Bluetick Coonhound
A deep dive into the Bluetick Coonhound: its hunting history, specific physical traits, vocal nature, and the health risks unique to the breed.
21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, with males weighing 55 to 80 pounds and females 45 to 65 pounds. This muscular, speedy build hides a complex history of French and English hounds, a vocal temperament that requires training, and a specific health vulnerability known as Coonhound paralysis.
Appearance is defined by ticking, not just color
The breed's name comes from the specific way its coat is patterned: black ticking on a white background creates the illusion of a navy blue body. This ticking covers the torso and is often interspersed with black spots on the back, ears, and sides, though breeders generally prefer more blue than black on the body. Black fur should predominate on the head and ears, and a ticked blaze usually runs up the face. While some individuals have brown markings above the eyes, along the muzzle, chest, and legs, others are strictly black and white. The feet are distinctively large and rounded with well-arched toes, often larger than those of nearly all other breeds, and the rear legs feature a moderate bend at the hocks. There is also a larger subgroup known as the American Blue Gascon Hound, where males stand at least 27 inches and can reach 30 inches, retaining a "colder" nose and a slower tracking style.
Vocalization is a hunting tool, not a nuisance
Blueticks are bred to bay, a deep bawl mouth used to signal to hunters that prey has been treed. This makes them highly vocal, and "voice-training" is often a daunting task for first-time owners. If a Bluetick greets a stranger with a howl and sniffs them intently, it is not necessarily aggression; it is the breed's method of gathering information. They are intelligent problem-solvers that can be challenging to train, requiring a full-time job or activity like hunting, obedience, or agility to stay happy. Without this outlet, their high energy and intelligence can lead to destructive behavior. They are generally friendly with children and mindful of their owners once trained, but their strong sense of smell means food and garbage must never be left unattended.
History traces back to Louisiana and France
The breed originated in Louisiana, developed from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne hound of southwestern France, mixed with the English Foxhound, cur dogs, the American Foxhound, and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. Originally registered under the English Foxhound and Coonhound, the Bluetick was recognized as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club in 1946. It is also recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council and the New Zealand Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in April 2009, making them eligible for coonhound events in December of that year. This recognition followed the split of the Bluetick from the English Coonhound varieties, a separation that occurred in the mid-1940s.
Health risks include paralysis and skin allergies
As a breed frequently used to hunt raccoons, Blueticks are susceptible to acute canine idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis (ACIP), commonly called Coonhound paralysis. This condition is often the result of contact with a raccoon's saliva through a scratch or bite, though not all cases involve raccoons. The disease causes progressive atrophy of leg muscles, starting in the rear legs and moving forward, and can impact respiratory muscles in severe cases. Additionally, a study of 90,000 dog patient records found coonhounds to be predisposed to atopy and allergic dermatitis, with 8.33% of the breed affected compared to just 1.08% of mixed breeds.
They are not suitable for every household
While they can make excellent family pets if socialized from a young age, their high prey drive means they are not recommended for homes with small animals like cats unless raised together. They will tree almost any animal smaller than themselves if allowed. Their intelligence and independence, honed over generations of hunting without constant human commands, mean they require an owner who understands the difference between a stubborn dog and a dog with a job to do. They are generally easier to handle in the field than some other coonhounds, but that same independence translates to a need for consistent, experienced handling at home.