Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound’s ancestors came to America from England in the 17th and 18th centuries. George Washington was an early breeder, who brought together English Foxhounds with French hounds. At one point, Bluetick Coonhounds were considered English Coonhounds, but the breed was separated out and further refined throughout the Southeast. 

The Bluetick Coonhound needs an owner who can satisfy their physical and mental stimulation needs, particularly when it comes to scentwork. They are smart but might need creative motivation to train. Owners will need to be tolerant of their baying, which can be loud. If their needs are met, Bluetick Coonhounds can be calm and well-mannered indoor dogs who love nothing more than curling up in front of a fireplace.

The Bluetick Coonhound dog needs ample play sessions, free running, walks, and scentwork to feel satisfied and be well-mannered. They can perform well in agility and tracking, which can help release some of their seemingly endless energy.

Bluetick Coonhounds do best when they have access to a lot of land or a variety of walking routes, especially ones where they can chase down scents. They are large dogs, so it’s preferable that they have large homes, but can get by in smaller spaces. Their communication style includes loud baying, so there shouldn’t be a lot of neighbors nearby who might not be as charmed by the noise as their owners.

The coat of the Bluetick Coonhound is short and glossy. It sheds moderately. Frequent brushing with a bristle brush, grooming mitt, or hound glove can help remove loose and dead hairs. They only need baths when dirty.

Early and ongoing socialization of Bluetick Coonhounds is crucial to make them confident and well-mannered dogs. They do well with patient and persistent training and are generally good listeners unless they are on the trail of a scent. It might take longer to potty train a Bluetick Coonhound than other dogs.

Bluetick Coonhound dogs can be good family dogs, especially for those with no children or older children as they can be boisterous when excited. They are loving and affectionate dogs but have high exercise needs.

The cost of a Bluetick Coonhound from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.