The Bluetick Beagle is a unique and energetic breed that's perfect for active families. They originated in the southern United States, specifically in the Louisiana and Texas regions.
Their distinctive coat features a mix of ticked and speckled colors, with a black base and white markings. This coat pattern is a result of the breed's history as a hunting companion.
Bluetick Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 18-30 pounds and standing between 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder. They're known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
These dogs are highly social and thrive on interaction with their human family members, requiring regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
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Physical Characteristics
The Blue-tick Beagle has a striking appearance, with a blue or gray speckled coat, brown eyes, and a black nose. This unique coat pattern is a key characteristic of the breed.
They have a short, dense, and weather-resistant coat that's perfect for outdoor adventures. This coat serves as protection against the elements, making them comfortable companions on hikes or strolls.
Male Blue-tick Beagles typically stand between 13-15 inches tall and weigh up to 22-25 pounds, while females stand between 11-13 inches tall and weigh up to 20-23 pounds.
Characteristics
The Blue Tick Beagle breed has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece, but it was developed in England in the 19th century for hunting purposes.
Blue Tick Beagles have expressive brown eyes and a black nose, making them a charming sight. Their coat has a distinctive blue or gray speckled appearance.
These dogs are very friendly and sociable, even with children, which makes them a great addition to families. They're not aggressive at all, but some may find them a bit too friendly.
Blue Tick Beagles don't require a lot of exercise, making them suitable for apartment living as long as they get enough physical activity. However, a secure yard can be helpful to prevent them from wandering off.
Their grooming needs are relatively low, but they do shed a lot, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their shedding in control.
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Dog Physical Characteristics
The Blue-tick Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog with a compact build, similar to a miniature foxhound. It has a broad head and a shorter muzzle.
Their coat is short, dense, and weather-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. This coat also serves as protection against the elements.
The Blue-tick Beagle's distinctive appearance is characterized by its striking coat color pattern. The coat features a series of small dark blue specks scattered across a lighter background.
Blue-tick Beagles often have tan markings on their legs, chest, and face. These tan patches complement the blue speckling and add to the breed's unique appearance.
The breed's eyes are expressive brown, and their nose is black. This combination of features makes the Blue-tick Beagle an attractive small hunting dog.
Here are the physical characteristics of the Blue-tick Beagle:
The Blue-tick Beagle's coat is typically tricolor, with a combination of black, tan, and white. However, it can also have a blue or gray ticking or mottling pattern over the lighter color of the coat.
A Good Sense of Smell
Beagles have a very good sense of smell, which is one reason they've remained so popular throughout their history.
Their significant sense of smell allows them to hunt rabbits and other small game with ease.
However, this sense of smell also increases their likelihood of wandering off, making it essential to keep a close eye on them.
This keen sense of smell is a valuable asset for Beagles, but it also requires extra attention and care from their owners to prevent them from getting lost.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The Bluetick Beagle's temperament is a winning combination of affection, curiosity, and loyalty.
They are social butterflies and thrive on human interaction, loving to be part of the family's activities and following you around with a wagging tail.
Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for individuals and families alike, and they form strong bonds with their owners.
Bluetick Beagles are known for their boundless curiosity, always ready to embark on new adventures and explore their surroundings.
They are natural explorers and love sniffing around the park or joining you on a camping trip.
Their friendly nature makes them approachable to strangers, but they also have a protective side that may manifest as alert barking when someone unfamiliar approaches.
They are gentle and patient, with a remarkable tolerance for children's curiosity and exuberance, making them an excellent choice for families with young kids.
Bluetick Beagles are social dogs and enjoy being with other animals, as their lineage was pack-based, similar to wolves.
They get along well with other dogs, children, and pets within your household, but it's always best to introduce them to other people and animals slowly.
Bluetick Beagles are happy and astute in a variety of situations and environments, and they will behave well in their home environment if properly socialized and obedience trained early.
However, they need company and will bark if bored or become destructive if they don't get enough stimulation.
They make a good watchdog due to their alert barking, but may not suit all types of living accommodation, especially if neighbors dislike loud dog barking.
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Health and Care
Blue Tick Beagles are generally a healthy breed, but like any purebred dog, they can inherit certain genetic health problems. Some of these issues include epilepsy, which can cause recurring and unconditional seizures.
Hypothyroidism is another possible health problem that can affect Blue Tick Beagles, causing symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, and lethargy. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health issues.
Glaucoma is a condition that can cause pressure in the inner eye, potentially leading to blindness if left untreated. Regular veterinary visits can help catch this condition early on.
Cherry eye is a condition that causes a red and oval-shaped mass to appear on the eye, making it swollen, painful, and unable to produce tears. This condition is more common in Blue Tick Beagles.
Diabetes, hip dysplasia, and back problems are also possible health issues that can affect Blue Tick Beagles. These conditions can make walking and moving around difficult.
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Regular veterinary visits are crucial to monitor your Blue Tick Beagle's health and catch any potential issues early on. Vaccinations and preventive care measures can also help prevent health problems.
Here are some common health issues that Blue Tick Beagles may face:
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Glaucoma
- Cherry eye
- Diabetes
- Hip dysplasia
- Back problems
By establishing a strong relationship with a veterinarian who understands your dog's unique needs, you can ensure they receive the best care throughout their life.
Training Dogs
Training your Blue Tick Beagle requires an early start, as they need to learn to control their energy levels and prey instincts.
