Apartment fit
Blueticks are difficult apartment dogs because of voice and scent drive. A secure yard helps, but long walks and scent outlets are still needed.
HoundLarge
United States
United StatesBluetick Coonhound
Weight
45-80 lb
Height
21-27 in
Lifespan
11-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Bluetick Coonhound is an American scenthound known for its blue-ticked coat, cold nose, bawling voice, and determined tracking style.
American coonhound with a blue-ticked coatLoud hound voice and strong scent driveFriendly at home but independent on trailBest for owners who enjoy real hound behavior
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
FriendlyDeterminedSociableIndependentAlert
Weight
45-80 lb
Height
21-27 in
Lifespan
11-12 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Bluetick Coonhound barking, energy & owner fit
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Bluetick Coonhound combines a distinctive blue-mottled coat with a reputation for methodical, tenacious scent work. The pattern is produced by black ticking over white, often with larger black spots and tan points; it is not a blue pigment or a merle pattern.
At home, many Blueticks are devoted and affectionate enough to look like oversized couch dogs. In the field, they can become single-minded. Their strong prey drive, willingness to work a trail, and repertoire of bawls and chops mean that exercise alone is not enough—owners also need secure containment and legal ways for the dog to use its nose.
Weekly brushing handles the moderate coat shedding, but low-hanging ears need frequent inspection and deep-chested dogs warrant owner awareness of bloat symptoms. The ideal household appreciates a vocal hound and can alternate long outdoor work with genuine downtime rather than leaving an underemployed dog to invent a job.
Temperament & Personality
FriendlyDeterminedSociableIndependentAlert
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, determined, sociable companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan
Bluetick Coonhound Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- hound owners who enjoy scent work and long walks
- homes with secure fencing and noise tolerance
- active families prepared for hound voice
- owners who can manage ears, weight, and recall expectations
Not ideal for
- apartments with close neighbors
- owners needing reliable off-leash control around wildlife
- homes wanting a quiet dog
- people who dislike hound independence
Common challenges
- baying and bawling
- scent-driven pulling
- ear care after outdoor work
- secure containment
Barking & behavior
Expect a loud hound voice. Training can add control, but baying is part of the breed's working identity.
Training style
Use rewards, long-line practice, leash skills, and scent games. Recall should be practiced, but owners must manage trail access and wildlife.
Grooming & shedding
The coat is simple; ears are the bigger care job. Brush weekly, check ears, and keep nails short.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most healthy adult Bluetick Coonhounds need about 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity, ideally with long sniffing walks, tracking games, and safe outdoor time.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to brush, but ears, nails, teeth, and skin checks matter after outdoor work. A hound glove helps manage moderate shedding.
Training
Bluetick Coonhound training should focus on leash manners, recall foundations, calm house behavior, and scent outlets. Expect independence when the nose is working.
Nutrition
Feed a measured large-hound diet matched to age, activity, and body condition. Keep weight lean to protect joints and stamina.
Practical guides for Bluetick Coonhound owners
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEar infectionsObesity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bluetick Coonhound a good apartment dog?
Usually no. A Bluetick Coonhound's voice, size, scent drive, and exercise needs make close-neighbor apartment life difficult.
Does the Bluetick Coonhound bark a lot?
Yes. Blueticks are known for hound vocalization, including bawling or baying when excited, lonely, or working scent.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound good for first-time owners?
It is usually better for owners who understand hounds. A first-time owner can succeed with support, but should be realistic about baying, pulling, scent drive, and recall limits.
How much exercise does the Bluetick Coonhound need?
Most healthy adults need about 60 to 90 minutes of daily activity. Sniffing, tracking, and long walks are better outlets than quick yard time.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound good with kids and other dogs?
Many Blueticks are friendly with family and other dogs, but children should be supervised around an energetic hound. Small pets and wildlife need management.
Does the Bluetick Coonhound shed a lot?
The short coat sheds moderately and is easy to brush. Ears need more attention than the coat because drop-eared hounds can be prone to ear trouble.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Bluetick Coonhound?
The biggest challenge is the combination of voice, scent drive, and independence. Training helps, but secure management around wildlife remains essential.
Sources & Editorial Notes
This profile was researched from established breed and canine-care references. Breed tendencies describe typical patterns, not a guarantee for every individual dog.
Reviewed by the Dogs Index Editorial Team. For health or behavior concerns, consult a veterinarian or appropriately qualified professional.
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