Bluetick Coonhound: The Complete Owner's Guide (Temperament, Size & Care)

Let's be honest, the first thing that grabs you about a Bluetick Coonhound is that stunning, mottled blue and black coat. It's like someone took a starry night sky and wrapped it around a dog. I remember seeing one at a state fair as a kid, its deep, booming bark echoing across the grounds, and thinking it was the most serious-looking dog I'd ever seen. But looks are just the beginning. If you're here, you're probably wondering what it's really like to live with one of these iconic American hounds. Is a Bluetick Coonhound a good family dog? How much exercise do they actually need? And what's the deal with all that noise?

Stick with me. We're going to dig past the beautiful exterior and into the heart of what makes this breed tick. This isn't just a list of breed stats—it's a real-world look from the perspective of someone who's talked to owners, trainers, and breeders to get the full, unfiltered picture. The good, the challenging, and the downright hilarious.

From Hunting Partner to Family Member: A Dash of History

You can't understand the Bluetick Coonhound without understanding its job. This breed wasn't developed to lounge on velvet cushions. Its history is written in the forests of the American South. Think about it: a dog bred to track a clever, nocturnal animal like a raccoon over miles of rough terrain, through water, and up trees, all while using its voice to tell the hunter exactly where it is. That's a specific set of skills.

Their ancestry is a mix of English Foxhounds, French hounds (like the Grand Bleu de Gascogne brought over by French immigrants), and other American coonhound varieties. The goal was always utility—nose, endurance, voice, and grit. The distinctive "bluetick" pattern emerged as a defining trait, and the breed was officially recognized as separate from the English Coonhound by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in the mid-20th century, later gaining American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 2009. You can dive into the precise breed standard on the American Kennel Club's official Bluetick Coonhound page, which details the ideal physical and temperamental blueprint.

The Bluetick Coonhound Personality: Not Your Average Sofa Buddy

Okay, let's talk temperament. If you want a placid, silent dog that gazes adoringly at you all day waiting for a command, look elsewhere. A Bluetick Coonhound's brain is wired differently.

First, the good stuff—and there's plenty. Around their family, they are often affectionate, goofy, and deeply loyal. They can form strong bonds and are usually gentle. Many owners describe them as "clowns" in the home. But switch to "work mode," and it's like a different dog takes over. That legendary nose turns on, and their focus becomes absolute. This is the core of the Bluetick Coonhound temperament: a dual-purpose nature.

The Independent Thinker (A Nice Way to Say "Stubborn")

They were bred to make decisions miles away from their human, following a scent trail without constant guidance. This translates to a notable independent streak. It's not disobedience out of spite; it's just that following an interesting smell often seems like a better idea than your "come" command. This intelligence requires patience, not brute force.

The Voice: Bay, Howl, and Bark

This is the big one. The Bluetick Coonhound voice is a musical, drawn-out bay or howl. It's loud, it carries, and they use it for communication—when they're excited, when they're on a scent, when they're bored, when a leaf blows suspiciously across the yard. If you have close neighbors or live in an apartment, this is a deal-breaker. Seriously. I've spoken to owners in suburban subdivisions who have had noise complaints. It's not a "yappy" bark; it's a profound, resonant sound that's part of their soul.

They are also known for being somewhat reserved or aloof with strangers. They're not typically aggressive, but they might give newcomers a dignified once-over before deciding to be friends. This, combined with their size and bark, can make them decent watchdogs—they'll definitely let you know someone's there.

By the Numbers: Bluetick Coonhound Size and Appearance

So how big does this package of energy and noise get? The Bluetick Coonhound is a substantial, muscular dog built for stamina. Let's break it down.

That weight range is important. I've seen some working-line male Blueticks that are lean machines right at 55 pounds, and others from show lines that are stockier and push the 80-pound mark. It really depends on breeding and diet.

Is a Bluetick Coonhound a Good Family Dog?

This is the million-dollar question. The answer is a conditional yes, but with major, non-negotiable caveats. They can be wonderful with children they are raised with, typically patient and gentle due to their pack-oriented nature. However, their size and exuberance can accidentally knock over a toddler. Always supervise interactions.

The bigger issue is their compatibility with a typical suburban family lifestyle. This is not a "plug and play" easy dog. They have intense needs.

Other Pets? Proceed with Caution.

Their high prey drive is a fundamental trait. A Bluetick Coonhound may see cats, rabbits, or small dogs as something to chase. With careful, early socialization and management, some can live peacefully with cats they are raised with, but the instinct never fully disappears. Never trust them off-leash around small animals. With other dogs, they often do well, enjoying canine company.

Living with a Bluetick: The Daily Reality

Exercise Needs: Non-Negotiable

This is the most critical part of ownership. A bored, under-exercised Bluetick Coonhound is a demolition crew with a loudspeaker. We're not talking about a leisurely stroll around the block.

• Minimum Daily Requirement: 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise. This is the baseline to keep them sane.
• Ideal Activities: Long hikes, jogging, biking (with proper training), and most importantly, scent work. Letting them use their nose is mental exhaustion, which is just as crucial as physical tiredness. Hide treats in the yard, try nosework classes, or use a long line in a safe area to let them explore.
• The Yard Myth: A big yard does not exercise a dog. It just gives them a bigger space to be bored in. You must be actively involved.

