Bluetick Coonhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Very High | 5% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Bluetick Coonhound right for you?
The Bluetick Coonhound is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Bluetick Coonhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bluetick Coonhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Bluetick Coonhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bluetick Coonhound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Bluetick Coonhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions and is highly vocal, which matters in an apartment or a terraced house. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Bluetick Coonhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bluetick Coonhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very high — the Bluetick Coonhound is among the most vocal breeds in the catalogue — a real constraint in a flat with shared walls. Only 5% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Bluetick Coonhound drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Adaptability: Low — the Bluetick Coonhound is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bluetick Coonhound actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Vocal enough to be a genuine issue with shared walls. |
Where the Bluetick Coonhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Poor fit | very high barking combined with very high energy is the combination flats punish most. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Hunters
- Rural properties
- Tracking sports
- Southern US families
Things to consider
- Extremely vocal
- High exercise needs
- Strong tracking drive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bluetick Coonhound good with children?
- Yes — the Bluetick Coonhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bluetick Coonhound shed a lot?
- The Bluetick Coonhound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bluetick Coonhound need?
- With very high energy, the Bluetick Coonhound needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Bluetick Coonhound live?
- The Bluetick Coonhound typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Bluetick Coonhound live in an apartment?
- The Bluetick Coonhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Bluetick Coonhound easy to train?
- The Bluetick Coonhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bluetick Coonhound be left alone during the day?
- The Bluetick Coonhound copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.