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Discover everything about Bluetick Coonhound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Bluetick Coonhound?
At a glance
Bluetick Coonhound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Bluetick Coonhound is considered a robust working breed, but it is not free from breed-specific health risks. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD) and the rare but severe globoid cell leukodystrophy require careful attention when selecting breeding parents. Furthermore, as with many large, deep-chested breeds, there is an increased risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Lifespan
11–12 yrs
Height
53–69 cm
Weight
20–36 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,000 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, slightly rough
- Origin: USA
Typical coat colors
- Blue spotted
- often with black spots
- tan markings
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Bluetick Coonhound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Bluetick Coonhound right for you?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a tireless, razor-sharp pack hound—bred as a specialist in trailing by scent, capable of working tracks for hours on end and baying at prey up in trees until the hunter arrives.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a high-stamina companion for intensive mantrailing, tracking work, or hours of scent-work tours in the woods.
- You live in a rural area and ideally have a securely fenced property where he can move around freely.
- You appreciate a dog that works with intense focus outdoors but is deeply relaxed on the sofa once inside.
- You already have a confident resident dog, as this true pack hunter thrives on canine companionship.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a neighborhood with thin walls—his far-reaching baying on a trail is part of his genetic hardware, not a behavioral flaw you can simply train away.
- You expect him to stick by your side off-leash during walks—once he catches a fresh scent, he switches to autopilot.
- You need to leave him alone for long periods daily, which quickly leads to noisy frustration in this highly pack-oriented breed.
The real vibes check
A Bluetick Coonhound is often as gentle and unobtrusive as a heavy rug in the living room—but out in the woods, he switches into work mode without compromise. As soon as his nose locks onto a trail, he turns a deaf ear to everything else and follows his ancient instincts. You aren't buying a dog that blindly follows commands, but a highly specialized tracker who will cooperate with you if you share his passion.
Breed Profile
The Bluetick Coonhound is a large, muscular dog with an expressive head and strong jaws. His ears are long and droopy, which contributes to his friendly and gentle expression. The tail is strong at the base, tapering and carried cheerfully. The Bluetick Coonhound is known for its distinctive blue-spotted coat, often with black spots and tan markings. He belongs to FCI Group 6, the running and bloodhounds. There are no distinctions between show and performance lines in this breed, as the Bluetick Coonhound is primarily valued as a working dog. His notable features are his powerful endurance and dedicated work style.
- Height
- 53 - 65 cm (Female), 56 - 69 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 20 - 29 kg (Female), 25 - 36 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 11 - 12 years
- Character
- Hardworking, friendly, intelligent
- Coat
- Short, dense, slightly rough
- Coat Color
- Blue spotted, often with black spots and tan markings
- Price
- 1000 - 2500 €
History
Originally from the United States, the Bluetick Coonhound is a relatively young breed, first emerging in the early 1900s. The name "Bluetick" refers to the dog's distinctive, blue-spotted coat. The breed was created by crossing Foxhounds, Harriers, English Coonhounds and other dogs with good instincts and hunting instincts. Originally, these dogs were bred in the southern United States to hunt raccoons (English: "coon") and other wild animals, hence the name "Coonhound". They proved to be very effective in tracking game through dense undergrowth and over challenging terrain. The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognized the Bluetick Coonhound as a separate breed in 2009. Before this time, Bluetick Coonhounds were grouped together with English Coonhounds in one breed group. The breed is still quite rare in Europe, but is slowly gaining popularity due to its strong skills and friendly nature.
Original Use
Bred to hunt raccoons and other game at night, the Bluetick Coonhound is known for its endurance and "blue" spotting.
