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Bluetick Coonhound
| Other Names | Bluetick |
| Nicknames | Blues |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Weight | 45 - 80 lbs. (20 - 36 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 20 - 27 in. (51 - 69 cm) |
| Coat | Bluetick Coonhounds have short, smooth coats. |
| Colour | The Bluetick Coonhound gets its "blue" colouring from black/white mottling which gives the impression of a navy blue colour. This mottling covers the body and can be interspersed with variously-shaped black spots on the back, ears and sides. Preference runs to more blue than black on the body. Black should predominate on the head and ears. Bluetick Coonhounds should have tan dots over the eyes and on the cheeks will be dark red. |
| Litter Size | 7-13 puppies, Average around 8 |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 Years |
| Origin & History | When European settlers arrived in America, they brought their dogs along with them. Europeans had been exhibiting sophisticated dog breeding for many centuries, and had developed many recognizable breeds for distinct purposes. Much of the early European dog breeding efforts focused on hunting dogs, particularly hounds. In the Middle Ages, hunting was amongst the favorite pastimes of the nobility, and very important in the formation of social and political bonds. Most lords kept at least one pack of hunting hounds which were carefully bred. Beginning in the Renaissance, some particularly successful members of the middle class began to keep hounds as well. While hounds were bred across Europe, they played a particularly important part of the culture of the nobility in England and France. Each American colony tended to be settled by a particular subset of English society. A disproportionate number of the upper classes and nobility settled the southernmost colonies of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, and the Carolinas. These settlers brought their treasured hounds with them, in order to pursue their hunting activities in the new world. As fox hunting was extremely fashionable in England, British settlers brought a number of Fox Hounds with them. The first record of fox hounds in America dates back to at least 1650 when Robert Brooke imported a pack into the colony of Maryland. He eventually became the America’s first master of the hounds. In the French colony of Louisiana, settlers brought the much prized Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a large blue spotted hunting hound used to track wolves and deer. Similarly, Scottish, Irish, and German immigrants brought their native hunting dogs with them as well, particularly to regions of Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, and the Appalachian Mountains where these settlers predominated. These early hunters found that conditions in the New World were substantially different than those of Western Europe. The terrain was much more difficult across much of America; it was rockier and less developed. There were also wide swaths of terrain were almost unknown in Europe, from swamps and bayous to sparsely populated pine forests. Many European breeds had difficulty in this tougher environment. The climate in the American South is also far warmer and friendlier to disease than most of Europe. European dogs were likely to overheat or succumb to illness and parasites. Finally, the quarry species available in America are very different than those of Europe. American species such as raccoons and opossums are more likely to flee up a tree than into a burrow as is the case with European rabbits and foxes. Also, many American animals are far fiercer than what is likely to be encountered in Europe, creatures such as Cougars, Alligators, Wild Hogs, Bobcats, and Black Bears. American dogs needed to be able to tree their prey, and also to be able to fight with very dangerous animals. The farther settlers went from the coast, the hardier their dogs had to be. American dog breeders set out to develop dogs that could handle these new conditions. Their primary stock was the Fox Hounds so prized among the English nobility. English Fox Hounds form the basic stock from which the American Fox Hound, as well as five of the six breeds of Coonhounds, descend. In the American colonies, those English Fox Hounds which were bred to the new continent were bred more heavily. Additionally, other dog breeds were added for desired qualities. According to the records of the University of William and Mary, Bloodhounds began to be imported into the American Colonies as early as 1607. It is known that Bloodhounds were injected into the Bloodlines of American hounds to increase their sense of smell and tracking abilities. French Hounds figured prominently in many American hound lines as well. George Washington is known to have received at least five French hounds from General Lafayette, which he added to his Fox Hound Pack. Additionally, some number of Grand Bleu de Gascognes was present in French Louisiana, which was annexed by the United States in 1803. By the middle of the 1700’s, it was clear that American Hounds were distinct from their European ancestors and began to be called Virginia Hounds. Unlike in Europe, where the nobility was primarily responsible for the keeping and breeding of hounds, in America, the sport was far more egalitarian and was practiced by people of all classes. This was particularly true in mountainous and swampy regions. Hunting with dogs became one of the most popular forms of recreation in the American South. In particular, raccoon hunting