BLUETICK COONHOUND

Good looking, intelligent, sensitive and loving: you might think you’re reading a personals ad, but that description also applies to the Bluetick Coonhound. Originally a color variety of the English Coonhound, the breed stands out for his dark blue, thickly mottled color with black spots on his back, ears and sides. But there’s more to the Bluetick than his color. Here’s what you need to know if you’re interested in acquiring one of these friendly, interesting dogs.

Blueticks are generally friendly and happy, but like all dogs, they are individuals. Some can be bashful while others are wary of strangers. They are good friends to children, but if you have toddlers, consider adopting an adult Bluetick, who will be less rambunctious than a puppy. Blueticks can get along well with other animals, catsincluded, but they love hunting squirrels in the backyard. Their exercise needs are met with a couple of long walks daily. They’ll also appreciate the opportunity to run in a safely enclosed area once or twice a week. Remember that a tired Bluetick is a good Bluetick.

Always walk your Bluetick on leash to ensure that he doesn’t run off after an interesting scent. He also needs a securely fenced yard to keep him contained when you’re not home. He loves to hunt and will go off on his own if given half a chance.

Blueticks can adapt to living indoors or outdoors, but they appreciate soft furniture and air conditioning just as much as anyone else. They also love their people and will pine without human companionship. There’s no point in having a Coonhound if you’re just going to stick him out in the backyard all by his lonesome.

A Bluetick needs plenty of companionship and activity to be happy. Even if you don’t hunt him, consider getting involved in tracking or search and rescue. He’s also a great hiking companion if you don’t mind going at a slow pace so he can follow a trail now and then. And at least one Bluetick has made a name for himself in the obedience ring, so don’t rule him out if obedience is your sport.

Depending on gender, with females being smaller, the Bluetick stands 21 to 27 inches tall and weighs 45 to 80 pounds. Blueticks have a smooth, easy-care coat. They need only a weekly brushing with a rubber curry, plus regular nail trimming, ear cleaning and tooth brushing.

Be aware that scenthounds such as the Bluetick have what is often described as a musty scent. Regular baths can help keep the odor under control, but it’s something you should be prepared to live with.

The drawbacks? Blueticks can be loud and stubborn. Keep in mind that one of the characteristics of this breed is a “big bawl mouth.” Unless you live about five miles from your nearest neighbors, they’re going to hear your Bluetick when he gets excited about finding a good scent. Begin training early and use positive reinforcement techniques. The Bluetick especially appreciates food rewards.

Other Quick Facts

• The Bluetick is one of the breeds that can claim to be “made in the USA.”
• A bluetick coat is a thickly mottled dark blue with black spots on the back, ears and sides. The head and ears are mostly black, and there are tan markings above the eyes and on the cheeks, and dark-red ticking on the feet, lower legs, chest and beneath the tail.
• The Bluetick is a cold-nosed dog, meaning he’s good at finding and following an old, or “cold,” trail.
• The Bluetick’s bark on the trail is described as a bawl.
• One of the most accomplished Blueticks is OTCH UUD Smokin’ Bullet Jebediah Blue UDX3 VER Bh (NAPWDA Cadaver/SAR), Jebbie to his friends. He was named third runner-up in the National Obedience Invitational a few years ago (a real feat for any hound), has worked as a search and rescue dog, and is the Boise Parks and Recreation Spokesdog. 

The History of Blueticks

Before he became a breed in his own right, the Bluetick Coonhound was considered a color variety of the English Coonhound. Both breeds were developed in the southern United States in the 18th century from imported English and French hounds.

The United Kennel Club began registering English Coonhounds (then called the English Fox and Coonhound) in 1905. The Bluetick was declared a separate breed in 1946. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bluetick as a member of the Hound Group in 2009. He currently ranks 119th among the breeds registered by the AKC

Bluetick Temperament and Personality

You might first be drawn to the Bluetick because of his striking coloration, but it’s his goofy personality that will win your heart. A Bluetick is the perfect buddy to ride shotgun in the front seat of your pickup truck. Blueticks love their families and become strongly attached to them. In addition to being great hunting dogs, they usually pull double-duty as house dogs and companions.

As long as they get plenty of daily exercise, Blueticks can be adaptable when it comes to their living quarters, but before you decide to move one into your apartment, remember that these dogs are known for their “big bawl mouth” -- that is, a long, drawn-out bark. Because of it, Blueticks are best suited to rural homes where they won’t disturb the neighbors as they announce to one and all that they’ve found a great scent.

A Bluetick is not the easiest dog to train, but even when he’s being naughty, he’s awfully cute. Try to stifle your laughter at his antics, and be firm and consistent in your training. Like most hounds, Blueticks respond well to praise and food rewards.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Bluetick, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.