Bluetick Coonhound
Description
The Bluetick Coonhound is a rugged American breed developed from English Foxhounds and French Staghounds brought to the U.S. in the 17th and 18th centuries. Known for their remarkable tracking and treeing abilities, these dogs excel in night hunts, especially for raccoons. Their distinctive blue-ticked coat with black spots and occasional tan markings makes them instantly recognizable. This breed thrives on mental and physical challenges due to its strong scent-driven instincts. Blueticks are vocal, often baying when they catch a scent or get bored. They bond well with families and other dogs but require firm, consistent training to manage their single-minded focus and high activity. Small pets aren’t a good match, given their intense prey drive.
Grooming
Bluetick Coonhounds have short, smooth coats that shed lightly to moderately. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps their coat healthy and removes loose hair. Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks is sufficient; avoid frequent baths to maintain natural oils. Nail trimming should happen every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent overgrowth, while ears need monthly checks and cleaning to reduce infection risk. Their blue-ticked and tan coloration doesn’t require special stain care but regular grooming helps keep their coat vibrant. Pro tidy—spot cleaning around paws and face—is recommended as needed, especially after outdoor activities. Grooming bullet list: - Weekly brushing with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bath every 4–8 weeks - Nail trims every 2–4 weeks - Monthly ear cleaning - Pro tidy as needed Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to wipe their face after walks to remove dirt and prevent buildup around the muzzle.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Bluetick Coonhounds need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and focus. Morning walks can be longer, around 60 minutes, allowing them to expend energy and engage their tracking instincts. Evening sessions of 40 minutes help maintain calmness and prevent boredom. Due to their strong prey drive, walks should be on a secure leash or in fenced areas to prevent chasing small animals. Incorporate scent games or varied routes to keep their minds sharp and satisfy their natural curiosity. Example routine: - Morning: 60-minute brisk walk with scent trail games - Evening: 40-minute relaxed stroll focusing on obedience and sniff breaks Bottom line: Regular, structured walks with mental stimulation keep Blueticks balanced and happy.
Boarding
When boarding a Bluetick Coonhound, provide a crate at least 48 inches long to accommodate their medium-large size comfortably. These dogs are active and require two daily play sessions that include scent or brain games to engage their tracking instincts and prevent restlessness. Avoid small-animal toys as their prey drive can cause frustration or aggression. Secure fencing is essential to prevent escapes during outdoor play. Staff should be aware of their vocal nature and provide consistent interaction to reduce boredom-induced barking. Enrichment should focus on scent-based activities and puzzle toys to channel their natural skills. Blueticks respond well to routine and clear boundaries, so maintaining a consistent schedule helps them adjust quickly. Bottom line: Boarding Blueticks demands space, mental challenges, and staff familiar with their unique needs.