Origin: United States
Origin of Name: The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed of coonhound originating in the United States.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Hunting Dogs were classified as bred to chase a hot-blooded mine. The hound can be either "sithound" or "schenhound". SIIIounds (Whippets and Greyhounds, for example) use keen vision and speed to pursue and chase prey. The Schnaudes - whether an animal chasing a rabbit, or a bloodless one on human odor - uses a supernatural meaning of smell to follow the trail to some distance to locate its mine. Blueticks and their coon-dog cousins are scenthounds.
Like all Coinhound breeds, the Bluckett is an American creation. The bloody bloodlines are said to extend back before the founding of the country, particularly the French staguides given to George Washington as a gift from his great friend, the Marquis de Lafayette. These were huge, beautiful dogs, easy to walk. Breeders mixed with some other hound breeds to develop a high-endurance and meticulous predator with a "cold nose" in some English foxhounds. (This is the coon-hunter lingo that is capable of working a dog, which works for hours, even older, odor trails.)
These early bluesets were used by frontiersmen in search of the Willie raccoon, but were often expected to serve as big game hunters on such dangerous mines as bears, wild boars, lynxes, and cougars. In the early 20th century, Fred Gipson, the author of "Old Yeller", wrote of a line of famous bluesetics: "In this reproduction he has found a large, bell-sounding hound with a nose, a week old. Maybe Scar, the endurance to steer a maneuver for 30 hours, and the courageous courage he will have to deal with anything that will not take a tree before capturing it.
The breed has changed little since the time of Jipson. Blueticks are still a hunter's delight, and they are still fixtures in southern culture. Since 1953, Bluetick Coonhound has been the sports mascot of the University of Tennessee.
The Bluetick Coonhound has a short, shiny coat that is only medium-sized. Brushing weekly with a medium-bristle brush, rubber grooming mitt or hound glove will help remove loose hair and keep them looking their best. In general, bluesets require only an occasional bath, unless they are something particularly fishy. As with all breeds, blutic's nails should be trimmed regularly, as prolonged fingernails can cause dog pain as well as problems with walking and walking.
As with all breeds, early socialization and treatment can be a very useful aid in training a blket.
Blueticks are reared as Hunting Dogs and benefit from a lot of exercise, although they also take time to swing in their owner's feet. They will enjoy playing sessions with their owner in a safely fitted yard, or take long walks on the leash - remember that he is an odor hound with a strong hunting drive. In addition to hunting and field trials, canine sports such as agility and tracking are good outlets to which Bluckett's energy is added.
The Bluetick Coonhound should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
The Bluetick Coonhound is generally a healthy breed. Any deep-chested dog may be susceptible to bloat, a sudden and life-threatening condition where the stomach is impaired and can also bend cuts in the blood supply to the limbs. Owners should educate themselves as to what symptoms suggest bloating and what to do if so. Bluckett's low-hanging ears should be examined daily for any signs of infection. As with all breeds, teeth should be brushed regularly.