Hound group

Bluetick Coonhound

A speckled Southern scent hound — sweet at home, loud and dogged on the trail.

Bluetick Coonhounds are athletic, cold-nosed hunters with a striking mottled blue coat. They are affectionate and loyal with their families, but independent, vocal and driven by scent.

Height
21–27 in53–69 cm
Weight
45–80 lb20–36 kg
Life expectancy
11–12 years
Size
Large
Group
Hound
Origin
Louisiana, United States

Coat: Short, glossy, coarse coat. Colours: Dark blue mottling (bluetick) with black patches and tan points.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking5.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency2.5 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability1.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Blueticks are friendly, devoted and often cuddly at home. They get along with people and usually with other dogs, and many are gentle with children.

Their bawling bay is loud, their prey drive is intense and their noses override recall. They need secure fencing and plenty of exercise.

Living with a Bluetick Coonhound

Exercise

Needs an hour or more of vigorous daily exercise, ideally tracking or long runs on a line.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing and weekly ear cleaning. Some drool and hound odour.

Training

Smart but stubborn; food-based, patient training works best. Recall is unreliable.

Kids & other pets

Good with children and usually with other dogs. Unsafe with cats and small pets.

Time alone

Bored Blueticks bay and escape. Secure fencing and exercise before absences are essential.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Bluetick Coonhound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Bluetick Coonhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Bluetick Coonhound typically lives 11–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Ear infections

    Long ears trap moisture and dirt; clean weekly.

  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

    Deep-chested hounds are at risk; learn the warning signs.

  • Eye disease

    Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy occur; eye exams help.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Bluetick Coonhound; American Kennel Club breed standard. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed developed in Louisiana from French Grand Bleu de Gascogne hounds and English foxhounds. Hunters wanted a “cold-nosed” hound that could follow old trails on raccoons.

Blueticks were once registered with American English Coonhounds but split off in the 1940s. The AKC recognised the Bluetick Coonhound in 2009.

Did you know?

  • Smokey, the University of Tennessee mascot, is a Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Blueticks are known as “cold-nosed” hounds for following old scent trails.
  • Their bay is often described as a bawl or chop.

Library guides for Bluetick Coonhound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Bluetick Coonhounds good family dogs?
Yes, for active families who can handle noise and exercise needs.
Do Blueticks bark a lot?
They bay loudly and often.
Can Blueticks live with cats?
Only if raised with them, and even then with caution.