• Height (at the shoulders): 20 – 27 inches (51 – 69 cm)
• Weight: 45 – 80 pounds (20 – 36 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 11 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 2009
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with large sized yard

Personality of the Bluetick Coonhound Dog

Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent, loving and loyal pets. They are great guardians of their family and their property.

This is an athletic breed that are working dogs, requiring something to do such as hunting, obedience, or agility activities.

They are gentle with children, but are usually best with older children. These dogs can be good with other dogs and people as long as they are socialized properly from when they are young. Try to keep them away from cats and other small household pets. This is because they have a very strong instinct to hunt.

They have a tendency to slobber and drool.

These dogs, like many other hounds, do not have a regular bark. Rather, they bay which sounds more like a short howl. It is believed that each dog has a unique bark that owners can usually recognize.

History of the Bluetick Coonhound Dog

It is believed that the Bluetick Coounhound originated in Tennessee, where it is the state dog. Because of their color, it is believed that they are descendants of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (the French Staghound), and the English Foxhound.

For many years, people in America called these dogs the English Coonhound. In 1945, Bluetick breeders separated from English breeders, renamed their dogs to the Bluetick Coonhound, and continued to develop their own hunting style.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

The Bluetick Coonhound Dog Care and Grooming

The Bluetick Coonhound requires plenty of vigorous daily exercise. Take them on a long brisk walk, on leash as they have a tendency to run after a scent trail. They were bred for physical activity and can become anxious and destructive if not given sufficient exercise.

Grooming of their short glossy coat requires only an occasional brushing with a good dog brush. You can also use a rubber grooming mitt to remove any dead hairs from the coat. Pay special attention their floppy hound ears to keep them clean and free of infection.

Health Problems of the Bluetick Coonhound Dog

The average life expectancy of the Bluetick Coonhound dog is about eleven to twelve years.

Health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• cataracts
• Krabbes Disease

• Height (at the shoulders): 23 – 27 inches (58 – 68 cm)
• Weight: 50 – 75 pounds (45 – 64 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1945
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with a large fenced yard

Personality of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog

The Black and Tan Coonhound can be a calm and quiet dog if properly trained. They are usually friendly and  affectionate with their family and are gentle around children. However, they tend to be a little rough with small kids so just keep that in mind.

Although they have a strong internal instinct to hunt, they are still great house pets. If they pick up on a scent while outdoors, they usually get pretty excited.

History of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog

The Black and Tan Coonhound is considered an all-American dog breed. They have been around since the 1700s. It is believed that they descended from crosses between the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound and the Bloodhound.

Black and Tans were mainly used to hunt large animals such as bear. However, they were also good at trapping smaller vermin like raccoons.  They were pretty popular among mountain hunters in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian.

Much like the Bloodhound dog, the Coonhound keeps its nose to the ground when trailing a scent. They move along quite swiftly and will bay when they have trapped their prey, usually until their owner arrives on the scene.

Although they compete in the show ring from time to time, they are much more popular among hunters. In fact, there are competitive hunting events held annually that are only for Coonhounds. At these events you will find:

• English Coonhounds
• Treeing Walker Coonhounds
• Plott Hounds
• Bluetick Coonhounds
• and, the Black and Tan Coonhound

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1945.

The Black and Tan Coonhound Dog Care and Grooming

Ideally, they will do best if they have a large open space available to run and roam. They are able to live in both cold and hot temperatures, just not extremes.

These dogs require plenty of daily exercise. They are capable of running for miles. However, a few long walks and an occasional run will usually be enough.

They also have a strong scenting ability and, if not properly trained to stay, will run if they catch a scent.

Grooming requirements are minimal. A light brushing every few weeks to remove any dead hair from the coat will be sufficient. Use the proper dog grooming tools to make the job easier.

Health Problems of the Black and Tan Coonhound Dog

The average life expectancy of the Black and Tan Coonhound dog is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• hypothyroidism
• ectropion
• weight gain

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• hemophilia B

Veterinarians recommend having the Black and Tan Coonhound dog tested specifically for hip, eye, and thyroid problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

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