Bluetick Coonhound
Breed Summary
The Bluetick has the appearance of a speedy and well-muscled hound. They have neat, compact body, with a glossy coat and clear, keen and large eyes. Their head is broad between the ears with a slightly domed skull. The muzzle is long, broad and deep, the legs are strong, well-muscled. The tail is set on slightly below the line of the back, strongly rooted and tapering to a moderate length.
Country of Origin:
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 130 of 196
AKC Classification: Hound Group
UKC Classification: Hound dog
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Physical traits: Speedy, Muscular, Strong, Compact
Coat: Length: Average
Characteristics: Moderately coarse, short, smooth and glossy
Colors: Molted or dark blue
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Personality traits/Temperament: Smart, Devoted, Tenacious
Height: Female: 21-25 inches, Male: 22-27 inches
Weight: Female: 45-65 lbs.; Male: 55-80 lbs.
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: High
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: High
Life Expectancy: 11-12 years
Health
The Bluetick Coonhound is a healthy breed. Like any other deep-chested dog, this may be prone to bloat, a sudden and life-threatening condition where the stomach distends and can also twist, cutting off blood supply to organs. Owners should educate themselves as to the symptoms that indicate bloat is occurring and what to do if so. Their low-hanging ears should be checked daily for any signs of infection and wax build-up. Their teeth need to be brushed regularly to avoid dental disease. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions where baths with a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner is recommended. Flea control is also essential.
Nutrition
The Bluetick Coonhound needs high-quality dog food to fulfil its nutritional requirement. Any diet should be appropriate according to the different dog’s stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Add a high-quality dog multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so monitor your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level frequently. Don’t provide human foods that are not safe for them. Consult with your veterinarian in case of any emergency.
Training
Early socialization and treats can be very useful aids in training a Bluetick. They are intelligent, affectionate, and devoted and also have an independent streak, so their training requires patience, consistency, and skill. Once they learn to do something, they’ll be inclined to do it that way for the rest of their lives, so it’s important to train the behavior correctly the first time. Positive rewards, such as treats and praise, can make the training enjoyable.
Exercise
Blueticks are bred as hunting dogs, and they require plenty of exercise regularly. They enjoy spending their time at their owner’s feet. Use paw balm daily to protect their feet. They like to play sessions with their owner in a securely fenced yard, or long walks on a leash—remember that he is a scent hound with a powerful prey drive. Besides hunting and field trials, canine sports like agility and tracking are good outlets into which to channel the Bluetick’s energy.
Fun Fact
The Bluetick can be found in various forms of pop culture. Emmylou Harris mentions a Bluetick named Gideon in her song “Red Dirt Girl”.
References
1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/
2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds
3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/
4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles
5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds
