Bluetick Coonhound

General Information - Bluetick Coonhound

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History

The Bluetick Coonhound originated in the Louisiana bayous and the Ozark Mountains in the southern USA in the early 1900's. They probably trace their ancestry to the French hounds such as the Grand Bleu de Gasgogne which were crossed with Bloodhounds and some Foxhounds. They are used for hunting and can tree a raccoon very quickly. In New Zealand, the Bluetick Coonhound is used for possum and pig hunting. The Bluetick Coonhound is reputed to have a "cold nose"; in hound circles, this means that the dog can follow an old trail left by the animal pursued.

Temperament

Bluetick Coonhounds are social and wonderful companions that are devoted to their families. This breed should not be trusted with non-canine pets as their hunting instinct is too strong. Bluetick Coonhounds are excellent at treeing raccoons and often take part in trials to test their skill at this activity. Bluetick Coonhounds are alert and able to work in all terrain situations. Each Bluetick Coonhound has a distinct voice that is recognisable to their owner. Bluetick Coonhounds tend to drool and slobber.

Upkeep

The Bluetick Coonhound is a dog that can run for miles, although it is usually content with a moderate jog or long walk, with an occasional excursion into the field. It can wander if it catches a scent, so a safe area is mandatory. Its coat needs only occasional brushing. Most Coonhounds drool to some extent, and the face may need regular wiping. The ears should also be checked regularly.

Bluetick Coonhound

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions and exaggerations, as well as being mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

Breed Standard - Bluetick Coonhound

The modern Bluetick’s colour indicates 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. One owned by George Washington was recorded as giving birth to 15 puppies, and Washington likened their musical voices to the “bells of Moscow”. The Grand Bleu was too slow on the trail to please the American hunter but, when bred to American hounds, it increased their coldtrailing ability and their endurance.
An intelligent, cold:nosed hunter that trees hard and long, the Bluetick has the ability and endurance to stay on the most intricate track. He is free tonguer on the trail with a medium bawl or bugle voice when striking and trailing. The changes to a steady chop when running and a steady course chop at tree.

General Appearance: Strong, deep:chested and sturdy with a houndy expression and longish ears, the Bluetick combines power with agility and endurance. An intelligent, cold:nosed, honest hunter that trees hard and long, his overall aspect is kind and self:assured.





Coat: Medium course, rather short, laying close to the body. Smooth and glossy.


Gait: Steady, determined, ground:covering stride, exhibiting reach and drive.
Serious Faults: Undersized, light:coloured eyes, off colours.

Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.