Bluetick Coonhounds are a scenthound breed originally bred for hunting and tracking game, particularly raccoons. They are known for their ability to trail and tree raccoons, hence the name “Coonhound.” Bluetick Coonhounds are great at scenting, stamina, and endurance, and “treeing” game, which means tracking the scent of small game animals until they find them cornered or up a tree. They excel in their role as working dogs and continue to be used for hunting as well as for companionship due to their friendly and loyal nature.

Bluetick Coonhounds were developed in the American South, particularly Louisiana, in the 19th century. The breed is a combination of English Foxhounds and French hounds, such as the similarly blue-coated Grand Blue de Gascogne.

A healthy Bluetick Coonhound will live to be 11 to 12 years old. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

Bluetick Coonhounds typically reach their full adult size between 12 to 18 months old. They will reach their full height at about one year old and their full weight at about 18 months old.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds tend to bark a lot. They have a distinctive “baying” bark that is sometimes called a “bawl” or a choppy howl. This baying can be quite loud and carries over long distances. Like most hounds,  Bluetick Coonhounds are fond of using their voice to communicate all manner of things, though they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds are fantastic family companions, provided their family is a good match for the breed. Like most hounds, these energetic and affectionate dogs need plenty of exercise, so an active family that will keep this dog physically stimulated is best. Your Bluetick Coonhound may love activities like hiking, running, or participating in canine sports. This is a breed that loves to be around humans and included in all their daily activities. They are true, devoted companions.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds are capable of befriending cats, especially those they are raised alongside and sometimes those they’re introduced to later in life, too. While they were bred to chase small, furry things, their relationship with cats depends on the individual dog (and cat) involved.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds typically get along with other dogs. They are friendly, sociable, and good-natured and can form strong bonds with other dogs, especially if introduced to them from a young age. However, their prey drive may kick in with smaller animals, and they can compete for dominance with other dogs, particularly of the same sex.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds are protective to an extent. They often form strong bonds with their human family members and may show loyalty and a desire to keep their family safe. But while Bluetick Coonhounds may make a good watchdog, they’re typically too friendly to act as a designated guard dog.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds often enjoy the physical activity of swimming as well as cooling off in water after exercise. They have a natural affinity for water, and their webbed feet make them adept swimmers. While individual preferences may vary, many Bluetick Coonhounds have a natural inclination towards swimming.

Bluetick Coonhounds can run 25 to 30 miles per hour in short bursts. They are known for their speed and endurance, essential traits for hunting and tracking game over varied terrain. While specific speed measurements can vary based on individual dogs, they are generally athletic dogs with the physical capabilities to match.

No, Bluetick Coonhounds are not hypoallergenic. They have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year. Regular grooming, including brushing their coats and bathing them occasionally, can help reduce the amount of loose fur and dander, which may lessen allergy symptoms for people who are mildly allergic to dogs.

No, Bluetick Coonhounds can be challenging to train. They are intelligent dogs but can have a bit of an independent and stubborn streak. This means they may sometimes choose to do things their own way rather than follow commands immediately.

That said, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. Proper socialization from a young age is important to help Bluetick Coonhounds (and any dog) develop good manners and social skills. A confident trainer using short sessions and plenty of positive reinforcement is key.

Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds enjoy the company of children and are wonderful around kids they have been raised alongside, though they can be a bit rambunctious for smaller children. They may have a lot of energy to burn, which can make them good playmates for children who enjoy active play.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Bluetick Coonhound to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

The Bluetick Coonhound is overall a healthy, robust breed but, like all dogs, can be prone to diseases such as:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues such as pain, lameness and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Bluetick Coonhound, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.

• Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place. This can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

• Lysosomal storage disease: This term is used to describe a group of disorders where certain metabolic enzymes necessary for normal body function are not produced by the body.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus: This sudden, painful and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen.