Bluetick Coonhound
FriendlyDevotedTenacious
United States · 11–12 years
About the Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a striking American scenthound named for the mottled dark blue ticking pattern on their white coat. Developed in the southeastern United States for tracking and treeing raccoons, they are tenacious, cold-nosed hunters capable of following trails hours or even days old. Blueticks are devoted, gentle family dogs with a deep, melodious bay that echoes through the woods during a hunt. They are the official state dog of Tennessee and have become increasingly popular as family companions for those who appreciate their friendly, loyal nature and don't mind their vocal tendencies.
Breed stats
- Height
- 21–27 in
- Weight
- 45–80 lbs
- Lifespan
- 11–12 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, dense, glossy
- Origin
- United States
Coat colors
- Blue Ticked (dark blue mottling on white)
- Blue Ticked and Tan
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Ear infections
- Cataracts
- Hypothyroidism
Not every Bluetick Coonhound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Bluetick Coonhounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Bluetick Coonhounds are extremely vocal dogs. They have a deep, melodious bay — a long, drawn-out howl — that they use when tracking scent, when excited, and sometimes seemingly for the joy of hearing their own voice. This baying can be heard from great distances and is a prized trait in hunting but a significant concern for suburban or urban living. Training can help manage indoor vocalizations, but their instinct to bay when they catch an interesting scent is virtually impossible to eliminate. They are not suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
- Bluetick Coonhounds can be excellent family dogs for the right household. They are gentle, friendly, and good with children — their patient, easy-going nature makes them reliable companions for kids. They get along well with other dogs and enjoy canine company. However, their high exercise needs, strong prey drive (small pets beware), and extreme vocalization require owners who understand and can manage hound behavior. A large, fenced yard in a rural or suburban setting where baying won't disturb neighbors is strongly recommended.
- Bluetick Coonhounds need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. They were bred to track game for hours and have substantial stamina. Long walks, hikes, and opportunities to explore and sniff in secure areas are ideal. Scent-based activities — tracking, nose work, and scent trails in the yard — provide excellent mental stimulation that tires them more effectively than physical exercise alone. Without adequate activity, Blueticks become restless, destructive, and excessively vocal. They are escape artists when bored, so secure fencing is essential.
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