Things to Think About Before Adopting a Bluetick Coonhound
You saw those striking blue-flecked coats and those long velvet ears — and now you can't stop thinking about it. A Bluetick Coonhound might be your next dog.
But before you fall all the way in love, there's stuff you need to know.
Because here's the truth: Blueticks are loyal, smart, and gorgeous — but they're also vocal, scent-obsessed, and just stubborn enough to test your patience.
This guide walks you through everything — personality, exercise, barking, family fit, grooming, cost, and the honest trade-offs — so you can decide if this hound is right for your life.
The Bluetick Personality: Loyal, Smart, and a Little Stubborn
Bluetick Coonhounds are affectionate dogs with fierce loyalty to their people. They're not clingy lapdogs — but they do love being part of the action.
Whether that's a backyard BBQ or a snuggle session after a long walk, they want in.
Here's the thing: they're pack animals at heart. They usually do great in families, and even better if you're home a lot. Work from home or live an active life? They'll thrive.
“A Bluetick isn't the dog that does every trick on command — it's the dog that figures out how to open the treat cabinet when you're not looking.”
And yes — they're smart. Not in a flashy way, but in a determined, problem-solving way.
That determination has a flip side, though. It can come across as pure stubbornness.
All that brainpower needs an outlet — here's how much.
Exercise Needs: Not Couch Potatoes
Blueticks need daily exercise — at least an hour or two of real activity. Not a stroll around the block.
Think hikes, jogs, or a good long session at the dog park.
Remember, they were bred to track and hunt. Their noses are always working, always searching.
They're not hyper. But they're not chill loungers either.
Here's the golden rule of hound ownership: a tired Bluetick is a happy Bluetick. And a happy Bluetick is a well-behaved one.
Now, about that famous hound voice…
Barking, Prey Drive, and Apartment Life
Let's talk about barking — because yes, they're vocal.
It's not a shrill yap. It's a deep, resonant hound bay that they are not shy about using.
So what does this mean for you? If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, think hard about this one. Training helps, but the voice is part of who they are.
Then there's the prey drive. Cats, squirrels, birds — if it moves, they're interested.
They are athletic, not hyper. Give them their daily exercise and mental stimulation, and most Blueticks are calm, easygoing couch companions at home.
You can manage and redirect it, but you cannot erase it. It is hardwired from generations of scent-tracking work. Smart management beats wishful thinking.
Quite the opposite. Bluetick stubbornness comes from independent problem-solving — the same trait that made them excellent hunters. Channel it with rewards, not force.
Family Life: Great with Kids and Other Dogs
Here's where Blueticks really shine.
These dogs are typically fantastic with children. They're gentle, patient, and love being part of a busy family.
As with any dog, supervise early interactions, and teach kids to treat the dog with respect.
They also tend to get along beautifully with other dogs — especially when raised together or introduced properly.
Why? Because Blueticks were bred to hunt in packs. Canine company is second nature to them.
Young children
GreatGentle and patient, but supervise play and teach respect.
Other dogs
GreatPack breed — usually thrives with proper introductions.
Cats & small pets
With carePossible if raised together, but the prey drive is real.
Apartment living
Tough fitLoud bay and high exercise needs make it a challenge.
Good news for the low-maintenance crowd.
Grooming and Health: Low Maintenance, Mostly Healthy
The grooming routine is refreshingly simple.
Blueticks have short, glossy coats that shed moderately. A brush a few times a week plus the occasional bath keeps them looking sharp.
But there's one spot you can't skip: those big, floppy ears.
On the whole, Blueticks are a healthy, hardy breed.
Like many larger dogs, though, they can be prone to bloat and joint issues as they age.
The good news? Regular vet checkups and keeping them at a healthy weight go a long way. Their average lifespan is around 11–12 years — and with good care, many live longer.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Affection | |
| Trainability | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Grooming | |
| Good with kids | |
| Apartment friendly |
The Look: That Signature Blue Ticked Coat
They get their name from that unmistakable coat — a mix of black and white flecks that reads as bluish, often finished with tan markings.
It's gorgeous to look at. And honestly? Just as nice to pet.
Size-wise, they're medium to large. Males can hit up to 80 pounds and stand up to 27 inches tall.
But they're built for endurance, not bulk — strong and sturdy without being heavy.
So what does one actually cost?
Cost and Finding One
Here's some welcome news for your wallet.
Can you guess?
What does a Bluetick puppy typically cost from a reputable breeder?
Reputable Breeder
Pros
- Known health history
- Meet the parents
- Early socialization
Cons
- Costs more upfront
- May involve a waitlist
Rescue / Shelter
Pros
- Lower cost
- Often already vetted
- You give a dog a second chance
Cons
- Less known background
- May need extra patience
The Honest Verdict
Pros
Why you'll love a Bluetick
- Deeply loyal and affectionate
- Great with kids and other dogs
- Smart, athletic adventure buddy
- Low-maintenance short coat
- Generally healthy and long-lived
Cons
What to be ready for
- Loud, deep hound bay
- Strong prey drive — leash always
- Stubborn streak in training
- Needs 1–2 hours of exercise daily
- Not ideal for apartments
Quick poll
What's your biggest hesitation about a Bluetick?
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be, but only if you’re ready to commit to early training, daily exercise, and patience with their stubborn streak. A relaxed, active household that can be consistent will do great.
Yes. They have a deep, carrying hound bay and they’re not shy about using it. Training helps manage it, but vocalizing is part of the breed’s DNA — something to weigh carefully if you have close neighbors.
Typically, yes. They’re gentle, patient, and love being part of a family. Just supervise young kids and teach them to interact respectfully with the dog.
Sometimes. A Bluetick raised alongside a cat may coexist peacefully, but their strong prey drive means it’s never guaranteed. Be cautious with cats, rabbits, and birds.
Plan on one to two hours of real activity every day — hikes, jogs, or dog-park play. A tired Bluetick is a calm, well-behaved Bluetick.
Only in a securely fenced area. Outdoors and unfenced, their nose takes over the moment they catch a scent — and they’ll be long gone before they hear you calling.
Around 11 to 12 years on average, and often longer with good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy weight.
For most owners, it’s the combination of the loud bay and the strong prey drive. Both are manageable with training and smart routines, but neither fully disappears.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.