Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed created in the southern United States for hunting raccoons and other small game. The blue and black spotted coat is a distinctive feature of the breed along with its broad head and long, droopy ears. In addition to their remarkable hunting instincts, Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their loyalty and affection towards their family members.

General details

Dogs of the breed are of medium size and powerful build. The weight ranges between 25 and 36 kilograms in males, while females weigh between 20 and 29.5 kilograms. The height of males is between 56 and 68.5 centimeters; in females it varies between 53 and 63.5 centimeters. The life expectancy of this breed is 11 to 12 years and it is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The development of the Bluetick Coonhound occurred in the southern United States, where it was bred to hunt raccoons, opossums and other small game. However, they were also expected to work in packs for hunting big game such as bobcat, cougar and wild boar. It seems that the breed arose from the crossing of the English Foxhound, the French Gascony Blue Hound and the American Foxhound. The objective of their creation was based on obtaining a highly resistant hunter with the ability to track scents that were hours or days old. Today, they remain a popular choice for hunters and dog lovers alike for their developed hunting instincts and loyal companionship. They are well represented in Southern culture, in fact, they have been the mascot of the University of Tennessee since 1953.

Breed characteristics

The Bluetick Coonhound is a well-balanced dog, with a sturdy, compact body, usually slightly longer than tall. The head is broad, the skull slightly domed and their expressive eyes should be dark brown. The ears are long, low set and hang close to the cheeks, while the tail is carried high with a crescent-shaped curve forward. The coat is smooth, glossy, thick and moderately short. In addition, it is composed of a dark blue color dotted with black spots all over the body. There may be light brown markings on the chest, legs and muzzle, while the ears and head are preferably black. Intelligence and a strong hunting instinct are two well-known qualities of the Bluetick Coonhound. In addition, they are friendly and outgoing dogs with people, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers. They are self-confident and independent, and are characterized by their loud, deep howl, which they use to alert their owners of hunting prey. Despite their hunting instinct, the breed's dogs are loyal and affectionate, as well as being popular for their loyalty and devotion to their owners.

Common health problems

The breed is generally healthy. However, as with all breeds, Bluetick Coonhounds may be predisposed to some disorders or conditions such as volvulus-gastric dilatation, malocclusion, osteochondritis dissecans, primary uterine inertia, osteochondrosis, ectropion, entropion, globoid cell leukodystrophy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and persistent pupillary membrane.