became favored. As a result, many breeders worked to further their own lines of dog. Because many of these breeders worked in relative obscurity and kept few if any written records it is impossible to know exactly what dogs went into the breeding of the Coonhound breeds. Additionally, many hunters would add a dog of completely unknown ancestry into their lines if it had skills, abilities, or an appearance characteristic which they desired. However, it is generally believed that American Fox Hounds and most Coonhounds are primarily descended from English Fox Hounds, with some addition of other breeds, in particular the Bloodhound. There is comparatively little debate when it comes to the Bluetick Coonhound. The dog is almost universally believed to be the result of mixing American Fox Hounds and Coonhounds with the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne. There is some dispute over which breed favored more prominently into the Bluetick’s origin. Some breeders and experts believe that the dog is primarily descended from Fox Hound, with the addition of some Grand Bleu de Gascogne influence. Others believe that the Bluetick is primarily descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne with the addition of some Fox Hound influence. While it will probably never be known for sure, it is very difficult to not see the similarities between the Bluetick Coonhound and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, and that the two breeds are obviously closely related. In many ways, the Bluetick Coonhound, especially a variety of Bluetick known as an American Bleu Gascogne, looks and hunts much more like a Grand Bleu de Gascogne than an American Fox Hound. Coonhounds were initially bred primarily for performance, with a fair amount of intermixing between breeds. Early breeders also kept very poor records. However, breeders began to be more careful and to keep better records with the growing popularity of organized raccoon hunts. These hunts were competitions held to see which hunter and his dogs could capture the greatest number of raccoons over a certain time period. These hunts inspired a great deal of competition among their participants. A great deal of personal prestige and notoriety was to be gained. Winning dogs were highly valued. Eventually, Coonhound breeding became more standardized. However, many Coonhound breeders were vary of joining major kennel clubs out of fear that their dogs would no longer be bred primarily as working dogs, and their hunting abilities would be reduced as a result. Eventually, some of these fears subsided and the English Coonhound, which the Bluetick Coonhound was originally considered a variety of, was registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1905. Because they were primarily bred as hunting dogs, initially most coonhounds were considered to be the same breed with different coat varieties. For example, tri-coloured dogs were known as Treeing Walkers, blue-spotted dogs were known as Blueticks, and red-spotted dogs were known as Redticks. Eventually, fanciers of the different types began to go their separate ways. Treeing Walker Coonhounds were first recognized by the UKC. in 1945, and Bluetick Coonhounds were recognized the following year. Also in 1946, The Bluetick Coonhound Breeders Association of America (BBOA) was founded in the home of C.O. Smith in Illinois. There are still some English Coonhounds with blue-spotting and some which are tri-coloured, but most are now red-spotted. The primary dispute between Bluetick and English breeders was over the dog’s nose. Bluetick breeders value a dog with a “cold nose” meaning that it will follow a scent for a very long time, no matter how old the scent is. English Breeders favored a dog with a “hot nose,” meaning one that will primarily follow newer smells that are more likely to result in the rapid treeing of an animal. Generally, “cold-nosed” dogs follow trails at a slower pace and “hot-nosed” dogs will trail at a faster pace. There is still a tremendous amount of debate and discussion among hunters as to which type of dog is advisable under any number of conditions. Most Coonhound breeders have long favored the UKC due to its focus on breeding working dogs. Many viewed the American Kennel Club (AKC) with suspicion. As a result, Bluetick Coonhound breeders long resisted registering their dogs with the AKC. However, this suspicion is slowly evaporating, and the Bluetick Coonhound was finally recognized by the AKC’s Hound Group in 2009. The unique appearance of the Bluetick, as well as the breed’s popularity in rural areas has led to the breed making many appearances in popular culture. Bluetick Coonhounds have appeared many times in American literature, perhaps most prominently in Where the Red Fern Grows as rivals to the Redbone Coonhounds Old Dan and Little Ann and in Savage Sam as the titular character. The Bluetick Coonhound has also made many appearances in film and television, including the film Overboard with Goldie Hawn, the show Airwolf, and the introductory sequence to Chappelle’s Show. A number of popular songs mention Bluetick Coonhounds, including ones written by Neil Young, Blake Shelton, Emmy Lou Harris, Charlie Daniels, David Allen Coe, and Justin Moore. Perhaps the most famous Bluetick Coonhound of all is Smokey, the official mascot of the University of Tennessee’s athletic programs. The Bluetick Coonhound was chosen by a student poll in 1953. There is both a costumed mascot version of Smokey and a live Bluetick Coonhound. Unlike many breeds of dog which are rarely used for their original purpose, most Blueticks are still hunting dogs. Thousands of Bluetick Coonhounds can be found throughout America hunting raccoons and other game, particularly in Southern states. Coonhound trials are still quite popular as well, although now some hunts do not end with the death of the raccoon. However, the beautiful appearance of the Bluetick, as well as the breed’s loving and loyal personality is making more and more fanciers keep the breed as nothing more than a companion animal. |
