It’s debate time! A Google search will offer plenty of answers to the question, “What is the smartest dog breed?” With responses ranging from the Border Collie to the Poodle – it’s often tricky to determine the true canine genius. But let’s throw a curveball in the mix – have you ever considered the Bluetick Coonhound?
Sure, this dog breed may not be the usual suspect for the title of ‘smartest’, still, there’s a reason why we’re discussing it today. Unveil your detective hat as we delve into the world of Bluetick Coonhounds, their intelligence, and where they truly stand on the canine IQ chart.
Bluetick Coonhounds are an American breed that are often overshadowed by their more famous cousins – the Beagle and the Basset Hound. With their striking coat peppered in blue, black, and white (which incidentally provides them their distinctive name), these dogs are known for their unique look and their excellent sense of smell. But there’s more to these coonhounds than just a pretty face and a keen nose.
Let’s begin with their history. Bluetick Coonhounds are descendants of the French staghounds, English Foxhounds, and cur dogs. Initially bred to track and tree raccoons and other small game, these dogs have been lauded for their stamina, agility, and tracking abilities. These traits inherently require a natural wit and adaptability. So, perhaps it’s fair to say, the Bluetick Coonhounds are more intelligent than you might first think.
Often, when we talk about canine intelligence, we categorise it into three types: Instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working/obedience intelligence. Instinctive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to perform the tasks it was bred for, such as herding, retrieving, or in the case of the Bluetick, tracking. Adaptive intelligence relates to a dog’s ability to solve problems on its own, while working/obedience intelligence concerns itself with a dog’s ability to learn from humans.
In terms of instinctive intelligence, the Bluetick Coonhound definitely excels. These dogs are born hunters – their superior sniffing capabilities, paired with their inherent tenacity and fearlessness, make them perfect for hunting small games. They’re able to independently track down a scent even in harsh terrains, indicating a high degree of instinctual intelligence.
As for adaptive intelligence, Bluetick Coonhounds have shown a knack for problem-solving. As hunting dogs, they often need to navigate various challenges in their pursuit of quarry. They are known to use their environment to their advantage, finding hidden trails, detecting camouflaged prey, and even comprehending the direction of the wind for the best scent tracking.
But what about working and obedience intelligence? This category is where most of the “smart” breeds like Border Collies and Poodles usually shine. It involves tasks like following commands, recognizing words, and emulating human actions.
Bluetick Coonhounds, here, present a more complex picture. They are certainly trainable and can learn commands. However, their strong hunting instincts can at times overshadow their obedience. This doesn’t mean they’re less smart; their intelligence just shows itself differently. Because they are hard-wired to think independently and make decisions on the fly during a hunt, they may not always appear obedient to their owners.
So, is the Bluetick Coonhound the smartest dog? That depends on how you define intelligence. In the traditional sense, they may not hold the top spot. But in terms of instinctual and adaptive intelligence, they certainly hold their own against other breeds.
While we’re at this, here’s a useful piece of advice if you’re thinking of adopting or buying a Bluetick Coonhound. Understand that this breed’s intelligence comes with a dose of stubbornness. It requires an owner who can give firm, consistent training from an early age. So, if you’re looking for a challenge and have the patience to appreciate their unique canine intelligence, a Bluetick Coonhound might just be an excellent choice for you.
In conclusion, intelligence in dogs, much like in humans, comes in various forms. While Bluetick Coonhounds may not be the academic scholars of the dog world like Poodles or Border Collies, they indeed are the survivalists – displaying a combination of instinctual, adaptive, and a dash of working intelligence. So, next time someone asks you about the smartest dog breed, you’ll know what to say. Maybe it’s not about who’s the smartest, but rather, how they use their smarts that truly matters.
