Bluetick Coonhound at a Glance
The Bluetick Coonhound is a cold-nosed trailing hound known for its distinctive blue ticking pattern and sweet, affectionate nature.
Bluetick Coonhound Profile
Bluetick vs Treeing Walker vs Redbone
| Trait | Bluetick Coonhound | Treeing Walker | Redbone Coonhound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 45-80 lbs | 50-70 lbs | 45-70 lbs |
| Coat | Blue ticked with spots | Tri-color | Solid red |
| Temperament | Sweet, affectionate | Outgoing, friendly | Determined, loyal |
| Bark | Deep, melodious bay | Loud, clear bawl | Chop-mouth yodel |
| Cold Nose | Yes (excellent tracker) | Less keen | Moderate |
Ownership Journey
Do's and Don'ts
| Provide a securely fenced yard — they follow their nose | |
| Give daily exercise with mental stimulation | |
| Socialize with people and other dogs from puppyhood | |
| Use positive reinforcement — they are sensitive | |
| Keep them leashed when not in a fenced area | |
| Trust them off-leash — their nose rules their brain | |
| Keep in an apartment without serious exercise commitment | |
| Leave unsupervised with small pets — prey drive is strong | |
| Use harsh training — they shut down and become stubborn |
💡 Bluetick Coonhounds have a legendary 'cold nose' — they can follow a scent trail that is days old. This incredible tracking ability means a securely fenced yard is absolutely essential.
⚠️ Their melodious bay is a breed trait, not a nuisance behavior. Blueticks are vocal dogs that howl, bark, and bay — this is not a breed for noise-sensitive households or close neighbors.
Bluetick Coonhound: The Cold-Nosed Hunter With a Heart of Gold
The Bluetick Coonhound's distinctive mottled "blue" coat — created by black ticking on a white base — is unmistakable. Beyond their striking appearance, they are legendary for their ability to follow extraordinarily old scent trails. At home, they are warm, funny, and deeply attached to their people.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 45–80 lbs, 21–27 inches |
| Lifespan | 11–12 years |
| Energy Level | High |
| Coat | Short, dense; dark blue mottled with black spots |
| Good with Kids | Yes (older children) |
| Howl/Noise | High — deep, resonant bay |
| Prey Drive | High |
Temperament and Home Life
Blueticks are sociable, enthusiastic, and affectionate with family. They are typically good with other dogs (especially other hounds) and can learn to coexist with cats if introduced carefully and young. Their nose leads their life — given access to an interesting scent, they will track it to the exclusion of everything else. Secure fencing with no gaps is mandatory.
Training
Blueticks are trainable with patience and positive reinforcement but have a stubborn streak inherited from centuries of working independently from hunters. Short, engaging training sessions with high-value food rewards work best. Do not use punishment — it makes them shut down or become anxious without improving behavior.
Health
A generally hardy breed. Main health concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections (those long ears trap moisture), and lysosomal storage disease (a rare genetic disorder found in the breed). Annual wellness exams with baseline bloodwork are recommended from age 7 onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bluetick Coonhounds good pets?
Yes, for the right family. Blueticks are affectionate, curious, and playful at home. They need significant daily exercise and cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas. Their loud bay is a significant consideration for neighbors.
What does 'cold-nosed' mean in Bluetick Coonhounds?
Cold-nosed refers to a hound's ability to work a very old, faint scent trail — sometimes days old. Blueticks are renowned for this ability. A "hot-nosed" hound works only fresh tracks.
How much exercise does a Bluetick Coonhound need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Long hikes, swimming, and tracking games satisfy this working dog's instincts. Without adequate exercise, they become vocal and destructive.