The Bluetick Coonhound: A Comprehensive Guide

The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed of hound originally bred for hunting raccoons. They are known for their distinctive blue-tickled coat, excellent tracking abilities, and loud, distinctive baying.

History and Origin

The Bluetick Coonhound is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in the southern United States. It is a descendant of the English Foxhound and the Bloodhound, and was developed specifically for hunting raccoons. The breed's distinctive blue-tickled coat is thought to have come from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a French hound breed.

Appearance and Characteristics

Bluetick Coonhounds are medium to large-sized dogs, with males typically weighing 65-100 pounds and standing 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing 55-85 pounds and standing 21-25 inches tall.

Their most distinctive feature is their blue-tickled coat, which ranges from light to dark blue with white markings. The coat is short and dense, and the markings are usually evenly distributed over the body.

Other characteristics of the Bluetick Coonhound include:

• Long, pendulous ears
• Dark eyes
• Strong, muscular body
• Long, bushy tail

Temperament and Personality

Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their friendly, outgoing personality. They are typically gentle and affectionate with people, including children. However, they can be stubborn and independent, and they require a strong owner who can provide them with consistent training and leadership.

Transition: Bluetick Coonhounds are also highly active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They are not well-suited for apartment living and prefer to have access to a large yard where they can run and play.

Hunting Abilities

Bluetick Coonhounds are excellent hunting dogs, with a strong sense of smell and a keen ability to track prey. They are typically used for hunting raccoons, but can also be used to hunt other small game, such as rabbits and squirrels.

Their loud, distinctive baying helps hunters to track their progress and locate the quarry. They are also known for their tenacity and perseverance, and will often not give up until they have caught their prey.

Transition: Bluetick Coonhounds require specialized training to be effective hunting dogs. They must be trained to track prey, bay, and retrieve.

Health and Lifespan

Bluetick Coonhounds are generally healthy dogs, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years. However, they are prone to certain health problems, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Bloat
• Ear infections
• Skin allergies

Regular veterinary care and a healthy diet can help to prevent or manage these health problems.

Why the Bluetick Coonhound Matters

The Bluetick Coonhound is a valuable breed for a number of reasons:

• Hunting companion: They are excellent hunting dogs, with a strong sense of smell and a keen ability to track prey.
• Family pet: They are friendly, outgoing dogs that make great companions for families with children.
• Working dog: They can also be used for other types of work, such as search and rescue, and drug detection.

Benefits of Owning a Bluetick Coonhound

There are many benefits to owning a Bluetick Coonhound, including:

• Loyal and affectionate: They are loyal and affectionate dogs that make great companions for families.
• Excellent with children: They are gentle and patient with children, and make great playmates.
• Protective: They are protective dogs that will alert you to strangers or danger.
• Low maintenance: Their short coat requires minimal grooming.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Bluetick Coonhound

Pros:

• Friendly and outgoing personality
• Gentle and affectionate with people
• Excellent hunting dogs
• Low maintenance grooming
• Protective

Cons:

• Can be stubborn and independent
• Requires a lot of exercise
• Not well-suited for apartment living
• Prone to certain health problems

FAQs About the Bluetick Coonhound

1. What is the average lifespan of a Bluetick Coonhound?
* 10-12 years

2. What are the most common health problems in Bluetick Coonhounds?
* Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, ear infections, skin allergies

3. Are Bluetick Coonhounds good with children?
* Yes, they are gentle and patient with children

4. Are Bluetick Coonhounds good hunting dogs?
* Yes, they are excellent hunting dogs with a strong sense of smell and a keen ability to track prey

5. Are Bluetick Coonhounds easy to train?
* They can be stubborn and independent, so they require consistent training and leadership

6. What is the best way to groom a Bluetick Coonhound?
* They have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. Brush their coat weekly to remove dead hair

Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

My Bluetick Coonhound, Blue, was an excellent hunting dog. He had a keen sense of smell and a strong ability to track prey. One day, we were hunting in the woods when Blue suddenly took off after a scent. I followed him, and we soon came to a tree where a raccoon was hiding. Blue bayed loudly, and the raccoon tried to escape. However, Blue was too quick, and he soon caught the raccoon.

Lesson: Bluetick Coonhounds are excellent hunting dogs with a strong sense of smell and a keen ability to track prey.

Story 2:

My Bluetick Coonhound, Bella, was a gentle and loving dog. She was always happy to see me, and she loved to play with my children. One day, I was playing with Bella in the backyard when she suddenly started barking at the fence. I looked up, and I saw a stranger trying to climb over the fence. Bella barked and growled at the stranger, and he quickly ran away.

Lesson: Bluetick Coonhounds are protective dogs that will alert you to strangers or danger.

Story 3:

My Bluetick Coonhound, Jake, was a stubborn and independent dog. He was always trying to get his own way, and he would often ignore my commands. However, I never gave up on Jake. I continued to train him, and eventually, he became a well-behaved dog.

Lesson: Bluetick Coonhounds can be stubborn and independent, but with consistent training and leadership, they can become well-behaved dogs.

Tables

Table 1: Bluetick Coonhound Health Problems

Table 2: Pros and Cons of Owning a Bluetick Coonhound

Table 3: FAQs About the Bluetick Coonhound