As much as we admire the flashy speed of the Greyhound or the impressive strength of the Bulldog, there’s something uniquely endearing about a Bluetick Coonhound. With their soulful eyes, floppy ears, and ticked blue coat- they’re quite the sight! But, would they be a suitable choice for a first dog?
Starting with a brief history lesson, this breed is a pride of American history. Named after their distinctive coat pattern, Bluetick Coonhounds were first recognized as a breed in the early 1940s. Originally, they were developed for one very specific purpose- to hunt and tree raccoons. Hence, the ‘Coonhound’ part of their name. Today, the Bluetick is a well-loved pet and hunting companion.
But let’s get to the meat of the matter. What makes them a good, or not-so-good, option for first-timers in the dog ownership world? Well, that will depend on a few key factors.
Before browsing when and where to get your own ‘Bluetick,’ consider their size. When fully grown, Bluetick Coonhounds are a medium to large breed, with males standing 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder and females 21-25 inches. Their weight could range anywhere from 45-80 pounds. This means you’ll need a home and yard that can comfortably accommodate this size of a dog.
Next, let’s talk about personality. Blueticks are known for their tenacity and endurance in the field, but at home, they are typically gentle, amiable, and intelligent dogs. They have a significant amount of energy and will require stimulation, both physical and mental, throughout the day. This makes them fantastic companions for active people.
However, if you’re the type who likes quiet weekends on the couch, a Bluetick may not be your cup of tea. While they are docile and happy to lounge around for a while, remember they were bred as hunting dogs and have high energy levels that need channeling.
One interesting fact about the Bluetick Coonhound is their ‘baying’ habit. In a hunting scenario, the baying serves as an alert to the hunter that the dog has treed its prey. In a suburban scenario, this could be quite a nuisance to not just you, but your neighbors as well.
Getting a Bluetick Coonhound would require you to set boundaries early and provide consistent training to maintain household peace. However, if you’re enthusiastic about training a dog, they can be a good breed for a first dog, provided you are equipped with patience and perseverance.
Another area to consider is health. Generally, Blueticks are a hardy breed and typically live between 11-12 years. Common health issues typically encountered by the breed include hip dysplasia, ear infections due to their long floppy ears, and a tendency towards obesity if not given adequate exercise.
Feeding well-balanced meals, regular vet visits, and maintenance of their sleek blue coat and floppy ears are essentially all that is required to keep a Bluetick Coonhound healthy and happy. This does make them a somewhat low-maintenance breed compared to others, adding to their appeal as a first dog.
The Bluetick Coonhound is truly one of a kind, and with the right system in place, they can indeed become man’s greatest companion. All the same, jumping into dog ownership without adequate research and preparation can lead to heartbreak for both the owner and the pet.
To conclude, if you’re an active individual or family, have the space, are willing to put in the time and effort for training and exercise, and don’t mind a vocal companion, the Bluetick Coonhound might be the perfect first dog for you.
Overcoming the initial hump of training and settling them into your household can be tough, but once you do, their lovable nature will win you over. Like owning any pet, it’s vital to consider not only what the dog can offer you but also what you can offer the dog in terms of a loving and stable home.
In the end, the decision to get a Bluetick Coonhound as your first dog is a personal one, and only you can determine if this wonderful breed is a good match for your lifestyle and household. But as you ponder, remember, each bark of a Bluetick Coonhound is a note in an American symphony.
