risk), consider slow-feeder bowls, treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats, or spreading out their kibble on the floor to encourage slower eating.
Puppies have higher metabolisms and generally benefit from three meals a day, adding a midday feeding between breakfast and dinner.
How Much Should You Feed a Bluetick Coonhound?
Dog food packaging provides general feeding guidelines based on weight, but your veterinarian can offer a personalized feeding plan. This plan will consider not just weight, but your Bluetick’s body condition score, activity level, and any specific health concerns.
Nutritional Tips for Bluetick Coonhounds
If feeding a high-quality, AAFCO-approved dog food, your Bluetick should receive all necessary nutrients. However, veterinary guidance is important before introducing supplements or prescription diets aimed at managing or preventing health issues.
Bluetick Coonhound Personality and Temperament
As a breed developed to pursue large, challenging game like bears and cougars, Bluetick Coonhounds are determined, energetic, and intelligent dogs that flourish when given meaningful tasks (though you don’t need to chase wild boars in your backyard!). When mentally and physically satisfied, these hounds are affectionate and content to relax and snooze with their family.
They make loving companions but often do best with older children and experienced dog owners who can manage their intelligence and physical strength. Once a Bluetick picks up an enticing scent, diverting their attention can be challenging. They also enjoy the company of other dogs, a trait that served them well historically when hunting as a pack.
Bluetick Coonhound Behavior
Blueticks crave work and social interaction. Without enough exercise or companionship, they can develop unwanted behaviors—like chewing on household items and excessive vocalizing.
While consistent training helps limit their distinctive howling and baying, potential owners should expect a dog with a louder-than-average voice. Because they are tireless scent pursuers, a secure leash and fence are essential safety measures.
Bluetick Coonhound Training
The critical socialization period from birth to around 16 weeks shapes how dogs interact with people and other animals. Discuss socialization methods with your Bluetick breeder to ensure a solid foundation that will benefit your dog into adulthood.
With their quick intelligence and eagerness to please, Blueticks respond well to training. Use positive, reward-based techniques instead of punishment. This approach not only teaches skills but builds a deep bond while providing enriching mental and physical activity.
Fun Activities for Bluetick Coonhounds
- Leisurely long walks where they can occasionally follow scents
- Running and jogging
- Hiking adventures
- Camping excursions
- Hunting and tracking
- Agility courses
- Field trials
- Nose work and scent games
- Obedience classes
- Training in new skills and tricks
Bluetick Coonhound Grooming Guide
Caring for the Bluetick Coonhound’s signature short, lustrous coat is simple, though expect moderate shedding throughout the year.
Skin Care
Blueticks don’t require specialized skin treatments, but if your dog spends extended time outdoors, regularly check for ticks. Monthly flea and tick preventatives are essential to maintain healthy skin and coat.
Coat Care
Weekly brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their sleek fur shiny. Bathing frequency depends on your Bluetick’s outdoor activities—more dirt and sprints call for more baths.
Eye Care
While Blueticks have no specific predisposition to eye ailments, it’s wise to routinely inspect their eyes for redness, cloudiness, or other signs of irritation. Consult your veterinarian if anything seems amiss.
Ear Care
Long, floppy ears have a higher risk of infection. Talk to your vet about proper ear cleaning routines tailored to your dog's needs. If you see redness, foul smells, pain, or frequent head shaking, schedule a veterinary evaluation promptly.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Before welcoming a Bluetick Coonhound into your life, consider these questions carefully:
- Do I have the time and energy to provide daily, ample mental and physical exercise for a high-drive dog?
- Does my living situation accommodate a dog known for baying and howling without disturbing neighbors?
- Can my dog be safely exercised on a leash or in a securely fenced area?
- Am I prepared to offer consistent companionship daily?
- Do I have the patience and skills to train using positive reinforcement techniques?
- Am I financially ready to manage veterinary and care costs?
- Can I commit to providing a loving, lifelong home for a dog likely living 12 years or more?
If you can answer these confidently with a “Yes!” you may be well suited to the rewarding companionship of a Bluetick Coonhound.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds make good house pets?
Bluetick Coonhounds can thrive as house pets when their physical and mental needs are met. They require daily outlets for their abundant energy and prefer close human companionship.
Due to their large size (up to 80 pounds) and distinctive howling and baying, apartment living can be tricky. A home with ample space to roam and express their natural behaviors without bothering neighbors is ideal.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds have separation anxiety?
Because they were bred to work closely alongside humans, Bluetick Coonhounds typically prefer company and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long durations, possibly resulting in destructive behaviors like chewing.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds good for first-time pet parents?
Blueticks usually aren’t recommended for first-time dog owners. Their intelligence, energy, and tenacity make them better suited to experienced caretakers who know how to channel these traits into constructive activities and training.
What’s the difference between a Bluetick Coonhound and a Redtick Coonhound?
The most noticeable difference is coat color: Blueticks sport a distinctive blueish hue from their black-and-white speckled coats, while Redtick Coonhounds—also called American English Coonhounds—have red-and-white ticking and medium-length fur. Additionally, Blueticks trace back to French hounds, whereas Redticks descend from the English Foxhound.
