Bluetick Coonhound
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Overview
These large, dedicated hunters aren't made to quit. Bluetick Coonhounds are popular in the southern United States because they are seemingly unflappable hunters who persist through all weather conditions and greet their owners warmly. Bluetick Coonhounds stand between 21 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds, but some males can weigh up to 100 pounds. The Bluetick Coonhound's multi-colored coat is eye-catching, but it's his loyalty, steady temperament and devotion to his owner that makes him a superb companion.
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Personality
Bluetick Coonhounds should have absolutely no trace of aggression toward humans. They will chase cats and other small animals, but they should never be skittish or threatened around people. Although they are friendly and even-tempered indoors, they were bred to hunt and they are still happiest when they're outdoors working. That doesn't mean they are ill-suited to family life, however. They are easy-going, affectionate companions indoors. Especially if they've received plenty of exercise, they can calm down quickly and turn into a loving family companion. Because Bluetick Coonhounds are larger and slightly slower than other smaller coonhounds, they are used to hunting at a slower pace and a closer range. They bond closely to their owners and expect to spend plenty of time in their company.
A Bluetick's bark does not sound like a normal dog's bark. Instead, their long, drawn out bay sounds more like a mournful howl. Their unique voices helped hunters identify them in the field.
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Coat Care
Bluetick Coonhounds are blessed with brains, brawn and beauty. Their smooth, glossy coats are slightly shiny. The hair should be slightly coarse to the touch because the coat is weather-resistant. Their multi-colored coats that have the appearance of being navy blue give the dog their name. The black and white mottling covers the body, with black spots interspersed throughout the back, ears and sides. Dogs with more blue coloring than black are preferred, especially in the show ring. Bluetick Coonhounds have even more distinct markings over their eyes, where they have tan eyebrows, on and their rumps, which are deep reddish-brown.
Brush them weekly with a firm rubber bristle brush or a hound glove.
Bluetick Coonhounds will need to be bathed every month, because they can develop a hound odor and they won't let it stop them from following a smelly scent.
Clipping or trimming your dog’s coat is far easier than you would ever imagine. With the right clipper, trimmer and scissors, giving your dog a haircut is easy on your wallet and your schedule.
Most dogs with short coats generally require occasional trims and tidying up in areas of excessive hair growth with trimmers or blunt scissors. It's always wise to take a dog for a short walk or exercise to calm them down before trimming. Remember to brush the coat first to remove tangles and mats. Use a trimmer or a scissors to even out areas around the tail, paws, sanitary areas and chest, as needed. When finished, the coat should lay flat and smooth against the body of most short-haired dogs.
Many dog owners are apprehensive about trimming their dog’s nails because they are nervous about cutting into the quick. But with the right conditioning and careful cutting, nail clipping can be a simple, stress-free activity for you and your dog.
Provide your dog with plenty of positive reinforcement and even treats to help associate nail clipping with a positive experience. As you start to clip, gently press on your dog’s paws to help him become accustomed to the feeling of having his nails clipped. Then, work gradually, shaving down just a thin portion of the nail at first to make sure you don’t reach the quick. Clip one nail, reward your dog with a treat, and stop to give him some positive reinforcement before moving on. Gradually increase the number of nails you clip in one sitting to help your dog get used to the process. Never trim extremely long nails down to a short nail in one sitting, because this is an excellent way to accidently quick the dog’s nail. Instead, work gradually, shaving small portions of your dog’s nails off each time.
You can tell if you’re getting close to the quick by the texture of your dog’s nail. The nail is hard closer to the surface and becomes softer as you get closer to the quick. If your dog’s nail starts to feel softer, that’s a good indication that you’re getting close to the quick.
Check the Bluetick Coonhound's floppy ears weekly for infection and make sure to trim hair around the ears and footpads.
Many owners do not realize how important it is to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets. These problems can be easily combatted with frequent brushing.
Cavities are rare with dogs but gum disease caused by tartar buildup is not, which is why they require regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs. While daily brushing is ideal, doing so on a weekly basis will be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.