Bluetick Coonhound
Updated November 30, 2025
The Bluetick Coonhound is a fast, powerful, and tenacious hunter with a superb nose. In the home, the Bluetick is a devoted and smart companion who loves his people and is generally good-natured with kids and other dogs.
Smart, Devoted, Tenacious, Friendly, Active
45-80 pounds
21-27 inches
11-12 years
Blue ticked, Blue ticked with tan
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a fast, powerful, and tenacious hunter with a superb nose. In the home, the Bluetick is a devoted and smart companion who loves his people and is generally good-natured with kids and other dogs.
What Makes Bluetick Coonhounds Special
The Bluetick Coonhound is a quintessential American scenthound, a tireless worker and a devoted family friend. They are known for their striking 'ticked' coat pattern and a musical, bawling bark.
While they have a relentless drive when hunting, at home they are often affectionate and even a bit goofy, content to relax with their people after a long day of adventure.
Bluetick Coonhound History & Origin
The Bluetick Coonhound's origins trace back to the colonial United States, specifically the Louisiana bayou. They were developed from a mix of French hounds (like the Grand Bleu de Gascogne), English Foxhounds, and local American hounds to create a superior raccoon hunter with a 'cold nose'—the ability to track old trails.
The breed was originally registered by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as an English Foxhound and Coonhound before being recognized as a distinct breed, the Bluetick Coonhound, in 1946.
They are renowned for their ability to trail and tree raccoons and other game, baying loudly to alert the hunter to their location.
The Bluetick Coonhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2009 and became a member of the Hound Group.
Expect to pay a breeder between $500 and $1,200 for a Bluetick Coonhound puppy. Adoption is another great option, with many breed-specific rescues available.
Bluetick Coonhound Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Bluetick Coonhound Appearance
The Bluetick Coonhound presents a picture of speed, endurance, and power. Their muscular body is built for the chase, and their pleading expression is hard to resist.
The breed's most defining feature is its dark blue coat, beautifully mottled or 'ticked' with black spots on a white background.
Physical Features
Ears
Long, thin, and set low on the head, the ears hang gracefully and contribute to the hound's classic droopy-faced look.
Eyes
Their eyes are generally dark brown, large, and round, conveying a gentle and pleading expression.
Nose
A Bluetick's nose is always black, with large nostrils built for tracking scents over long distances.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The coat is short, dense, and glossy, providing protection without requiring much maintenance.
Coat Color
The color is unique: a dark blue, mottled body with a 'ticked' pattern. They typically have black spots on the back, ears, and sides. Tan markings are often present above the eyes and on the cheeks.
Tail
The tail is carried high and curves upward like a saber, signaling the dog's confident and energetic nature.
Bluetick Coonhound Temperament
The Bluetick Coonhound is a clever and devoted companion who is always eager for affection and activity. They form strong bonds with their family and can be very loving.
As a scenthound, the Bluetick is driven by its nose. This can sometimes make them single-minded and seemingly deaf to commands when on a trail. Training is essential to manage this instinct.
They are generally friendly but can be wary of strangers, making them decent watchdogs. Their loud, bawling bark is a hallmark of the breed and will certainly alert you to any visitors.
Blueticks have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with smaller animals like cats or rabbits unless raised with them from a young age.
This breed has a ton of energy and needs a constructive outlet for it. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Blueticks are generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 11 to 12 years. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions like hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Their ears require regular attention to prevent infections.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular vet checkups, routine ear cleaning, proper diet and exercise, and screening for genetic conditions.
How to Care for a Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are energetic and intelligent dogs that require significant exercise and consistent training. Their grooming needs are minimal, but their instincts as hounds must be managed.
Grooming
Grooming a Bluetick is relatively easy thanks to their short coat. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.
Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections. It's crucial to check and clean their ears weekly.
Like all breeds, regular nail trimming is required to prevent discomfort and mobility issues. Dental care should also be a part of their routine.
They are average shedders and may shed a bit more seasonally.
Training
Blueticks are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they also have a stubborn streak, a common trait in hounds. Their strong scenting instinct can be a distraction.
Training sessions should be kept interesting and positive. They respond well to food rewards and praise but can be sensitive to harsh methods.
Early and consistent socialization is vital to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults, comfortable around new people and in various situations.
Obedience training, especially recall, is extremely important for this breed due to their instinct to follow scents.
Diet
A high-quality dog food formulated for large, active breeds is recommended for the Bluetick Coonhound. The specific diet should be appropriate for the dog's age (puppy, adult, senior).
Like many hounds, Blueticks can be prone to bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition. Feeding them two smaller meals a day rather than one large one and avoiding exercise right after eating can help mitigate this risk.
Monitor their weight and body condition, adjusting food intake as necessary to prevent obesity.
Exercise
This is a high-energy breed that requires a great deal of exercise. A long, brisk walk or jog daily is a good start, but they need more.
Blueticks thrive when they have a job to do. Activities that engage their powerful sense of smell, like tracking or scent work, are excellent forms of physical and mental stimulation.
They need a securely fenced yard to run in, as their nose will lead them to wander off if they catch an interesting scent. They should not be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas.
Without enough exercise, a Bluetick can become frustrated and may resort to destructive behavior or excessive baying.
Environment
Bluetick Coonhounds are not well-suited for apartment living. They need a home with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and play.
Their characteristic loud, prolonged bay can be a problem in close living quarters or with sensitive neighbors.
They are best suited for active families or individuals who enjoy the outdoors and can provide the dog with the activity and engagement it needs.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A rural or suburban home with a large, securely fenced yard is ideal.
Climate Adaptability
Adaptable to various climates but should not be left in extreme weather conditions.
Apartment Living
Not suitable for apartment life.
Best Suited For
Best for active owners, hunters, or families who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bluetick Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds can be excellent family dogs. They are loyal and affectionate and generally good with children, but their high energy and prey drive require supervision.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds bark a lot?
Yes, they are very vocal dogs known for their distinctive, loud, and frequent baying. This is not a quiet breed.
How much exercise do Bluetick Coonhounds need?
They are a high-energy breed needing at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day, plus mental stimulation.
Are Bluetick Coonhounds hard to train?
They can be challenging to train due to their independent and stubborn nature as scenthounds. They require patience and consistency.
Can Bluetick Coonhounds live in apartments?
No, they are not suited for apartment living. They need lots of space to run and are too vocal for close neighbors.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early socialization is crucial. Crate training is recommended. Begin leash training and recall work immediately.
Senior Care
Adjust exercise to their ability. Monitor for arthritis and weight gain. May need joint supplements.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not generally recommended for first-time owners due to their high energy, training needs, and stubbornness.
Looking for a Bluetick Coonhound?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.