Bluetick Coonhound
Male: 25-36 kg, Female: 20-29 kg
Male: 61-68.5 cm, Female: 58.5-63.5 cm
11-12 years
United States
About the Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a quintessential American scenthound, distinguished by its striking 'blue' ticked coat and powerful, athletic build. Descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and English Foxhounds, this breed was refined in the American South to possess a 'cold nose'—the ability to follow a scent trail that is hours or even days old. They are built for endurance rather than speed, capable of traversing rugged terrain for hours in pursuit of game. In a domestic setting, the Bluetick is a deeply affectionate and 'chatty' companion. They are famous for their unique 'bawl'—a deep, rhythmic bark used to communicate with their handler over long distances. While they are gentle and home-loving when their physical needs are met, their intense prey drive and olfactory focus mean they are always on the lookout for a scent to follow. They represent a harmonious blend of a rugged, tireless worker and a sensitive, people-oriented family dog.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the ring, the Bluetick Coonhound should exude power and agility without ever appearing clunky. The hallmark is the coat—a dense, blue-ticked pattern that should shimmer with health. Judges look for a 'cold-nosed' expression: pleading, dark brown eyes and a well-defined stop. Their movement is a smooth, rhythmic trot that covers ground effortlessly, reflecting their endurance in the field.
Bred For
Trailing and treeing raccoons and other small game, as well as tracking large predators like bear and cougar.
Temperament
Devoted, intelligent, tenacious, and incredibly vocal with a melodic, soulful bawl. They are known for being steady and bold in the field while remaining affectionate and loyal companions at home.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, (), ear infections (otitis externa), and occasionally s or .
Exercise Needs
Extensive daily activity is required. They need long, vigorous walks or runs, combined with scent-work opportunities to satisfy their natural tracking instincts.
Grooming Needs
Minimal. Occasional brushing to remove dead hair and regular, diligent cleaning of the long, pendulous ears to prevent infections.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartment living. They require a large, securely fenced yard to explore. Their loud bawling can be a disturbance to close neighbors, making them better suited to suburban or rural properties.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children, particularly older children who understand how to interact with large, energetic hounds. Their size and exuberance may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Usually friendly with other dogs, especially other hounds. However, they have a very high prey drive and may not be safe around cats or small pocket pets unless raised with them from a very young age.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but independent. They are scent-driven and may become 'nose-blind' to commands if they catch a trail. Training requires patience, positive reinforcement, and consistent boundaries.
Coat & Colours
Short, dense, and glossy with a slightly coarse texture.. Dark blue-mottled (ticked) body with various shaped black spots on back, ears, and sides; tan markings on cheeks, over eyes, and on chest/legs.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
The Bluetick Coonhound is more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep-chested conformation; owners should be vigilant about feeding schedules and signs of distress. Their long, heavy ears can be predisposed to yeast and bacterial infections, requiring a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep them healthy. As a scenthound, they have an incredibly high prey drive and 'selective hearing' when on a scent trail—a sturdy fence and leash are non-negotiable for their safety. They are also famous for their vocalizations; they don't just bark, they 'sing' or 'bawl,' which is a beautiful trait for a hound lover but something to consider if you have close neighbors. Like many hounds, they may have a distinct 'doggie' odor due to the oils in their coat, and they are prone to moderate shedding, though a quick weekly brush easily manages this. Some Blueticks can be more likely to develop food sensitivities on grain-heavy commercial diets, often thriving on a fresh, limited-ingredient raw diet that supports their sensitive digestive systems.
Feeding Guide for Your Bluetick Coonhound
Healthy Weight
20-36 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
600-950 grams
For an adult Bluetick Coonhound, we recommend feeding approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight in fresh or raw food daily. Because this breed is prone to bloat, it is essential to split the total daily amount into two or even three smaller meals rather than one large one. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least one hour before and after feeding. To support their active joints, ensure the diet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish or green-lipped mussel.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-protein, nutrient-dense diet suited for high-energy working hounds. They benefit greatly from fresh or raw diets that support joint health and provide high digestibility to mitigate gas and bloat risks.
A balanced raw diet for a Bluetick should focus on high-quality proteins such as Australian beef, kangaroo (which is excellent for weight management), and lamb. Majestik's Kangaroo and Beef blends are ideal. Include seasonal vegetables like spinach and carrots for antioxidants, and consider adding sardine or salmon portions twice a week to support their glossy coat and joint health. Ensure portions are calculated precisely based on their activity levels to prevent obesity, which puts extra strain on their hips.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Bluetick Coonhound Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Bluetick Coonhound? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
Bluetick Coonhound Owner Feedback
Real experiences and tips from Bluetick Coonhound owners
Other Large Breeds
References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
