In the darkness of the woods, a streak of blue and black darts between the trees. A single howl pierces the silence – not a cry of danger, but a triumphant sound. These are the colors and the voice of a dog breed whose name may seem like a mouthful – the Bluetick Coonhound. Why is this musically inclined hound known for being decked out in such a unique shade of blue? I will let you in on some amazing fact! That eye-catching ‘blue’ is actually a dense speckling of black-colored spots on white fur, lending them an appearance of looking blue from a distance. Isn’t that something?
Now, the most common question that comes to people’s mind about this visually and vocally unique breed is, “Are Bluetick Coonhounds aggressive?” To understand this, it’s necessary to know a little more about this dog’s background.
Watercolor portraits of the olden days – little boy with his faithful hound, lazing on a sunny porch, a fallen apple beside them – often depict this breed. Bluetick Coonhounds have been popular for over two centuries, mostly among hunters in the American South. But do not let their historical role as hunting dogs color your perception. They were treasured not for their ferocity, but for their extraordinary scenting skills and relentless determination. A Coonhound could track a scent for hours, even days, and alert hunters to their target’s location with their exceptional, and rather melodious, baying.
Like their noses, their sense of loyalty is quite tremendous, and they are known to display affectionate ways that are irresistible. Paradoxically, the image of a ferocious dog couldn’t be more distant from the reality. Yes, my friends! The fact is, Bluetick Coonhounds are generally not aggressive at all! In fact, they are one of the sweet-natured breeds you’ll ever come across!
Let me bring more clarity. It’s crucial to understand that every dog, regardless of its breed, has its own unique personality. The Bluetick Coonhound, like all dogs, can exhibit a range of behaviors, which can depend on various factors like its upbringing, socialization, training, and environment. But aggression isn’t typically part of their character.
That being stated, these pooches have an independent spirit which is a common trait among hunting dogs. Though it is not aggression, if not understood and addressed properly, could lead to behavioral issues. Socialization from an early age and positive reinforcement training are highly recommended. With their high energy levels, it’s worth noting that they need a good deal of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. An under-stimulated Bluetick can become bored and potentially destructive, but that’s far from aggression.
Also, remember that these dogs are highly sociable. They enjoy companionship, whether it’s from humans or other dogs. With appropriate introductions and monitoring, they often do well in households with multiple dogs. They are even good with children and make wonderful family pets due to their loving and protective nature. Yes, ‘protective’, but it comes with a spoonful of bravery and not aggressiveness. If a stranger approaches, a Bluetick would likely respond with barks and may seem standoffish, but this is more about their dedication to protect their ‘pack’ than raw aggression.
However, Bluetick Coonhounds may not be a good fit for everyone. Because of their stubborn and independent streak, they require an owner who is patient and understands the importance of consistent training. They are not likely to respond well to harsh training methods, which can lead to fear-based reactions, sometimes misunderstood as aggression.
Despite some of their challenging traits, with the right approach, Bluetick Coonhounds can not only be incredibly loyal and loving pets; they can also excel in many other roles. They can shine in activities such as obedience and agility training, tracking competitions, search and rescue work, and even as therapy dogs!
In conclusion, Bluetick Coonhounds are far from being aggressive. They are warm-hearted dogs with a keen sense of loyalty, a strong nose, and an enchanting voice. Remember, it’s just their bark that is louder than their bite, and that too, employed only to sound the alarm to protect their cherished ones. So, if you can provide plenty of exercise, structured training and an abundance of love, a Bluetick Coonhound might prove to be a wonderful addition to your family! Happy ‘barking’, folks!
