Bluetick Coonhound Guide: Size, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption
Bluetick Coonhound overview
AKC places the Bluetick Coonhound in the Hound Group and lists its size category as large. The name comes from black-and-white ticking that gives the short-to-medium glossy coat a navy blue look, and many have a mostly black head and ears.
Bluetick Coonhound history
The UKC standard says the Bluetick most likely descends mainly from quick English foxhounds, with some blood from French hounds used on big game. UKC began registering Blueticks as their own breed in 1946, after first registering them as English coonhounds. AKC lists the United States as the breed's origin and recognized it in 2009.
How big do Bluetick Coonhounds get? Size, height and weight
Both AKC and UKC give an adult male Bluetick height of 22 to 27 inches at the withers and an adult female height of 21 to 25 inches. Both AKC and UKC give weight as 55 to 80 pounds for males and 45 to 65 pounds for females.
Bluetick Coonhound temperament and personality
AKC describes the temperament of the Bluetick Coonhound as devoted, smart and tenacious. VCA describes them as loveable, goofy and devoted dogs that tend to be happiest with a full-time job such as hunting, obedience or agility. AKC rates the breed 4 of 5 for energy and 5 of 5 for getting along with other dogs. They can be loud, with a long, drawn-out bawling bark.
Do Bluetick Coonhounds shed? Grooming needs
AKC rates shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 2 of 5 for the breed. VCA recommends weekly brushing, occasional baths, and weekly ear checks, and notes a musty, houndy smell that never fully goes away.
Training a Bluetick Coonhound
VCA calls Blueticks relentless problem solvers who may selectively ignore commands when they smell something interesting, so training can be challenging. Once you have their attention and respect, VCA says they are very mindful of their owners.
How long do Bluetick Coonhounds live? Lifespan and health
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 11-12 years for the Bluetick Coonhound. VCA calls the breed generally healthy but says it can be prone to cataracts and hip dysplasia. Because they are deep-chested, VCA says they may also be prone to bloat. VCA advises choosing a breeder who can document healthy hips in both parents, and a veterinarian can advise on screening for an individual dog.
Bluetick coonhound rescue and adoption
Anyone considering coonhound rescue should plan for a large, athletic hound that tends to be vocal and benefits from a job to do. Lily's Second Chance lists Bluetick Coonhounds that partner organizations care for, so questions about a specific dog go to the organization listing it.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Bluetick Coonhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 2009
- Height (AKC published)
- 22-27 inches (male), 21-25 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 55-80 pounds (male), 45-65 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 11-12 years
- AKC size category
- Large
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 2 of 5
- Affection toward family: 3 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- No recommended health tests
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Bluetick Coonhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Bluetick Coonhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Bluetick Coonhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
