The Bluetick Coonhound is the quintessential American hound, a symbol of the Southern backwoods and a testament to the grit and determination of the American hunter. With his striking blue-mottled coat, soulful eyes, and deep, musical voice that echoes through the night, he is unmistakable. Bred to trail raccoons, bears, and even cougars through swamps and mountains, he is a dog of immense stamina, courage, and single-minded focus.

But when he is not on the trail, the Bluetick transforms. He is a surprisingly gentle, affectionate, and goofy companion who loves nothing more than a soft place to sleep and a good ear scratch. He is deeply devoted to his family and thrives on being part of the pack. However, prospective owners must never forget: he is a hound through and through. His nose rules his life, his prey drive is intense, and his voice can be heard for miles. He is not a casual pet; he is a lifestyle.

History and Origin: The Legend of the Blue Dog

The history of the Bluetick Coonhound is a story of American ingenuity. The breed descends from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne (Blue Gascon Hound) and the English Foxhound. These ancient French hounds were brought to Louisiana prior to the Civil War. They were prized for their “cold nose”—the ability to follow a scent trail that was hours or even days old. However, they were too slow for the American hunter. To create the perfect coon dog, breeders crossed these French hounds with fast, varied English Foxhounds and perhaps some Cur dogs.

The result was a dog that was “bluer,” faster, and tougher. He retained the incredible nose and musical voice of the French hound but gained the speed and endurance of the English hound. For many years, all coonhounds were registered as English Coonhounds. But the Bluetick enthusiasts knew their dogs were distinct. In 1946, they broke away to form their own breed standard. The Bluetick gained immortal fame as the breed of Old Dan and Little Ann in Wilson Rawls’ classic novel Where the Red Fern Grows, cementing his place in the heart of American culture.

Physical Characteristics

The Bluetick is a muscular, speedy hound.

• Height: Males 22-27 inches (56-69 cm); Females 21-25 inches (53-64 cm).
• Weight: 45-80 pounds (20-36 kg).

Distinctive Features

• Coat: The breed’s name comes from the coat pattern. It is a dense, glossy coat that is “ticked” (mottled) with black on a white background, giving a blue appearance.
• Head: Broad and domed.
• Ears: Low-set and long, but not as long as a Bloodhound’s.
• Eyes: Large, round, and dark brown.
• Tail: Carried high in a curve.
• Voice: A “bawl” mouth—a long, drawn-out howl used on the trail—and a “chop” mouth when treed.

Temperament and Personality: The Happy Howler

Blueticks are pack animals.

The Companion

They are friendly and get along well with other dogs. They are affectionate with their family but can be wary of strangers.

The Hunter

They have a very high prey drive. They will chase anything that moves—cats, squirrels, deer. They cannot be trusted off-leash.

The Voice

They are loud. They bay when bored, lonely, or excited. This is not an apartment dog.

Training and Exercise Needs: A Job to Do

The Bluetick is a high-energy working dog. He was bred to run miles through difficult terrain at night. A walk around the block will not cut it.

Exercise

• Daily: A long, vigorous run or hike on a leash is mandatory. If you are a runner, this is your perfect partner.
• Hunting: Ideally, he should be used for hunting. It is what he loves most.
• Alternatives: If you don’t hunt, you must find other outlets for his energy and nose. Coonhound field trials, night hunts (simulated), tracking, and scent work are excellent ways to burn off steam.
• The Yard: A large, securely fenced yard is essential for him to patrol. But be warned: he may dig or try to climb the fence if he smells something interesting on the other side.

Training

Training a Bluetick requires patience, humor, and a lot of food.

• Intelligence: He is smart, but he is an independent thinker. He was bred to work alone in the woods, making his own decisions. He will not blindly obey commands like a Golden Retriever.
• Positive Reinforcement: Food is his love language. Use high-value treats to motivate him.
• Recall: This is the hardest command. Never trust a Bluetick off-leash in an unfenced area. If he strikes a trail, his ears turn off. Even the best-trained hound can be deaf to commands when on a scent. Use a GPS tracking collar if you take him into the woods.
• Leash Manners: Because he is strong and driven by scent, he will pull on the leash. Loose-leash walking training must start early.

Health and Lifespan

Blueticks are generally healthy, living 11 to 12 years.

• Hip Dysplasia: Can occur.
• Bloat (GDV): Deep-chested dogs are at risk.
• Ear Infections: Weekly cleaning is mandatory.
• Lysosomal Storage Disease: A rare genetic condition.

Grooming and Care

The Bluetick is low-maintenance.

• Brushing: Weekly brushing with a hound glove.
• Bathing: Only when dirty. Hounds have a distinct “hound odor.”
• Nails: Keep them short.

Nutrition

Blueticks are active dogs.

• Quality: High-quality protein.
• Bloat: Feed two meals and avoid exercise after eating.

Is a Bluetick Coonhound Right for You?

The Bluetick is a wonderful, noisy companion.

Yes, if:

• You are an active hunter or outdoors person.
• You have a large, securely fenced yard.
• You love the hound voice.
• You want a loyal, affectionate dog.

No, if:

• You live in an apartment or suburb with close neighbors.
• You want an off-leash dog.
• You want a pristine house.
• You want a quiet dog.

For the right person, the Bluetick Coonhound is a loyal, loving, and deeply soulful friend who will sing you the song of his people.