Group 4: Hounds
Height:
Male: 61 – 76 cm
Female: 58 – 71 cm
Weight:
Male: 25 – 45.5 kg
Female: 20.4 – 38.5 kg
Energy Level: Moderate
Original Function: Scent-hound
Lifespan: 10 – 12 yrs
Recommended for: Active people & families.
Note: Not many in Australia.
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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Appearance: Strong, deep-chested and sturdy with a houndy expression and longish ears, the Bluetick combines power with agility and endurance. His overall aspect is kind and self-assured. Proportions: Somewhat rectangular. Length slightly longer than height.
Temperament: Intelligent, pleasing. An equally fine companion for a day at home or a night of hunting.
Characteristics: An intelligent, cold-nosed, honest hunter, that trees hard and long, the Bluetick has the ability and endurance to stay on the most intricate track. He is a free tonguer on the trail with a medium bawl or bugle voice when striking and trailing. This changes to a steady chop when running and a steady course chop when the prey is treed.
Colour: Dark blue, mottled, spotted by various shaped black spots on back, ears and side. More blue than black is preferred. Tan dots over eyes and on cheeks with dark red ticking on feet, lower legs below body line, chest and below tail. Blue ticking should dominate over white in the body coat.
Coat: Short, medium coarse, laying close to the body. Smooth and glossy.
Grooming: An occasional brushing is all that is needed. In order to keep the ears clean and infection-free, regular attention is a must.
Exercise: Daily vigorous exercise is needed.
Health: