Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed

The large Bluetick Coonhound is a small game hunter's best friend. They have one of the top noses, especially for cold trailing. Their characteristic and unique baying can be heard frequently in the southern United States where they are quite popular. They did, after all, originate in this area before America was even United States. Blueticks are not only hunters but also sweet, affectionate family companions for active, outdoorsy types. Consider the following Bluetick Coonhound facts before deciding if this is the right dog for you:

At first glance the long, floppy ears, loose lips and droopy eyes of the Blue-ticked Coonhound might make them seem slow and clumsy. In reality, this breed is active, athletic and has one of the best noses out there! They get their name from the blue ticking on their coat and, as Animal Planet's Dog's 101: Bluetick Coonhound informs us, the more ticking the better. Blueticks have a characteristic and unique baying bark that allows their hunting companions to know where they are and what they are up to. This breeds popularity extends beyond the southern US where they hail from-- just ask Neil Young the famous musician who wrote songs about his blue tick.

All the Bluetick Coonhound info you come across will be in agreement that this is not an apartment dog. This is a large, loud breed that needs lots of room to run and play; a fenced yard is recommended. Blueticks are great choices for active owners and families. They are good with kids and other pets, and even friendly towards visitors.

Members of this breed hardly require any grooming but they are not hypoallergenic. They still shed a normal amount so brushing the coat every once in awhile can help reduce the shed hair. Training may prove moderately difficult as their noses allow them to become easily distracted. Early training is important, however, because a large, smart breed like the Bluetick Coonhound will easily try to assume the dominate position. Keep in mind at least an hour or two of daily exercise is recommended if your Bluetick is indoors, otherwise they may become unbearably noisy (which your neighbors will not appreciate).

Bluetick Coonhounds originated in the United States (technically before it was called the United States). It is a southern breed thought to have been breed first in Louisiana before becoming popular in other southern states such as Mississippi and Tennessee. The French Grand Bleu de Gascogne was crossed with English Foxhounds to produce the early type of Bluetick Coonhounds. The breed, although not as speedy as some other coonhounds, was found to have one of the best "cold" noses. They could follow a week old trail (referred to as a "cold trail") with success. They could work in packs to hunt larger game but Bluetick Coonhounds were most often used for treeing other small critter like raccoons.

The breed has remained popular in the south and it is the school mascot of the University of Tennessee. Neil Young even wrote music about his Bluetick. The breed became the 162nd to be registered with the AKC as of 2009.

The Bluetick Coonhound temperament makes them very suitable for a variety of different homes. They do well with single owners and families alike, so long as they are physically active. Members of the Bluetick Coonhound breed are sweet, affectionate and loyal so they need an owner that will consider them part of the family. Hunters will find an excellent companion in this dog! A patient owner with plenty of time for training is necessary because they fall somewhere in the middle of the scale for ease of training; they are often distracted and their noses can get them into trouble. They are large, energetic dogs that will try to assume the dominant role if you do not. Daily outdoor exercise is absolutely necessary for this breed if they are not outdoor dogs. A Bluetick Coonhound dog without a job to do can be a noisy nuisance that your neighbors will not appreciate.

Indoors they will be mellow companions. Members of this breed are good family pets and do well with children and other dogs. They can be friendly with cats, too, if raised with them. Keep in mind this breed should be kept on lease if not in the hunting field or in the yard; that top of the line sniffer might lead them to roam off on the trail of a furry critter. Bluetick Coonhounds are pretty friendly, so having visitors or taking them around strangers should be no problem.

Bluetick Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs but are prone to a few health issues:

• Bloat can affect most deep chested breeds and can be fatal.
• Hip Dysplasia is common for the breed, like most other large breeds.
• Cataracts often affects the eyes of older dogs.
• Ear infections are common due to this breed's long, hanging ears.
• Krabbe Disease is a rare but deadly disease that attacks the nerves.

There are a few things you can do at home to extend your Bluetick Coonhound's life as long as possible. Do not over feed them; break up feeding into a couple smaller meals per day vs one large meal. Keep the ears clean and dry. Try to keep your regular veterinary appointments, especially as your pet ages.