Bluetick Coonhound

A true pride of American hunting, the Bluetick Coonhound has deep roots stretching back to colonial times. Its history began in the 18th century in Louisiana. The foundation for the breed was European scent hounds brought to the New World by the first settlers. A key role in forming the Bluetick was played by the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne hounds, which, according to legend, were gifted to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette. These dogs were crossed with English Foxhounds, and likely with local breeds, to adapt them to the unique hunting conditions in America.

The main goal of breeders was to develop a dog capable of working in the difficult conditions of the American South: in swampy areas, dense forests, and at night. The main quarry for these dogs became the raccoon – a cunning and agile animal, the hunting of which required remarkable intelligence, stamina, and an excellent nose from the dog. The Bluetick Coonhound became a real gift for hunters, a terror to raccoons, foxes, and cougars – they had no equal in the hunt! Dogs of this breed are known for their ability to “tree” prey. This means that upon finding the quarry, they force it up a tree and keep it there with loud baying until the hunter arrives. This unique style of hunting gave the name to the group of breeds – Coonhounds (from “coon”, short for raccoon).

For a long time, Bluetick Coonhounds were registered as English Coonhounds, without being separated into a distinct breed. However, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts who strove to preserve the unique working qualities and characteristic appearance of these dogs, the breed was officially recognised in 1945 by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as an independent entity. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised the breed much later, in 2009. Today, the Bluetick Coonhound remains a popular hunting dog and companion, especially in the southern states of the USA.

The Bluetick Coonhound is a large, muscular, yet elegant dog, built for speed and endurance. Its appearance combines the power and grace characteristic of scent hounds.

• General appearance: Athletic build, deep chest for large lungs, strong legs and back. Movement is free and sweeping.
• Head and muzzle: The head is proportional to the body, with a slightly domed skull. The muzzle is long and square. The facial expression is often described as pleading or sad, which is a characteristic feature of many hounds.
• Eyes: Large, round, set wide apart. Colour ranges from light to dark brown. The gaze is intelligent and penetrating.
• Ears: Very long, set low, hanging. If pulled forward, they should reach the tip of the nose. The ears are thin and soft to the touch, which helps “gather” scents from the ground and direct them to the nose.
• Coat and colour: The coat is short, dense, smooth, and glossy. The colour itself is the breed’s calling card. The base colour is white, heavily covered with black ticking, creating a unique bluish (bluetick) shade. There are usually solid black patches on the head and ears. Tan markings are also possible above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and legs.
• Tail: Set high, strong at the base, tapering towards the end. The dog carries it freely, in a sabre shape, when moving.

By nature, the Bluetick Coonhound is a loyal, intelligent, and somewhat stubborn dog. Its character is a direct reflection of its hunting purpose. This is not a lap dog, but an energetic worker who needs a purpose in life.

Relationship with family: At home, the Bluetick transforms into an affectionate and faithful companion. He becomes very attached to his “pack” and can be a wonderful family dog if his needs for physical and mental stimulation are met. They get on well with children, especially if raised together, but due to their size and energy, they might accidentally knock over a small child. Therefore, interaction should always be supervised.

Intelligence and stubbornness: These are very quick-witted dogs, capable of making decisions independently, which was necessary during the hunt. This same trait can manifest as stubbornness in everyday life. They know exactly what they want and may ignore commands if they don’t see the point in them. Therefore, it is important for the owner to be a consistent and patient leader.

Relationships with other animals: Being a scent hound, the Bluetick Coonhound has a strong chase instinct. This means that small animals, including cats, rabbits, or squirrels, will be perceived as potential prey. Early socialisation can help, but does not guarantee peaceful coexistence. They usually get on well with other dogs, as they are used to working in a pack. However, like many other breeds, conflicts may arise between males. Among Coonhound relatives, it is worth noting the Black and Tan Coonhound and the Redbone Coonhound, which have a similar temperament.

Voice: One of the most famous traits of Coonhounds is their voice. It is not just a bark, but a loud, melodious, prolonged bay (howl) that can be heard from a great distance. This “singing” was neccessary so that the hunter could find the dog in the dark forest. In urban settings, this can become a problem for neighbours. They “talk” when they see prey, when they are bored, or when they simply want to attract attention.

The Bluetick Coonhound is generally a healthy and hardy breed, owing to its working origins. However, like many other pedigree dogs, it has a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. Timely diagnosis and prevention will help keep your pet healthy for many years.

1. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This is a common problem in large and active breeds. Improper joint development leads to arthritis and pain. It is important to choose a puppy from responsible breeders who test their dogs for dysplasia. Prevention includes weight control, balanced nutrition, and avoiding excessive strain during puppyhood.
2. Ear infections (otitis): The Coonhound’s long, hanging ears are poorly ventilated, creating ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to multiply. It is necessary to inspect and clean the ears regularly (once a week) with a special lotion to prevent inflammation.
3. Bloat (Gastric Torsion): This is an acute and life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Dogs with deep chests are prone to bloat. Prevention: feeding small portions several times a day, avoiding physical exertion immediatly after eating. The owner must know the symptoms (restlessness, attempts to vomit, abdominal swelling) and contact a vet immediately.
4. Eye diseases: Cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are sometimes found. Periodic examination by a veterinary ophthalmologist is recomended.
5. Hunting injuries: As an active hunting dog, the Coonhound is prone to cuts, sprains, and other injuries sustained while working in the woods or fields.

