Have you ever heard a noisy, long bawl and wondered what in the world that might be? You just might have been in the presence of the ever-curious and alert Bluetick Coonhound!
The Bluetick Coonhound is a versatile breed, capable of accomplishing many pursuits in the dog sport world, as well as be a wonderful companion. The purpose of the original development of the breed, however, was to pursue game on a run, and because of this, their body composition requires a specific type and balance to their build.
We have other breeds in the fancy that pursue game or are skilled in tracking, but the key to understanding the Breed Standard lies in the fact that this breed is on the run. This dog is moving as quickly as he is able to while in pursuit of his game; not a walk or even a slow trot. The better his nose ability guarantees his success in “treeing” the desired game quickly, which is most dominantly a raccoon. Of course, some Bluetick hounds and other coonhound breeds are also bred and used for “big game,” which is usually bear and large cats, including mountain lions and bobcats.
With that in mind, we now examine the General Appearance section of the Bluetick Breed Standard, which describes “a speedy and well-muscled hound.” A dog hunting on the run must be agile and not heavy or cumbersome. They must be able to turn and maneuver quickly and often, and in all types of terrain. Because of this, athleticism and balance are key. The hound cannot be front-heavy with a lot of forechest, and this is why the Standard indicates, “Forechest is moderate, fairly even with the point of the shoulder.” Equal angles front and back are required for this breed to achieve that “speedy” pursuit of his game, maintain balance, and have a long, successful career with great shock absorption. This type of speed and maneuverability requires athleticism, which will also require development of good muscular structure. There are Sporting dog breeds that also hunt on the run, and similarly, this hound is built for speed but it does maintain the correct, round hound bone, well-sprung ribs that spring beyond the width of the rear when viewed from behind, and head and ear characteristics befitting a hound.
A closer look at the desired head characteristics include a broad head between the ears and a slightly domed skull with a prominent stop. The Bluetick Coonhound muzzle is long, broad, and deep, giving a square appearance in profile with flews covering the lower jawline. It is proportionate with the backskull. The eyes are rather large and set wide apart in the skull. They are round in shape, and dark brown is the desired color; they are never lighter than light brown. The desired eye rims are tight and close-fitting, due to the pursuit of game in underbrush, and the typical pleading hound expression is desired. Ears are set on low at eye level, are thin with a slight roll, and reach well towards the end of the nose. The nose is large, with well-opened nostrils and black in color. The teeth are desired to be a scissors bite; however, an even bite is acceptable.
The Bluetick Coonhound is a beautiful and athletic hound that will steal your heart with a look—and try your soul with their stubbornness at times! While many make great pets, keep in mind that their purpose was to bay or bark and have a pretty intense job. Some may need an outlet for exercise while they are adolescents and during early adulthood.
For more information on this breed, you are welcome to reach out to the National Bluetick Coonhound Association (www.nationalblueticks.com) or myself directly if I can assist you in any way.
