The modern Bluetick’s colour shows that it descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (French Staghound) as well as the English Foxhound. Many French hounds were brought to America and contributed to the coonhound breeds.
The Grand Bleu was too slow on the trail to please American hunters, but, when bred to American hounds, it increased their cold trailing ability and their endurance.
They were originally classified as English Coonhounds, Bluetick breeders broke away from the English breeders in 1945. They didn’t want to follow the trend towards producing a hot-nosed, faster hunter. They were proud of their larger, cold-nosed and resolute, if slower, hounds, they named their breed and maintained their own hunting style.
They are a very intelligent dog, they become very devoted to their family, which makes them a good companion dog. They do well living indoors and play a fine guardian to their family and home.
They are usually best with older children, but can also do well with younger ones. Some can be a bit aggressive toward other dogs and reserved with strangers, socialization is a must from young age.
They are a passionate hunter and should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This breed is extremely alert, attentive, and able to work over difficult terrain in bad weather. Do not let this breed off the leash in an unsafe area, as they may take off after an interesting scent.
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