Bluetick Coonhound
藍斑獵浣熊犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Bluetick Coonhound is a sleek, racy American scent hound named for the mottled blue-black "ticking" of its glossy coat, bred to trail raccoon through the night and bay them up a tree. Sweet, affectionate and devoted to the people who give it attention, happy to snooze in the shade at home, it becomes relentless, bold and single-minded on a scent, and its enormous prey drive must be given an outlet or it will serenade the neighbourhood with loud, mournful music. It is an AKC breed not recognised by the CKC, KC or FCI.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 53–69cm |
| Weight | 20–36kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–12years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 3/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Ear infections
The Bluetick's long, low-hanging ears trap moisture and debris, so the AKC advises checking them daily for any sign of infection. Ask your vet if you notice head-shaking, odour or discharge.
Behaviour
Off-the-charts prey drive that must be channelled
The AKC describes a sweet, affectionate charmer that craves affection and is deeply devoted to those who provide it, but whose tremendous prey drive makes it relentless, bold and single-minded on quarry; neglected, under-employed coonhounds with no outlet for their hard-wired impulses develop problem behaviours such as loud, mournful howling. Exercise it in a securely fenced yard or on lead — it is a scent hound — and channel its energy into hunting, field trials, tracking or agility.
Music of the night — a vocal pack hound
The AKC notes that the baying, bawling and chopping bark of Blueticks may be cacophonous to some but is the music of the night to coon hunters; the breed rates 4/5 for barking and 5/5 for getting on with other dogs, reflecting its pack-hunting origins. It enjoys plenty of exercise but equally enjoys snoozing at its owner's feet, and early socialisation and treats are useful aids in training.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Bluetick Coonhound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Bluetick Coonhound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.