| Personality | The Bluetick Coonhound is a very intelligent dog. Very devoted to its family, it makes a good companion dog. It does well living indoors and plays a fine guardian to his family and home. They are usually best with older children, but can also do well with younger ones. Some can be a bit dog-aggressive if the owner is not a strong leader relaying the message to the dog that is unacceptable behavior. Owners need to be this dog’s firm, confident and consistent pack leader in order to bring out the best in him. Socialize well, preferably while still young, to avoid them from becoming reserved with strangers. The Bluetick is a passionate hunter and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This breed is extremely alert, attentive, and able to work over difficult terrain in bad weather. Do not let this breed off the leash in an unsafe area, as they may take off after an interesting scent. They have a strong instinct to tree animals. Raccoons inhabit all states and provinces in the US mainland and Canada, and have for centuries been pursued by hunters. Each year, hundreds of licensed night trials take place. Each trial lasts approximately three hours and involves three to four dogs. Points are given according to the dog's ability to find, trail and tree a raccoon. Points are lost for treeing game other than raccoons. Each dog has a unique "voice" which its owners usually can recognize. The Bluetick does not have a normal sounding bark, but rather a loud bay cry that almost sounds like a short howl. Blueticks are curious and have a tendency to follow their noses. If they pick up a scent they may wander off and not even hear you calling them back, or not care to listen, as they will be too busy trying to find the critter at the other end. Take care when letting them off leash that you are in a safe area. The Bluetick has extremely good eyesight, which allows it to work well at night. The Bluetick Coonhound excels in these trials. They can also be used to track fox or even cougar. The Bluetick has a fearless and warrior-like approach to the hunt. This breed may drool or slobber. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Bluetick Coonhounds are a relatively healthy breed. They have long been bred for hunting performance. Unhealthy dogs would have typically been excluded from the gene pool. Additionally, harsh climates with many diseases have created dogs with natural disease resistances. However, these dogs do suffer from some health problems. Bluetick Coonhounds are known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. Some studies have indicated that more than 16% of Coonhounds are afflicted. This condition occurs in almost all large dog breeds, and is found in Coonhounds at a much higher rate than most. Dysplasia occurs when the hip or elbow socket is malformed, leading to painful arthritis. Some dogs even go lame in extreme cases. The condition has genetic links, but environmental factors can increase the likelihood of its appearance as well as increase its severity. Preventative treatments for hip and elbow dysplasia do exist, but most have not been proven by veterinary medicine. Bluetick Coonhounds are also highly susceptible to over-eating and weight gain. Like most hounds, Bluetick Coonhounds were originally bred in pack environments where dogs would have to eat quickly and as much as possible or not at all. This has led to Blueticks having a tendency to eat excessively as well as being highly food driven. Some hounds have been known to eat so much that their stomachs actually rupture. You will need to carefully regulate your Bluetick Coonhound’s diet, as well as making sure that it is properly exercised. You will also want to carefully locate any possible food, as Bluetick Coonhounds will go to great lengths for an extra snack. It is always advisable to get your pets tested by either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and/or the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, particularly if you intend to breed. The OFA and CERF test for various genetically inherited disorders such as blindness and hip dysplasia that may impact either your dog or its descendants. |
| Grooming | An occasional brushing will do. In order to keep the ears clean and infection-free, regular attention is a must. |
| Exercise | Daily vigorous exercise is needed, which includes a long, brisk daily walk. Coonhounds that do not receive enough mental and physical exercise may become high strung and even destructive. This very anxious and energetic dog has been bred for severe physical exercise. Coonhounds are born natural hunters, so they have a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept well-fenced while exercising on their own. They have no road sense at all, so they must be kept in a safe environment. |
| Other Considerations | The Bluetick is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. Do not let this breed run free off of its lead unless in a safe, secure area. Coonhounds have a tendency to follow their noses, and if they catch wind of a scent, they may wander off for hours following it. |