Origin
USA
Date
1900
Character & Temperament
The Bluetick Coonhound is a dog full of opposites. Despite his robust and impressive appearance, he is a gentle and friendly creature with a great love for his family. He is intelligent and eager to learn, but also independent and sometimes a bit stubborn. Due to its original purpose as a hunting dog, the Bluetick Coonhound is a very active and energetic dog. He needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and balanced. It is important to note that this breed is not suitable for apartment living. She needs a home with a large, well-fenced yard where she can pursue her natural instincts. The Bluetick Coonhound is a working dog through and through. His outstanding tracking skills have earned him an excellent reputation as a working dog, particularly when hunting raccoons and other wildlife. Therefore, it is not surprising that this breed also exhibits strong prey and hunting behavior. Without proper training and socialization, this can cause problems, especially if you live in an environment where wildlife is common. Like many other working dogs, the Bluetick Coonhound is very people-oriented and builds a strong bond with its family. He loves spending time with his people, whether playing in the garden, learning new tricks or just cuddling on the couch. This dog is also very friendly towards children and can be a great playmate. However, the Bluetick Coonhound may have difficulty staying alone, especially when young. He may develop separation anxiety if he is left alone for too long. It is therefore important that you are able to spend enough time with your dog and slowly and patiently get him used to being alone. The Bluetick Coonhound is an attentive and alert dog. Its origins as a working dog have given it a sharp mind and a high level of alertness. He will not hesitate to protect and warn his family if he notices something suspicious. It is important to understand that the Bluetick Coonhound is a working dog that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Therefore, it is best suited to active people who are willing to invest the time and energy this breed requires. However, with the right leadership and training, the Bluetick Coonhound can be a loyal and loving companion that will bring you joy for many years to come.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Bluetick Coonhound was so named because its fur has small, blue spots that look like ink stains? This unique coat color makes him one of the most striking dog breeds!
What Awaits You
The lithe and beautiful Bluetick Coonhound is a sweet and affectionate charmer who may like to doze in the shade, but when hunting for prey he is relentless, courageous and determined. Its irrepressible prey drive must be channeled.
Housing & Care
The Bluetick Coonhound is a dog that needs space to run and explore, so it is not necessarily suited to apartment or city life. However, he is a loving and people-oriented dog that gets along well with children and can make an excellent family dog. As for other pets, the Bluetick Coonhound can get along with cats and other dogs provided it has been properly socialized. However, it should be noted that he has a strong hunting instinct and should therefore always be supervised when around small pets.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Bluetick Coonhound is an intelligent dog, but sometimes has a mind of its own. Therefore, training can sometimes be challenging. It is important to begin training and socialization from puppyhood and always use positive reinforcement methods. They are high-energy dogs that require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to be happy. Therefore, activities such as tracking, agility or just long walks and playtime in the garden can be helpful in meeting their energy needs. It is important to maintain a balanced level of activity to avoid over-busyness, which can lead to stress. It can happen that the Bluetick Coonhound becomes a “ball junkie”. so it's important to vary play times and encourage him to enjoy other activities too.
Nutrition & Care
When feeding your Bluetick Coonhound, it is important to use high-quality food that is tailored to his age, weight and activity level. As a high-energy breed, he may require a diet rich in proteins and healthy fats to keep him moving throughout the day. When it comes to grooming, the Bluetick Coonhound is fairly easy to care for. Its short, glossy coat is not prone to matting and only requires occasional brushing to stay healthy and clean. It has a dense undercoat and sheds moderately, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Regarding the climate in Germany, the Bluetick Coonhound can tolerate both warm and cool temperatures well, provided it has a warm home and enough exercise in winter.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Bluetick Coonhound is considered a robust working breed, but it is not free from breed-specific health risks. In particular, hip dysplasia (HD) and the rare but severe globoid cell leukodystrophy require careful attention when selecting breeding parents. Furthermore, as with many large, deep-chested breeds, there is an increased risk of life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
By ensuring joint-friendly development, maintaining a healthy weight, and scheduling regular eye and heart check-ups, you can do a lot to ensure a long, active life for your dog.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, heart, and thyroid tested to specifically reduce hereditary risks in their lines.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Bluetick Coonhound
Stefan O., Halter aus Köln (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als ich meinen Bluetick-Rüden aus dem Tierschutz übernahm, hatte ich mich auf einen hyperaktiven Arbeitshund eingestellt, der mich pausenlos auf Trab hält [2.3.6]. Die Realität sieht jedoch ganz anders aus: Er ist der größte Couch-Potato, den man sich vorstellen kann. Er schafft locker 20 Stunden Schlaf am Tag und ist am glücklichsten, wenn er sich auf dem Sofa an mich herankuscheln kann.