They are intelligent and eager to please, but also have an independent streak, so starting training early is key to developing a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog.
Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play to motivate them and reinforce good behavior, as they love to please their owners.
Socialization is equally crucial, as it helps them interact confidently with other dogs, people, and various situations, preventing shyness or separation anxiety.
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You can expect them to get along with other dogs fairly well as well as children and other pets within your household, but remember to introduce them slowly.
Early leash training is strongly recommended, as they are intelligent and curious in nature, and they like their food, making training using positive reinforcement and food-based treats easier.
A tired Bluetick Beagle is content and well-behaved, so make exercise a daily priority, aiming for at least an hour of exercise each day, which can include brisk walks, playtime, and interactive games.
Engaging their keen sense of smell with scent-related activities or puzzles is a great way to challenge their minds and keep them mentally stimulated.
Develop your basic command words, such as "Stop", "Sit", and "Wait", and be consistent each time you use them, using small food-based treats as a reward for good behavior in early training.
Crate training is also essential, as it will help with bladder control and transportation, and will eventually become their nest.
Potty training may be hit and miss for a new puppy, but products like mats and odor sprays can help attract them to the same spot each time.
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Exercise and Nutrition
Bluetick Beagles are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Aim for at least an hour of exercise each day, which can include brisk walks, playtime, and interactive games.
Engaging their keen sense of smell with scent-related activities or puzzles is a great way to challenge their minds. A tired Bluetick Beagle is content and well-behaved, so make exercise a daily priority.
Providing a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for your Bluetick Beagle's overall health and well-being. Choose high-quality dog food that meets their specific dietary needs.
Portion control is crucial to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate feeding schedule and portion sizes based on your dog's age, weight, and activity level.
These Beagles are relatively small dogs, but they have a ton of energy to burn each day — more than Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, or Terriers. So, they love to go to the dog park and be able to run around with other dogs or their owner.
Beagles love their food but should be fed as a small-sized dog. Care must be taken not to overfeed them, and let them get overweight, as this breed is prone to developing diabetes.
Depending on the level of daily activity, they should be fed 3-4 cups of dry formulated Kibble per day. A slow feed bowl is recommended.
Grooming and Maintenance
Blue Tick beagles are smooth, short-haired, and double-coated dogs that shed regularly.
Seasonal changes can cause a significant increase in shedding, so be prepared for more frequent grooming during these times.
This breed is not hypoallergenic, which means it may not be the best choice for people with allergic reactions.
Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of loose hair and prevent matting.
Costs and Ownership
Owning a Blue Tick Beagle can be a costly venture, but it's worth every penny. The average price range for a Blue Tick Beagle puppy can be as low as $300 and as high as $650.
A good quality protein-based dry food will cost around $40 per month, which can add up over the course of a year. You'll also need to factor in vet's fees, vaccinations, medications, and accessories like a collar, leash, and grooming equipment.
Here are some estimated monthly costs associated with owning a Blue Tick Beagle:
Other Costs of Owning
Owning a Blue Tick Beagle comes with expenses beyond the initial purchase price.
A good quality protein-based dry food will cost around $40 per month, which is a necessary expense for your dog's health and well-being.
Vet's fees, vaccinations, medications, and accessories and toys, collar, leash, grooming equipment are also costs you'll need to consider.
The price of a Blue Tick Beagle puppy varies greatly, and it’s always best to go with a reputable shelter or breeder.
The average price range for a Blue Tick Beagle puppy can be as low as $300 and as high as $650, depending on the breeder and the puppy's pedigree, coloring, and pattern.
The pups with the blue markings are less common and therefore more valuable than other colors and markings.
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Ownership Pros and Cons
Owning a pet can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.
One of the biggest advantages of owning this pet is its cute and appealing appearance, which is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Its unusual blue color coat is a unique feature that sets it apart from other pets.
This pet makes a great companion, as it's happy and very loyal, always eager to be by your side.
It's also friendly and gentle-natured, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that it can be a bit mischievous and destructive if it gets bored or is left alone.
This pet is very active and overly curious, which means it requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
It's also prone to gaining weight easily, so it's crucial to monitor its food intake and ensure it gets plenty of physical activity.
On the other hand, its loud barking can be a bit of a drawback, especially if you live in a residential area.
To give you a better idea of the pros and cons, here's a summary:
- Positive traits: cute and appealing appearance, happy and loyal, friendly and gentle-natured, good with children and other pets
- Negative traits: loud barker, mischievous and destructive, very active and overly curious, prone to gaining weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Are blue tick Beagles rare?
Yes, Blue Beagles, also known as Bluetick Beagles, are a rare variety of the beagle breed. They are a unique and lesser-known type of beagle.
How much is a blue tick Beagle worth?
A blue tick Beagle's price ranges from $1,000 to $2,100 on the Pacific coast. Prices may vary depending on location and breeder.
What is the lifespan of a blue tick Beagle?
Blue tick Beagles typically live for 10-15 years with proper care and attention. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help ensure a long and happy life for your Beagle.
Is a blue tick hound a good family dog?
Yes, a Bluetick Hound can make an excellent family dog with proper training and socialization, especially for families with older children. With the right care, they can thrive as loving and loyal family members.
Are blue tick hounds aggressive?
Bluetick Coonhounds are generally friendly and sociable, but proper training and socialization are crucial to prevent aggression. Temperament can vary in individual dogs.
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