Bluetick coonhound
Bluetick Coonhound
The bluetick coonhound is a loyal, intelligent, fast, and muscular dog breed. They stand out for their striking coat and good character. Bluetick coonhounds are popular because of their good nature and loving personality.
Origin
The bluetick coonhound is a mixture of English foxhound, Cur, and Bleu Gascoigne French hound and was originated from Louisiana. The club first recognized them as a separate breed in 1946. The Blue Tick Coonhound is referred to as the state dog of Tennessee. The breed got recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) in April 2009 and later became eligible to participate in the Coonhound events in December 2009.
Size
Bluetick Coonhounds has a shoulder height of 20-27 inches. Males weigh approximately 55-100 pounds, whereas; Females are considerably smaller at an average weight of 46-80 pounds. They have cat-like feet, rounded with well-arched toes, and paws that are more significant than those of all other breeds of dogs. The rear legs should have a moderate bend at the hocks. When viewed from the front or rear, all legs should be straight from the dog’s body to the ground.
Coat
The Bluetick Coonhound has a short and glossy coat that is slightly coarse. Its well-defined navy-blue coat comes from black and white mottling. Black marking on the head and eyes can be seen, but dark blue is the primary color. It may have tan color dots on the forehead and cheeks followed by dark red dots on the chest, feet, and lower legs.
Temperament
The Blue Tick Coonhound is an intelligent, loyal, and muscular dog. It makes an excellent watchdog with its variety of barks for different situations. They tend to bark frequently and may drool when they smell human food. They need ample space to roam around without restraining a small house or yard. The breed barks at sniff strangers, but this is their way to welcome and greet them. They get along pretty well with children and other pets, provided they have been socialized when young. A Blue Tick Coonhound is an easy-going dog that becomes a friend to all, enjoys the company of strangers, and gets along well with other pets in the house.
Care
The Blue Tick Coonhound is intelligent but challenging to train when being naughty. It tends to mark its territory, making house training challenging. They need plenty of exercises to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. They require weekly brushing and grooming to keep the coat healthy and clean. Also, take care of the overall hygiene of your pet. Clean eyes and ears regularly to prevent infections caused due to dirt. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid bad breath and dental problems.
Health
The Blue Tick Coonhound has a lifespan of 11-12 years. It is generally a healthy breed with a few health issues such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and lysosomal storage disease. Take your pet for a regular vet visit to detect the early signs of illness, if any. Do get the health clearance when you get the breed home.