About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 81-102 cm

Height range  : 53-69

Weight range : 20-39

Coat : Short|glossy|short-to-medium|close|smooth-looking

Life expectancy years : 11-14

Colors: blue ticked black and white|blue-gray|black spots|tan markings|predominantly black head and ears.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : American English Coonhound|American Foxhound|Treeing Walker Coonhound|Bloodhound

 

History

Bluetick Coonhounds descend from French staghounds associated with gifts to George Washington and from English Foxhound-related stock. Originally classified as English Coonhounds , Bluetick breeders separated in 1945 to preserve a slower more resolute cold-nosed hound and the breed later gained AKC recognition in 2009.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

sweet, affectionate, bold, single-minded on scent, independent, stubborn, mindful once trained, friendly, energetic

Personality

loyal, loving, affectionate, intelligent, active, smart, friendly, devoted, goofy, hardy, wary of strangers, very vocal

Needs

extensive daily mental stimulation, vigorous daily exercise, secure fenced area, leash in unconfined spaces, job or activity such as hunting , tracking , agility, companionship, weekly grooming, ear checks

Social Needs

prefers close companionship with people, may do well with older children, often enjoys other dogs, should be monitored around cats and small pets, can develop destructive behavior if left alone or bored

Grooming 

weekly brushing, occasional bath, check and clean ears weekly, moderate shedding, dental care needed, may retain a musty hound scent

Nutrition

high-quality age-appropriate complete diet, portion monitoring to avoid excess weight, adult dogs often eat two meals daily, puppies often benefit from three meals daily, slow-feeder strategies may help reduce bloat risk

 

Exercise

vigorous daily workouts, long leashed walks, running, hiking, camping, hunting, field trials, agility, tracking, nose work, play in a secure yard

Training

early socialization, consistent positive reinforcement, firm positive handling, obedience training, skills training, voice-training for baying, keeping training fun helps attention, off-leash freedom is not recommended

 

Breed Standard

A speedy , well-muscled scenthound with a neat compact body , glossy blue-ticked coat , clear keen eyes and a strong hunting outline. The breed should appear athletic and resolute rather than clumsy with hound expression and functional movement.

Did you know?

Blueticks were shaped to follow older cold scents and have been part of Southern culture for decades including serving as the University of Tennessee mascot since 1953.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Hip Dysplasia, Coonhound Paralysis, Otitis Externa, Progressive Retinal Atrophy

 

Symptoms

1. unproductive retching / excessive drooling / distended rigid abdomen and restlessness may occur
2. pale gums and cardiovascular shock might develop rapidly

1. rear limb lameness / difficulty rising / bunny-hopping gait and reluctance to run or climb may occur
2. hindquarter muscle atrophy might develop

1. ascending hindlimb weakness / loss of spinal reflexes and voice changes may occur
2. weakness in all four limbs and respiratory failure might develop

1. head shaking / ear scratching / foul odor / dark waxy or purulent discharge may occur
2. redness and pain or vocalization when ears are handled might develop

1. night blindness / dilated pupils and increased eye reflectivity may occur
2. eventual total daylight blindness might develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. typically occurs in mature adults and seniors
2. often follows a large meal or rapid drinking

Probability Of Onset:

1. high

Hip Dysplasia

1. can emerge around 4 to 12 months in severe cases
2. more commonly appears as chronic stiffness in mature adults

Probability Of Onset:

1. moderate

Coonhound Paralysis

1. typically develops 7 to 21 days after trigger exposure
2. can occur during adult life

Probability Of Onset:

1. breed-specific risk

Otitis Externa

1. can occur at any age
2. may become more frequent in humid , wet or brush-heavy conditions

Probability Of Onset:

1. high

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. often presents in young adulthood to middle age
2. commonly between 3 and 6 years depending on the genetic variation

Probability Of Onset:

1. low to moderate

Reasons

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. no specific missing chemical is identified because this is linked to deep and narrow chest structure that allows the stomach to swing and twist when heavily filled with gas or food
2. the condition reflects anatomical vulnerability rather than a missing nutrient or compound

 

Coonhound Paralysis

1. protective immune tolerance to a triggering antigen is lacking as the illness is linked to an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction against peripheral nerves after contact with raccoon saliva antigen
2. this can make nerve roots vulnerable and lead to progressive paralysis

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

1. no specific missing chemical is identified because this is linked to deep and narrow chest structure that allows the stomach to swing and twist when heavily filled with gas or food
2. the condition reflects anatomical vulnerability rather than a missing nutrient or compound

Coonhound Paralysis

1. protective immune tolerance to a triggering antigen is lacking as the illness is linked to an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction against peripheral nerves after contact with raccoon saliva antigen
2. this can make nerve roots vulnerable and lead to progressive paralysis

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. no specific missing chemical is identified because this is linked to complex polygenic inheritance with worsening from rapid growth and high-impact exercise during skeletal development
2. this reflects structural joint instability rather than a chemical deficiency

Otitis Externa

1. no specific missing chemical is identified because this is linked to trapped moisture and debris within long heavy ears that create an ideal setting for bacteria and Malassezia yeast
2. this reflects an anatomical and environmental microclimate rather than a missing nutrient

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  1. 1. normal metabolic support for retinal rod and cone cell survival is lacking because of an inherited autosomal recessive mutation
    2. this impaired cellular function is linked to progressive photoreceptor degeneration
    3. this can lead to worsening vision loss and eventual blindness

Normally Treament Methods

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  1. 1. immediate veterinary decompression , IV fluid therapy and emergency surgery with gastropexy may be needed

 

Hip Dysplasia

  1. 1. weight management , low-impact exercise modification , physical therapy and anti-inflammatory care may help
    2. severe damage might require total hip replacement or femoral head ostectomy

 

Coonhound Paralysis

  1. 1. intensive supportive nursing care , regular turning and physical therapy may help
    2. mechanical ventilation might be needed if breathing muscles become paralyzed

 

Otitis Externa

  1. 1. ear flushing with a veterinary-approved drying solution may help
    2. topical corticosteroid , antibacterial and antifungal treatment may be used based on ear findings

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  1. 1. there is no definitive cure
    2. management may focus on lifestyle adaptation and safe navigation as vision declines. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. probiotics can,might be helpful for gastrointestinal motility support
    2. digestive enzymes can,might be helpful for reducing gas production support
recommend product

Hip Dysplasia

  • 1. glucosamine hydrochloride can,might be helpful for joint support
    2. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage support
    3. green-lipped mussel extract can,might be helpful for joint inflammation support
    4. omega-3 marine fatty acids can,might be helpful for joint comfort
recommend product

Coonhound Paralysis

  • 1. vitamin B complex can,might be helpful for neurological pathway support
    2. systemic antioxidants can,might be helpful for nerve root inflammation support
recommend product

Otitis Externa

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin inflammatory pathway support
    2. targeted probiotics can,might be helpful for dermal microbiome support
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. lutein can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support
    2. zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for retinal antioxidant support
    3. vitamins C and E can,might be helpful for limiting oxidative damage support
recommend product