Caring for this breed is not too difficult, but requires regularity and attention to specific needs.

Grooming: The Bluetick’s short coat does not require cutting or trimming. It is enough to brush it with a rubber mitt 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean. Shedding is moderate but regular. The dog should be bathed as it gets dirty, usually no more than a few times a year, so as not to damage the skin’s protective layer. Frequent bathing can be replaced by using dry shampoo or wet wipes.

Ear and eye care: This is the most important aspect of care. Ears need to be cleaned weekly. Eyes should be checked daily, and any discharge removed with a clean cloth.

Claw trimming: Claws need to be trimmed about once a month if they do not wear down naturally during walks.

Physical exercise: This is the breed’s key requirement. The Bluetick Coonhound needs a minimum of 1-2 hours of active exercise daily. This is not just a slow walk on a lead, but running, games, and training. The ideal place to keep one is a detached house with a large, securely fenced garden. In a flat, this dog will feel cramped and bored, which can lead to destructive behaviour and incessant barking. Many hunting breeds, such as the Treeing Tennessee Brindle or the American Leopard Hound, also require a lot of space.

Training a Bluetick Coonhound is an interesting but challenging process that requires patience and an understanding of hound psychology.

Key training principles:

• Early start: Socialisation and basic training should begin from the first days the puppy arrives home. Introduce him to different people, sounds, places, and other animals (under control).
• Positive reinforcement: Coonhounds react poorly to harsh methods, shouting, and physical punishment. This can cause even greater stubbornness or fear in them. The method of positive reinforcement works best: praise, treats, and toys for correctly executing a command.
• Short and interesting sessions: Because of their independence, they can quickly lose interest in monotonous repetition. It is better to conduct several short (10-15 minutes) training sessions a day than one long one.
• Consistency: All family members must adhere to the same rules and commands. Inconsistency will only confuse the dog.
• The “Recall” command: This is the most important and difficult command for any scent hound. Due to the strong hunting instinct, a Coonhound, once on a scent, may completely ignore you. This command needs to be practised from an early age in a safe place, using the most desirable treats. Never walk a Coonhound off-lead in an unfenced area.

Owners considering this breed might also be interested in the American English Coonhound, which has similar training and socialisation requirements.

The guarantee of health, energy, and longevity for your Bluetick Coonhound is a properly balanced diet. Being an active working dog, he has high nutritional needs.

Type of feeding:

• High-quality dry food: This is the simplest way to provide the dog with all necessary nutrients. Choose super-premium or holistic class food designed for large active breeds. The basis of the food should be meat (chicken, beef, turkey), not cereals.
• Natural diet: If you choose this path, the ration must be carefully thought out together with a veterinary nutritionist. The base (60-70%) should be raw or boiled meat (beef, poultry, offal). The diet should also include:
  • Sea fish (boneless) 1-2 times a week.
  • Grains (buckwheat, rice).
  • Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir).
  • Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, courgettes).
  • Eggs (1-2 times a week).

Important tips:

• Number of meals: It is better to feed an adult dog twice a day (morning and evening) to avoid the risk of bloat.
• Weight control: Coonhounds are prone to gaining excess weight, especially with insufficient exercise. Obesity puts extra strain on the joints.
• Access to water: The dog must always have access to fresh, clean water.
• Vitamin complexes: With natural feeding, it is mandatory to add vitamin-mineral complexes and fish oil, as prescribed by a vet.

• The name “Bluetick” comes from the unique colouration, where black ticking on a white background creates the illusion of a blue or bluish shade.
• The Bluetick Coonhound has been the official symbol of the state of Tennessee since 2019.
• Dogs of this breed often “smile”, lifting their lips and showing their teeth. This is not a sign of aggression, but rather a specific display of emotion.
• Each Coonhound’s voice is unique. Experienced hunters can recognise their dog by voice from a great distance.
• The breed often appears in American culture, particularly in country music songs, as a symbol of rural life and hunting.

Is the Bluetick Coonhound suitable for apartment living?
No, strictly not suitable. This breed needs space to move, ideally a detached house with a large garden. In a flat, the dog will suffer from a lack of activity, which can lead to destructive behaviour and constant howling.

Does this breed shed heavily?
Shedding is moderate but constant. Regular brushing helps keep it under control. There will be less hair in the house than from long-haired breeds, but it will be there.

Can a Coonhound be left alone for long periods?
They are very family-oriented and tolerate loneliness poorly. If the dog is left alone all day, it may suffer from separation anxiety, which will manifest in howling and destruction.

Is the Bluetick Coonhound easy to train?
Yes and no. They are very smart and grasp commands quickly, but at the same time are very stubborn. Training requires patience, consistency, and experience. This is not the best choice for a novice.

Are they aggressive towards people?
No, they are not aggressive towards people. Usually, they are friendly or somewhat reserved with strangers. Their loud bark performs a warning function, not a threat.