Bluetick Coonhound
Temperament
Friendly, Intelligent, Active, Loyal, Gentle, Affectionate, Curious, Quiet, Playful, Independent
About the Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound's roots trace directly to the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a breed gifted to George Washington by his close friend and Revolutionary War ally, the Marquis de Lafayette, in the late 18th century. American hunters crossed these French staghounds with the English Foxhound and other working hounds to produce a dog better suited to the rugged terrain and diverse quarry of the American South — a dog that could track cold, days-old scent trails through swamps, mountains, and dense timber. The result was a cold-nosed, endurance-driven hunter capable of treeing not just raccoons, but bear, wild boar, and even mountain lions.
For much of the breed's early history, Blueticks were lumped together with English Coonhounds under a single classification. That changed in 1945, when Bluetick breeders formally broke away from English Coonhound registries. The split was philosophical as much as physical: English breeders were favoring faster, "hot-nosed" dogs that worked fresh scent trails at speed, while Bluetick breeders insisted on preserving the breed's signature cold-nose ability — the capacity to methodically work a scent trail hours or even days old, sacrificing pace for precision. This distinction remains one of the defining characteristics separating the Bluetick from the American English Coonhound today.
The United Kennel Club (UKC), which has long been the primary registry for working coonhounds, recognized the Bluetick Coonhound well before the American Kennel Club entered the picture. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 2009, placing it in the Hound Group. It currently ranks 137th out of 205 recognized breeds in AKC popularity — not a rare dog by any measure, but far from a mainstream household name. The National Bluetick Coonhound Association (NBCA) serves as the AKC parent club for the breed and maintains breed standards, health initiatives, and field trial programming.
Physically, the Bluetick is immediately recognizable by its dark blue, mottled coat — a pattern created by black ticking on a white base, often accompanied by black saddle markings and tan points above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and below the tail. Some dogs also carry red ticking on the feet and lower legs. Standing 21 to 27 inches at the withers and weighing between 45 and 80 pounds depending on sex, the Bluetick is a muscular, athletic dog built for sustained work in difficult conditions. The breed's deep, resonant bawl — a long, drawn-out vocalization distinct from a bark — was essential for letting hunters know their dog had treed quarry at a distance, and it remains one of the most defining (and loudest) traits of life with a Bluetick today.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Hound
- Bred For:
- Hunting with a superior sense of smell.
- Origin:
- United States
- Life Span:
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight:
- 45 - 80 lbs
- Height:
- 21 - 27 in
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Additional Characteristics
Care Requirements
They are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.
Highly trainable and quick to learn commands
They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.
Bluetick Coonhound
Complete Breed Guide
About the Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound originated in the United States and is primarily used for hunting and tracking game, particularly raccoons. This breed typically weighs between 45 to 80 pounds and stands 21 to 27 inches tall, featuring a distinctive blue mottled coat with black spots. Known for their friendly and intelligent nature, Bluetick Coonhounds are active and loyal companions, often displaying a playful and curious demeanor while also being independent and athletic. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 14 years.
Bluetick Coonhounds are known for being friendly, intelligent, active, loyal, gentle, and affectionate, curious, quiet. As a high-energy breed, they are highly responsive to training and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.
Caring for a Bluetick Coonhound means committing to regular grooming (brushing several times a week), vigorous daily exercise, and consistent training from an early age. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.
At a Glance
Quick Facts
- Breed Group:
- Hound
- Bred For:
- Hunting with a superior sense of smell.
- Origin:
- United States
- Life Span:
- 12 - 14 years
- Weight:
- 45 - 80 lbs
- Height:
- 21 - 27 in
Temperament
Free Bluetick Coonhound Health Guide
Bluetick Coonhounds can be prone to Hip Dysplasia and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.
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