Overview
The Bluetick Coonhound is a muscular, fast American scenthound named for the blue-looking ticking on its white coat. It is used mainly for raccoon hunting and is also kept as a pet.
This is a friendly, mindful dog with a famous voice. It needs lots of exercise and some training patience, and it suits active homes best.
History
The breed developed in Louisiana from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne of southwestern France, together with the English Foxhound, the cur dog, the American Foxhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound.
The United Kennel Club recognised it as a separate breed in 1946. The American Kennel Club accepted it in 2009. A larger, slower-tracking subgroup is known as the American Blue Gascon Hound.
Appearance
A speedy, muscular hound with a high-carried head and a tail carried over the back. The glossy, moderately coarse coat is black ticked on white, giving a blue effect, with black patches on the back, ears and sides.
Many have tan markings over the eyes, on the muzzle, chest and legs. Dogs stand roughly 53 to 69 cm tall, with males weighing about 25 to 36 kg. The feet are round and cat-like and unusually large.
Temperament
Friendly and mindful of its owner, the Bluetick can be a loving family dog when properly socialised. It is usually good with children and easier to handle in the field than some other coonhounds.
It is intelligent but can be stubborn to train, and its voice is loud. It may greet strangers with a howl and a thorough sniff, which is curiosity rather than aggression. It may chase cats and other small animals.
Care and exercise
Blueticks need a great deal of daily activity, ideally scent work, hunting or long walks in secure areas. Their noses lead them astray, so use a fence and a leash.
Grooming is easy: a regular brush of the short coat is enough. Keep food and rubbish out of reach, and train early to manage barking and baying.
