The Bluetick Coonhound's bark is a distinctive sound that's both loud and musical. It's a trait that's been developed over centuries to help the breed excel at hunting.
The bark is typically a deep, baying howl that can be heard from a distance. This is because the breed was originally developed to hunt small game, such as raccoons and opossums, in the dense forests of the southern United States.
A Bluetick Coonhound's bark can vary in pitch and volume depending on the dog's mood and the situation. For example, a dog that's excited or alert may bark in a higher pitch, while a dog that's tired or bored may bark in a lower pitch.
The Bluetick Coonhound's bark is also a key part of its communication style, and is often used to convey information to its human family members.
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Bluetick Coonhound Facts
The Bluetick Coonhound bark is quite the thing. It's a loud, bawling howl that becomes shorter and choppier as they near their prey.
These dogs were developed from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the now-extinct English cur dog, and several hound breeds. This mix has resulted in a breed that's well-suited for hunting large game like bears, wild boars, and cougars.
Bluetick Coonhounds need jobs and workmates, or they can exhibit unwanted behaviors like chewing and excessive barking. This is because they require a lot of attention and exercise every day.
If you're considering getting a Bluetick Coonhound as a pet, be prepared for a louder-than-average dog. They're known for being "crooners", barking, howling, bawling, and bay-ing.
Here are some key characteristics of the Bluetick Coonhound breed:
The most popular male name for a Bluetick Coonhound is Duke, followed by Hank. For females, it's Dixie, then Daisy.
Temperament and Behavior
Bluetick Coonhounds are bred to be hunting dogs, making them athletic and hardy, but also requiring a full-time job or activity to stay happy.
They can be challenging to train and should be monitored around cats or other small animals due to their strong prey drive.
Blueticks are highly intelligent and have a talent for problem-solving, but this can also make them stubborn at times.
To keep their baying and howling at bay, training is crucial, and socialization from a young age is essential.
A Bluetick Coonhound's strong sense of smell makes them excellent hunting/tracking dogs, but this also means they'll sniff and follow scents relentlessly.
Blueticks generally get along well with children, but their noses will get them into trouble if left unsupervised.
To prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing and excessive barking, Blueticks need adequate exercise and companionship.
Here's a quick rundown of Bluetick Coonhound temperament and behavior characteristics:
Blueticks are large dogs that need space, and their near-boundless energy requires lots of physical exercise every day.
To accommodate their needs, Blueticks should be provided with extensive mental stimulation and daily exercise, either on a leash or within a securely fenced area.
Their unique howl, known as baying, can be a challenge for owners, especially if they live in close proximity to neighbors.
Caring for Coonhounds
Bluetick Coonhounds are large dogs, with males reaching up to 80 pounds and 27 inches tall, and females maxing out at 65 pounds and 25 inches. They need space to move around.
To accommodate their size, you'll want to provide a spacious living area, ideally with a securely fenced yard where they can run around freely. Dogs of this size require lots of space.
A Bluetick's near-boundless energy means they need extensive mental stimulation and physical exercise every day. This can be achieved through activities like running, hiking, or playing fetch.
Because of their insatiable instinct to follow their noses, exercise should take place either on a leash or within a securely fenced area. This will prevent them from taking off after a scent and getting lost.
Blueticks have a reputation for baying, a loud howl that sounds more like a yodel. Training can help keep baying to a minimum, but it's essential to be prepared for a louder-than-average dog.
If you live in a residential area with close neighbors, you may want to consider the potential for baying to be a concern. It's best if you can be home to keep the hound's hollering to a minimum.
Without adequate exercise or companionship, Blueticks can exhibit unwanted behaviors like chewing and excessive barking. Providing a job or workmate for your Coonhound can help prevent these behaviors.
Characteristics and Traits
Bluetick coonhounds are large, muscular dogs with a very affectionate temperament towards their owners. They tend to get along well with other dogs, but their high prey drive might cause them to see other household pets as potential quarry.
Females are generally smaller than males, and both require a lot of attention due to their high-energy nature. They need plenty of exercise every day, which can be a challenge for some owners.
The breed is known for being loud and vocal, referred to as "crooners" due to their tendency to bark, howl, bawl, and bay. They have a unique bark that's a loud, bawling howl that becomes shorter and choppier as they near their prey.
Here's a summary of their characteristics:
Bluetick coonhounds are not ideal for first-time dog owners due to their high-maintenance nature and need for proper training and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you train a Coonhound not to bark?
Yes, you can train a Coonhound to reduce excessive barking with positive reinforcement techniques like the 'quiet' command. Start by teaching your Coonhound to associate the command with calm behavior and reward them with treats and affection
Sources
- Bluetick coonhound: Dog breed characteristics & care (betterpet.com)
- The New Complete Dog Book: Official Breed Standards and All-New Profiles for 200 Breeds- Now in Full-Color (google.com)
- "Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Information" (akc.org)
- Bluetick Coonhound Breeders of America (bluetickbreedersofamerica.com)
- breed standard (akc.org)
- Bluetick Coonhound Rescue (rescueme.org)
- Bluetick Breeders of America (bluetickbreedersofamerica.com)
- National Bluetick Coonhound Association (nationalblueticks.com)
- Bluetick Coonhound Puppies For Sale (akc.org)
- always a Bluetick Coonhound (knoxnews.com)
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