Bluetick Coonhound
Also called Bluetick
From United States (southern states, notably Louisiana)1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
UKC: males 55-80 lb, females 45-65 lb
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, smooth
A medium-coarse, glossy coat that lies close to the body, on a muscular, athletic hound frame.21
Personality what they are like
Relaxed and loving around the house, happy to doze in the shade, but single-minded and bold once on a scent. Friendly toward people and other dogs, bright, and devoted to its owner once trained.312
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An energetic scenthound that needs daily exercise and outlets for its nose; its strong prey drive means off-lead running should be in secure areas.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to care for with occasional brushing; training is best started early and kept consistent, including teaching when to be quiet.21
Home where they are happiest
Suits homes with outdoor space and neighbours who do not mind a musical, baying voice; keep small pets supervised around it.1
Company who they like around
Sociable with people and generally gets along with other dogs, reflecting its pack-hunting roots.2
The story where it all began
Descended from English and American foxhounds blended with French hounds such as the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the Bluetick was shaped in the American South as a cold-nosed raccoon hunter. It was registered as an English Coonhound until breeders asked the UKC to recognise it separately in 1946, and the AKC followed in 2009.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Smokey, the live mascot of the University of Tennessee, is a Bluetick Coonhound.1
- 2
The 'blue' colour is really dense black ticking on a white coat, which reads as navy blue from a distance.1
- 3
Its hunting voice switches from a bawl on the trail to a chop when it has treed its quarry.2
- 4
A Bluetick named Boone was elected dog mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, in November 2024.1
Recognised by the official bits
- UKC
- Recognised as a separate breed in 19462
- AKC
- Recognised April 2009, Hound Group1
- ANKC
- Recognised1
- New Zealand Kennel Club
- Recognised1
- FCI
- Not recognised1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bluetick Coonhound. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bluetick Coonhound, and at what times?
Feed your adult Bluetick Coonhound at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact portions, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Bluetick Coonhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet plan.5
How often should I bathe a Bluetick Coonhound?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or spends lots of time outdoors. The short coat is easy to keep clean.6 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Bluetick Coonhound need brushing?
Brush your Bluetick Coonhound weekly to keep its short, smooth coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days.6 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Bluetick Coonhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you're unsure, ask your vet or groomer to show you.6 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Bluetick Coonhound need?
This energetic hound needs daily exercise and plenty of opportunities to use its nose. Plan for at least a long walk or play session each day, and always keep it on a leash or in a secure area due to its strong prey drive.31 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Bluetick Coonhound's teeth and ears?
Brush your Bluetick's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Dry the ears gently and never insert anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks.6 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Bluetick Coonhound live?
Lifespan varies by individual; ask your breeder or vet for an estimate based on your dog's lineage and health. With good care, many live a long, happy life.
Is a Bluetick Coonhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, Bluetick Coonhounds are generally friendly with people and other dogs, making them wonderful family companions. However, their strong prey drive means small pets like cats or rodents should be supervised. Early socialisation helps them thrive.312
Can a Bluetick Coonhound be left alone?
Bluetick Coonhounds can be left alone for reasonable periods if they have had enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are relaxed at home but may bay if bored. Crate training and engaging toys can help them feel secure.312
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Bluetick Coonhound en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, ancestry, AKC recognition, size, trivia
- UKC Breed Standard: Bluetick Coonhound ukcdogs.comused for recognition year, size, coat, colour, voice, temperament
- AKC: Bluetick Coonhound akc.orgused for temperament summary
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.