Bluetick Coonhound

Fast and muscular, the Bluetick dog breed stands out for his striking coat. He has a pleasant expression and a big ‘bawl’ mouth — meaning they have a long, drawn out bark. Although they are a hunter first and foremost, the Bluetick Coonhound makes a fine housedog and loves people.

These dogs have a noble history, being descendants of the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the English Foxhound, many of whom were brought to the United States in colonial times. On the trail, the Bluetick may be slower than some of his coonhound compatriots, but he has a superior nose and a never-say-die attitude.

The United Kennel Club recognized this noteworthy breed in 1946, and the American Kennel Club brought it into it’s more recently ~ in 2009, where it now competes in an array of Coonhound events.

Its important to note another breed called the “The American Blue Gascon”, which is often confused with the Bluetick, but is larger, heavier, and more "houndy" looking than the standard Bluetick. American Blue Gascons are often referred to as "old-fashioned" blueticks. This is due to their appearance and "colder" nose, or slower style of tracking, compared to other modern coonhound breeds.

Although he's a hunter first and foremost, the Bluetick can be a fine housedog and loves his people. Bear in mind that hounds are a challenge to train. Be patient and persistent as you help them find their motivation, which is more likely to be food than any real desire to please.
DID YOU KNOW:
#1: The University of Tennessee’s Mascot is a Bluetick Coonhound named “Smokey”.
#2: Neil Young has stated that his song "Old King" is a tribute to a deceased Bluetick Coonhound he once owned.
#3: Emmylou Harris sings about her friend Lillian's "Bluetick hound dog, Gideon" in her song Red Dirt Girl.
#4: Dolly Parton sings about an old woman who lives "with a one-eyed cat named Wink, a billy goat, and a Bluetick Hound" in her song "These Old Bones."
#5: A Bluetick Coonhound named Tet was the companion of Stringfellow Hawke, the main character of the popular 1980s television show ‘Airwolf’.

The Bluetick Coonhound is a very intelligent dog. Very devoted to its family, it makes a good companion dog. It does well living indoors and plays a fine guardian to his family and home.

Blueticks get along better with older children, but can also do well with younger ones. Some can be a bit dog-aggressive if the owner is not a strong leader relaying the message to the dog that is unacceptable behavior. Owners need to be this dog’s firm, confident and consistent pack leader in order to bring out the best in him. Socialize well, preferably while still young, to avoid them from becoming reserved with strangers.

The Bluetick is a passionate hunter and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This breed is extremely alert, attentive, and able to work over difficult terrain in bad weather. Do not let this breed off the leash in an unsafe area, as they may take off after an interesting scent.

This is a breed that has a strong instinct to tree animals. Raccoons inhabit all states and provinces in the US mainland and Canada, and have for centuries been pursued by hunters. Each year, hundreds of licensed night trials take place. Each trial lasts approximately three hours and involves three to four dogs. Points are given according to the dog's ability to find, trail and tree a raccoon. Points are lost for treeing game other than raccoons. Each dog has a unique "voice" which its owners usually can recognize.

The Bluetick does not have a normal sounding bark, but rather a loud bay cry that almost sounds like a short howl. Blueticks are curious and have a tendency to follow their noses. If they pick up a scent they may wander off and not even hear you calling them back, or not care to listen, as they will be too busy trying to find the critter at the other end.

Take care when letting them off leash that you are in a safe area. The Bluetick has extremely good eyesight, which allows it to work well at night. The Bluetick Coonhound excels in these trials. They can also be used to track fox or even cougar. The Bluetick has a fearless and warrior-like approach to the hunt.

This breed is known for drooling & slobbering.

The Bluetick is not recommended for apartment life.
They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. Do not let this breed run free off of its lead unless in a safe, secure area.

Coonhounds have a tendency to follow their noses, and if they catch wind of a scent, they may wander off for hours following it.

Exercise

Daily vigorous exercise is needed, which includes a long, brisk daily walk. Coonhounds that do not receive enough mental and physical exercise may become high strung and even destructive. This very anxious and energetic dog has been bred for severe physical exercise. Coonhounds are born natural hunters, so they have a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept well-fenced while exercising on their own.

**They have no road sense at all, so they must be kept in a safe environment.