American Foxhound vs Bluetick Coonhound

Choosing between American Foxhound and Bluetick Coonhound? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

American Foxhound vs Bluetick Coonhound: full comparison

TraitAmerican FoxhoundBluetick Coonhound
SizeLargeLarge
Energy levelVery HighVery High
TrainabilityLowMedium
FriendlinessHighHigh
Good with childrenHighHigh
Grooming needsLowLow
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingVery HighVery High
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityLowLow
Typical lifespan12 years12 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Size and living space

The American Foxhound is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Bluetick Coonhound is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Foxhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Bluetick Coonhound requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The American Foxhound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Bluetick Coonhound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Foxhound learns steadily provided you stay consistent, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Bluetick Coonhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a great deal, which is worth considering with neighbors close by and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, American Foxhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Bluetick Coonhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Foxhound if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Bluetick Coonhound on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Bluetick Coonhound if you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Foxhound or the Bluetick Coonhound better for families with children?
Both the American Foxhound and the Bluetick Coonhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Foxhound or the Bluetick Coonhound?
The American Foxhound and Bluetick Coonhound shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the American Foxhound or the Bluetick Coonhound?
The Bluetick Coonhound is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Foxhound or Bluetick Coonhound bigger?
American Foxhound and Bluetick Coonhound are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, American Foxhound or Bluetick Coonhound?
Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, American Foxhound or Bluetick Coonhound?
For apartment or apartment living, American Foxhound and Bluetick Coonhound are an even match — either can work well.

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