Straight out of folklore or a country song, the Bluetick Coonhound is somewhat of an American legend. This dog’s resolute look and temperament along with it’s “go-get-‘em” work ethic make the Bluetick a true specimen of a dog and hound. As much as this dog is hardworking, he is loyal and gentle as well. Read more about the Bluetick Coonhound in BestBullySticks.com Breed Spotlight.
History & Background: Originating in Louisiana, this dog is a result of breeding the French Bleu de Gascogne, English Foxhound, American Foxhound, Cur and Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. Before they were called Blueticks, this breed was called the English Foxhound in America. In 1945, American breeders broke off from English breeders because they didn’t want to pursue a “hot-nosed” breed but wanted to keep their “cold-nosed” breed with their own distinct hunting style. This breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 2009.
Famous Blueticks are found in literature but even more so in songwriting. Artists such as Neil Young, Charlie Daniels, Blake Shelton and Emmylou Harris all sing about these Coonhounds. The University of Tennessee’s mascot is a Bluetick named Smokey.
Height: 22-27, Males; 21-25 inches, Females
Weight: 55-80 pounds, Males; 45-65 pounds, Females
Coat: This coonhound’s fur is coarse, short and lies close to the body. A healthy coat is soft and shiny.
Color: Just as it’s name suggests, the Bluetick Coonhound’s color is made up of dark blue and white ticking, creating a navy-like color. More blue than white is preferred in the breed standard. This hound also has large black spots on its back, ears and sides and its ears and head are mostly black. Some red ticking can be present as well and usually is seen on the feet or lower legs. Blueticks can also have tan points, which appear as dots above the eyes, on cheeks, on the tail and below the tail.
Appearance: Overall, the Bluetick is well-muscled, athletic and built for speed. The head and tail are held aloft and paired this dog’s large eyes and steady gaze, the Bluetick Coonhound has a very alert look. More specifically, this hound has a wide head with a domed skull. This dog has a very long face with a deep, wide muzzle and long lips that drop down past the jaw. The overall muzzle is very square in looks. Eyes are wide set, brown to light brown with tight rims and give a typical “pleading” hound look. The ears are set low and droop and are long enough to reach to the end of this dog’s nose when pulled forward.
The rest of this dog’s body is all about length. Front legs are straight, back legs are long and muscular and this dog’s back is slightly arched at the hips. The Bluetick’s tail adds to the overall length of the dog. Set low and well based, the tail curves up in a half-moon. The Bluetick also has a deep chest, with well-sprung ribs that follow into a well tucked belly.
Temperament: Intelligent and loyal to boot, the Bluetick Coonhound is a passionate hunter and gentle guardian to his family. As hunters, these dogs are tenacious problem solvers who particularly like to track and “tree” animals, like raccoons. (Treeing means forcing an animal up a tree.) This ability has been focused into a particular sport called “night trials.” Because each hound has a unique bay or cry as well as exceedingly good nose and ears, Bluetick owners must be careful with their dogs in open areas when their dog is off of a leash. If this hound catches a strong scent most likely the dog will not stop until the scent has been found, ignoring the calls of the owner.
If this dog isn’t trained to hunt, a Bluetick must have lots of room to run, romp and play. This Coonhound has been bred for hard exercise and endurance so must have owners willing to exercise this dog for a good time each day. A fence is suggested for any home with this Coonhound and apartment life is not recommended for this breed.
A Bluetick Coonhound’s nose will always be what get it in trouble. Unattended food or an unguarded trash bags are easy targets that will never last long around an eager Bluetick. This dog is also mistaken for “aggressive” when it meets new people. A howl and sniff a stranger until satisfied with them.
Health & Grooming: Blueticks are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and Krabbes disease.
Grooming this dog breed is as simple as an occasional brush and ear cleaning. Blueticks tend to have ear infections if not kept clean and debris free.
Product Suggestions: For a Bluetick’s love for chasing raccoons, try out the Premier Pogo Plush Racoon. The unique stuffing-free interior consists of a durable rubber cage with a free-floating squeaker, providing a challenge for your dog to chomp on!
For a dog made in the USA, give your Bluetick a treat made in the USA. Best Bully Sticks Chicken Jerky is 100% all natural chicken ranging in sizes from 4 to 6 inches in length and approximately 1" to 1 1/2" wide. The flavor of this dog treat is not masked by any additives, preservatives, or chemicals. Your pooch will absolutely drool over this dog treat.
Do you own or know a Bluetick Coonhound? Tell us your favorite Bluetick story in the comments section!
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I have had 40 0r so Blueticks in my life time. Best story: My grandpa had Blue dogs but he never championship hunted, so he had no trophies. He got sick and couldn't hunt anymore. I took his last hound, a Bluetick named Hawk and went to a championship hunt. It was my first also. Out of 63 dogs we placed 2nd. The smile on my grandpa's face I will never forget. I showed him the trophy and Ribbon with my chest bursting open. That was in 1979. I just pleasure hunt now. Oh yeah, I still have five Blueticks now. Smokey, Loki, Jessie, Joe and Indy. Millions of stories, but this one is like yesterday.
Love my Blues, OH Yeah.
You should send it in. They are asking for stories about Blueticks.
we have a nine year old bluetick named louie, hes treed several bears the last few summers, his favortite thing to chase are coyotes in lenox,mass