Bluetick Coonhound dog breed originated in the United States several centuries ago. Developed by crossing European hounds (including the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the English Foxhound) with existing American hounds, the Bluetick combined the nose and instincts of the Old World breeds with the endurance and speed of American dogs.
Bluetick Coonhounds have lean, medium-sized frames covered in short, dense coats that have a distinctive mottled coloring (black and white spots with a dark blue effect). The heads (usually black) have round eyes, thin hanging ears and square muzzles. They have muscular necks and bodies, and their tails are usually carried at an upward curve. Overall, Bluetick Coonhounds have a determined and attentive look. The Bluetick Coonhound gets its “blue” coloring from black/white mottling which gives the impression of a navy blue color. 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 butt cheeks will be dark red.
Male Bluetick Coonhounds should be 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh approximately 55 to 80 pounds. Female Bluetick Coonhounds are considerably smaller, being 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 45 to 65 pounds. The body should be higher at the shoulder than the hips, and when measured from the withers to the base of tail it should be slightly longer than tall. Bluetick Coonhounds should have a deep chest with well sprung ribs, curving into the belly rather than having an extreme tucked up look.
Very intelligent and resourceful, Bluetick Coonhounds are easy to train as long as the commands are firm, consistent and positive. They can be independent-minded and should always be kept on a leash in public. The mere sniff of a squirrel, or some other interesting thing, could make them disappear quickly.
Bluetick Coonhounds can live as long as 12 years. Generally healthy, some Blueticks can develop hip dysplasia, eye problems and hypothyroidism. Grooming the Bluetick Coonhound is a breeze: Brush their coats occasionally, and check their ears regularly.