Aber man darf sich nicht täuschen lassen – er ist und bleibt ein echter Coonhound. Das bedeutet vor allem eines: Sturheit in Reinform. Wenn er eine Entscheidung getroffen hat, stellt er komplett auf stur, und man braucht unendlich viel Geduld und Humor. Zudem hat er durch seinen tiefen Brustkorb ein unheimlich lautes Organ. Wenn er anschlägt, erschrecken die Leute im ersten Moment, weil sie seine lautstarke, freundliche Aufregung als aggressiv missverstehen. Dabei ist er eigentlich ein sanfter Riese, der Menschen über alles liebt.
Sabine K., Halterin aus dem Harz (Rüde, seit 2018)
Unser Bluetick ist ein absolut liebenswerter und alberner Clown, aber seine Welpenzeit hat uns echt an unsere Grenzen gebracht. Einmal waren wir nur kurz weg, und er hat im Wohnzimmer einfach mal einen riesigen Streifen Teppich samt der gesamten Schaumstoff-Unterlage herausgerissen und komplett zerfetzt. Auch das Thema 'Counter Surfing' ist bei uns ein täglicher Kampf: Sobald irgendetwas Essbares auf der Küchenzeile liegt und er den Duft in die Nase bekommt, steht er mit den Vorderpfoten oben. Man kann diesen Hunden Dinge nicht einfach verbieten; man muss sie clever davon überzeugen, dass eine andere Beschäftigung gerade spannender ist.
Die größte Herausforderung im Alltag ist jedoch sein Jagdtrieb. Ihn im Wald ohne Leine laufen zu lassen, ist für uns absolut undenkbar. Sobald er eine Fährte in der Nase hat, schaltet sein Gehirn komplett ab, er blendet alles aus und läuft meilenweit geradeaus, ohne sich auch nur einmal umzusehen. Wer sich einen Coonhound anschafft, muss sich einfach damit abfinden, dass die Schleppleine oder ein absolut ausbruchsicherer, hoher Zaun im Garten der ständige Begleiter sein werden.
Michael T., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2022)
Ich habe früher Schäferhund-Mischlinge gehalten, die alles getan hätten, um mir zu gefallen. Mein Bluetick Coonhound ist da völlig anders gepolt. Bei jedem Kommando sehe ich förmlich das Zahnrad in seinem Kopf arbeiten, das fragt: 'Und was springt heute für mich dabei heraus?' Ohne die richtige Motivation – sprich: extrem schmackhafte Leckerlis und jede Menge Geduld – bewegt er sich keinen Millimeter. Man braucht bei der Erziehung eine Engelsgeduld und darf niemals mit Härte arbeiten, da diese Hunde trotz ihrer robusten Statur innerlich unglaublich sensibel sind.
Ein weiteres Thema, das man nicht unterschätzen darf, ist seine Stimme. Wenn er anschlägt oder sein typisches, tiefes Heulen anstimmt, vibriert das ganze Haus. Viele Spaziergänger weichen uns deshalb aus, weil sie das tiefe, laute Bellen einschüchternd finden. Dabei ist er im Haus der sanfteste Riese, der am liebsten mit im Bett schläft, extrem verschmust ist und sich hervorragend mit unseren Kindern versteht.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Bluetick Coonhound
Is a Bluetick Coonhound the right dog for me?
The Bluetick Coonhound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Bluetick Coonhound live?
The average life expectancy of a Bluetick Coonhound is 11-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Bluetick Coonhound need?
Bluetick Coonhound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Bluetick Coonhound good for families with children?
The Bluetick Coonhound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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