Grooming and Shedding: Easier Than You Think

Here's a break! Their short coat is low-maintenance. A weekly brush with a rubber curry brush or hound glove will remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. They shed, yes, and it's a fine hair that can stick to fabrics, but it's not like a Husky blowing coat.

The main grooming focus should be their ears. Those long, floppy hound ears are prone to infections because they trap moisture and limit airflow. Get into a habit of checking and cleaning them weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Nail trims and dental care are, as with all dogs, essential parts of routine care.

Bluetick Coonhound Health: What to Watch For

Generally a robust breed, but like all purebreds, they have some predispositions. Responsible breeders test for these conditions. Always ask for health clearances.

Feeding a high-quality diet and preventing obesity are crucial for joint health. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers great resources on pet nutrition and wellness care that any owner should check out.

Training Your Bluetick Coonhound: Patience is the Protocol

Training a hound is an exercise in humility. They are smart but motivated by different things than, say, a Border Collie. Food is usually your best ally—high-value treats like small pieces of chicken or hot dog.

• Start Early: Socialization and basic obedience from puppyhood are non-negotiable.
• Positive Reinforcement Only: Harsh methods will make this sensitive, stubborn breed shut down.
• Recall is a Lifetime Project: Due to their prey drive and scent focus, a reliable recall off-leash in an unfenced area is incredibly difficult to achieve. Most experienced owners never trust it completely. A longline (30-50 foot leash) is your best friend for giving freedom safely.
• Channel Their Instincts: Instead of fighting the nose, use it. Scent work, tracking, and even barn hunt are fantastic outlets that make them feel fulfilled.

If you get frustrated, remember: they're not being dumb. They're just following a million-year-old programming that says "Scent is life." Work with it, not against it.

Finding a Bluetick Coonhound for Sale or for Adoption

This is where you need to be incredibly careful. That adorable puppy in the online ad could be from a puppy mill.

Going Through a Reputable Breeder

A good breeder's goal is to better the breed. They will:

• Ask you as many questions as you ask them.
• Show you the parents (or at least the mother) and their living conditions.
• Provide health clearances for both parents (hips, eyes, thyroid).
• Have a contract that includes a health guarantee and requires you to return the dog to them if you can't keep it.
• Be a resource for you for the dog's entire life.

Start with the breed parent club, the American Kennel Club's breeder referral, or the United Kennel Club. Expect to be on a waiting list and pay a price that reflects the health testing and care put into the puppies (typically $800-$1500+).

Considering Bluetick Coonhound Rescue

This can be a wonderful option. Many hounds end up in shelters or breed-specific rescues because owners underestimated their needs. Rescue dogs are often adults, so their personality and energy level are already known. Organizations like American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue (which often helps other coonhound varieties) work tirelessly to place these dogs. You're giving a second chance to a deserving animal.

The Cost of Owning a Bluetick Coonhound

Beyond the initial purchase or adoption fee, budget for:

• Start-up Costs: Crate, bed, bowls, leash/collar/harness, longline, toys, initial vet visit/vaccinations, microchip (~$300-$500).
• Monthly/Annual: High-quality food ($60-$80/month), preventatives (flea/tick/heartworm), routine vet care, treats, toy replacement.
• Unexpected: Emergency vet fund (bloat surgery can cost $3000-$5000). Pet insurance is worth serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (The Real Ones People Ask)

Are Bluetick Coonhounds aggressive?
Not typically. They are often gentle with family but can be reserved with strangers. Their size and bark are intimidating, but aggression is not a breed trait. Poor socialization or training can cause issues in any dog.

Can a Bluetick Coonhound live in an apartment?
I would strongly advise against it. Their high energy and, more critically, their powerful, resonant voice make them poorly suited for shared-wall living. It's unfair to the dog and your neighbors.

How hard are they to train?
They are intelligent but independent. Basic obedience requires consistent, positive, and patient training. They excel at tasks that use their natural abilities (scent work) and can be frustratingly slow at others (like a perfect "heel").

Do they smell?
All dogs have an odor. Hounds can have a distinctive "doggy" smell, especially if their ears aren't kept clean or if they get wet. Regular grooming and ear care minimize this.

Bluetick Coonhound vs. other coonhounds?
They are similar in purpose but differ in appearance and, subtly, in style. Treeing Walkers are often faster and more intense. Redbones are solid red. Black and Tans are black and tan. Blueticks are known for their colder, more methodical tracking style and that gorgeous mottled coat.

If you have an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle, live in a house with a understanding neighborhood (or better yet, some land), appreciate a dog with a mind of its own, and find beauty in that soulful bay, then yes, you might just have found your perfect, challenging, rewarding companion. They are not for everyone, but for the right person, they are absolutely unforgettable.

My neighbor down the road has one named Duke. Hearing his deep, rolling bay echo through the woods in the evening isn't a nuisance to me; it's the sound of a dog doing exactly what he was born to do, loved by an owner who gets him. That's the goal.