|
| Bluetick Coonhound |
|
|
The Bluetick Coonhound is a quintessentially American breed developed for the "sport" of Coonhunting (sport being defined as a competitive endeavor where both sides are equally equipped and operating by the same rules and scoring). Despite this, the temperament of virtually ALL Coonhounds is exceptional and wellsuited to a wide range of pet homes. Extraordinarily genial, tolerant, affable, friendly and devoted, the Coonhounds (as a group) have relatively low energy drives (making them great companions even for those who might only offer minimal exercise options) . For those with children, the greatest risk is that the tolerate Coonhound will end up teaching the child to be far rougher with dogs than is typically safe. The great sadness is that many Coonhounds are kept by those with minimal regard for dogs that will often discard them at a whim or not seek to find them if they wander off during a hunt. They deserve much better than to be represented by a "club" that makes no effort to catalog health issues, offer a code of ethics for breeders, or develop a solid rescue. |
|
|
|
| General Information |
| Group(s):
Hounds, Scent Hound |
Height: 23-34 inches |
| Weight: 55-80 pounds |
Longevity: teens |
| Colors: Preferred is a heavily mottled blue body with some (minimal) black; tan accents over eyes and black masking over face |
Coat type: smooth, flat |
| Recognized Registries: UKC, AKC and others |
| Overall Appearance: The rangy blue tick coonhound is reminiscent of a racy bloodhound. Typically with heavy flews (though not ponderous like a Basset Hound or Bloodhound) and loose skin that helps masquerade the heavily muscled body underneath. |
 |
| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: moderate |
| General Nature: |
Generally low key and tolerant |
| |
with Children: variable depending on the behavior of the child and the socialization of the dog |
| |
with other pets: varies |
| |
with dogs: generally good |
|
| Socialization requirements: high |
| Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the working nature, including scenting and voice, of this breed. |
| Temperament Notes: Strong work ethic, genial, low key except when working then very intense |
| Training requirement: moderate; as a pet socialization and basic manners |
| Trainer notes: As is true of the Scenthounds, the Bluetick Coonhound is easily distracted by anything that is sniffable, making most offleash work (like recalls) rather challenging. Finding something that motivates this dog more than their scenting ability can be difficult and varies from dog to dog. |
|
| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: 1946 with the UKC |
| Country of Origin: USA |
| Original Function: Scenthound |
| History: Most likely from the Colonial era and the English fast foxhounds along with some contributions by other French Scenthounds. |
|
| Adoption Information |
|
| Deviations from Standard: |
| Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye problems, luxating patellas, hypothyroidism, bloat |
| Health Testing: CERF, OFA, Thyroid Panel |
| Questions to ask Breeder:
http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had Bluetick Coonhounds?
Why do you have Bluetick Coonhounds (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a Bluetick Coonhound?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal Bluetick Coonhound?
How would you describe the ideal Bluetick Coonhound home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a Bluetick Coonhound? |
| Web Sites: http://www.coonhoundconnection.com/bluetick.html- Coonhound Connection Rescue and their Bluetick listings.
http://www.coonhound911.org/- Coonhound Rescue
http://bellsouthpwp.net/d/i/dixiecoonhoundrescue/ - Dixie Coonhound Rescue based in Alabama |
|
|
| Other Resources |
| Breed standard: |
http://www.bluetickbreedersofamerica.com/organizational/UKC.html- Standard with the UKC for the Bluetick Coonhound |
| Breeder Ethics: |
http://www.ukcdogs.com/coonhounds/ethics.shtml- UKC Code of Ethics which seems to be the only code that extends to the Bluetick Coonhound and unfortunately, leaves alot to be desired. The UKC is a registry of many breeds not a parent club for a breed (Golden Retriever Club of America is a club and part of a registry for example. The Bluetick Coonhound has no such group of fanciers taking responsibility for a specific and enforced code of ethics, education of prospective buyers or even sharing of health information). |
| Other: |
Thanks to the input of a number of Coonhound hunters, DigitalDog wishes to add that Coonhounds are not suitable pets if kept outside and chained. They have a strong desire (like all dogs) to spend time with and around their family. Sites like Dogs Deserve Better and others clearly illustrate the many temperament issues that result from chaining which include anxiety and high stress that can result in a number of behavioral issues from excessive barking, digging, destruction and hyperactivity to aggression. The many hunters that contacted us maintain their dogs in these manners and thus felt that the dog was not suited as a pet when it is actually their lifestyle/environment that is contributing to the hyper/high energy behaviors. |
|
|
|
|
