The Bluetick Coonhound gets its name because of its coat. The black ticks on a white background make the dog appear blue. It’s on the larger side, with floppy ears and a short, smooth coat. This coat, however, does tend to shed quite a bit. Never assume that because a dog has a short coat, it’s more allergy-friendly! The opposite is often true.
They are very intelligent dogs. This can be awesome in many ways, as they learn quickly and catch onto things at an almost alarming rate! However, with this intelligence comes a problem-solving ability that can be intimidating for inexperienced owners. They’re quick to figure out how to open doors or get into their food. They need constant monitoring and positive reinforcement to show them how to behave. They do have a stubborn streak, so you’ll have to come equipped with lots of patience.
The other thing to watch is their hunting drive. While it’s not impossible for the Bluetick Coonhound to co-exist with cats, it’s often better that they don’t. Their prey drive can kick in and even if your dog is very gentle, it can end in disaster. While they’re great with humans, the same just doesn’t apply to smaller animals. Never leave them alone together unsupervised.
Bluetick Coonhound – A Vocal Dog
They are highly vocal and often greet strangers by howling at them. While this can be perceived as aggression by some who don’t know the dog very well, this is just a breed trait. They usually don’t mean any harm. However, if you can, teaching them an alternative greeting (like bringing strangers a toy to say hello) can be a huge help! Make sure you’re the right home for your Bluetick Coonhound as, like any breed, they have their great qualities and challenges to look out for.
