Overview
The Bluetick Coonhounds originated in Louisiana with the Bleu Gascogne French Hounds as their ancestors. These dogs are born to hunt and excel in tracking and treeing bear, opossum, cougar and raccoon. They can hunt in all kinds of weather and on any sort of terrain. They're well known for their cold nose, which gives them the ability to track very old scents.
Activity
The Bluetick Coonhound must have vigorous exercise daily. They flourish under the interaction with humans as well as having a job to perform. These dogs aren't well suited to apartment and city living. They're happiest in rural or country settings where they can run and play freely and safely, or living in a home that has a large safely fenced yard.
Care
The Bluetick Coonhound must be brushed once a week to keep down the amount of loose hair. Only bathe these dogs when absolutely needed. Dry shampooing can also be used. It's vital to check and clean their ears regularly and consistently in order to avoid infection. These dogs are relatively healthy but can contract such things as Krabbes disease, cataracts and hip dysplasia.
Character
Bluetick Coonhounds are large, strong and heavily muscled. They're a mix of kindness, great endurance, self-confidence and agility. These dogs are very intelligent with a strongly developed sense of smell. Their eyesight is exceptional and this is what makes them very proficient at night hunting.
Coat
The coat of the Bluetick Coonhound is short, smooth, dense and shiny with a coarse texture. They have a unique tricolor, with the foundation color being white. This white has a heavy showing of black hair, which gives the effect of being a speckled blue color. They have tan markings over their eyes, muzzle, chest, feet and lower legs. These dogs shed continuously.
Temperament
Bluetick Coonhound dogs are attentive, very devoted, loyal and afraid of nothing. They make ideal companions and guardians for families. They're much better suited to homes that have older, well-behaved children. These dogs are cautious with strangers but not usually aggressive. They get on well with dogs that they've been raised with but shouldn't be in homes that have cats or small household pets. If these dogs get bored or lonely, they usually start howling continuously until they get attention.
Training
Bluetick Coonhounds must be socialized very early in life as well as receive obedience training. They don't respond to heavy handed or harsh techniques. Training has to be conducted with patience, consistency, motivation, firmness, and fairness. They excel in agility, tracking and hunting.