Bluetick Coonhounds 101

Name: Bluetick Coonhound

Personality: Loyal and loving, intelligent and problem-solving. Dog Breed Info Center calls the Bluetick Coonhound "a very intelligent dog, very devoted to its family." The Dog Guide adds, "In general, very friendly, genial and attentive. It is highly intelligent and still makes use of its skill in hunting, much like the black-and-tan coonhound." On PetFinder.org, one user writes, "There is a quality about a bluetick coonhound that just puts a catch in your heart."

Grooming: Low maintenance. Dog Breed Info Center says "an occasional brushing will do" for this breed's coat, which RareBreed Network describes as smooth, glossy and medium-coarse. The AKC agrees: "Their short, glossy coat requires only occasional baths and brushing." As with many hound breeds' floppy ears, they should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.

Common Health Issues: "Prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and Krabbes disease," says Dog Breed Info Center. The Dog Guide says, "The bluetick coonhound is a relatively healthy breed, but keep an eye out for eye problems, hip dysplasia, bloating, hypothyroidism, and luxating patellas."

Training Tips: Blueticks are known as a training challenge and are not for the lazy, as "finding something that motivates this dog more than their scenting ability can be difficult," according to Digital Dog. The site recommends a moderate amount of training in basic commands and socialization. Off-leash training will prove especially challenging.

Best For: Families with children, around whom blueticks are gentle and loving. Bluticks are also good for families without other pets as blueticks don't always exhibit the friendliest behaviors. For blueticks mostly kept outside, wide, open spaces are ideal as these dogs can be pretty determined to leave cramped quarters (even if that means digging under a fence) and tend to howl and bark constantly. They're not considered good dogs for apartment living either, says Dog Breed Info Center. The bluetick coonhound is widely regarded as one of the best companion dogs, making one ideal for any potential owner who simply desires good company. PetFinder.org says, "Coonhounds bond in a deep and undemanding manner." The AKC recommends it as "a prized companion for active sporting families."

What Bluetick Coonhound Owners Say: Even those who are fans of this breed admit that blueticks pose a few unique challenges. Paw Nation Facebook friend Becca Angier-Owens of Cleveland, Ohio, owned a bluetick a few years back and says, "He was difficult because, as a hunting dog, he was full of energy and wanted to run run run. But he was a sweetheart." Lise Davis Witter of Elon, N.C., starts by echoing the exact same sentiment -- "She is a sweetheart" -- then goes on to add, "Must admit the baying took some getting used to, though."

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