Description: The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium-sized dog that shows a greater size difference between the sexes than most dogs. The dog will be 22 to 27 inches at the withers, with the bitch 2 inches shorter. However, while the weight of the dog can reach 80 kilos, the bitch will only reach 65 kilos. The coat is short and has an interesting color consisting of a mottled gray background and a bluish tick with larger black or dark blue spots on the head and body. Sometimes there are tan spots over the eyes. This dog is often used for night hunting as its eyesight is very good. The Bluetick Coonhound can be expected to live between 10 and 12 years. It is also known simply as Bluetick.
History: The United States was the birthplace of the Bluetick Coonhound. This dog was first developed in Louisiana. Judging by the color of the dog’s coat, it descends, in part, from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne. Breeders in Louisiana bred several other breeds on the base stock to obtain the Blue tick Coon hound. These breeds included the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound.
Temperament: The Bluetick Coonhound is a friendly and easygoing dog that does well in family life. This dog will guard the home and act in a reserved manner with those he does not know. Older children will probably do better with Bluetick Coonhound than little ones. This breed will not like to be left alone for a long time and can suffer from separation anxiety. The Blue tick Coon hound will get along with other dogs, but will view other household pets, including cats, as prey animals.
Health Issues – While the Bluetick Coonhound is a generally healthy dog, there are several issues the owner should be aware of. This dog is subject to hip dysplasia to one degree or another. Bloat can also occur in this dog, and this requires immediate veterinary attention. The Blue tick Coon hound can also suffer from cataracts and Krabbes disease.
Grooming: With its short coat, the Bluetick Coonhound is easy to groom. A weekly brushing will do. However, since this dog has floppy ears, attention must be paid to keeping them infection-free. The ears should be checked every day and cleaned if necessary. As this is a hunting dog, it should also be checked for parasites such as ticks or fleas if it has been out in the field.
Living conditions: As the Bluetick Coonhound is a calm dog inside, it is possible to keep this dog in an apartment. However, since the exercise demands of this dog are very high, the apartment dweller must make a determined effort to provide long, brisk walks with this dog to meet the demands of him. Probably the best is a house with a garden. This dog will experience separation anxiety if he is left alone for long periods, as he is a dog that is very attached to his family and wants attention from them. This is a dog that loves the outdoors and will do best with an active family that hunts or participates in outdoor sports.
