The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Hound

Bluetick Coonhound

Mottled hound with restless drive

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Exercise
High
Mental stimulation
High
Trainability
Medium
Vocality
High
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Medium
Temperature sensitivity
Medium

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
11–12 years
Body weight
45–80 lb
Height
21–27 in
Apartment suitability
Not Ideal

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Are comfortable with a loud voice when engaged
  • Like scent-led adventures as a daily habit

Not ideal

  • Need quiet living with shared walls and close neighbors
  • Prefer short outings to cover most needs on typical days

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Driven and vocal, with a big endurance engine and a strong “work the trail” focus. Short outings rarely feel like enough.

Handling & social style

Affectionate, but excitement can get loud and stubborn. A trained off-switch and calm routines matter a lot here.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Athletic, scent-obsessed, and expressive—affectionate with people but very driven outdoors. Many have a big voice and an even bigger opinion about the trail.

Environment & space

Best where long outings are normal and noise won’t become a daily conflict with neighbors.

Daily routine

Consistent movement plus sniff work—walks that allow exploration, plus structured nose games to channel that drive.

Health sensitivities

Ear care and maintaining a lean condition are common themes; steady conditioning supports joint comfort.

Grooming / coat

Easy coat—light brushing and routine hygiene.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United States

Background

Developed in the U.S. as a cold-nosed trailing hound, the Bluetick was bred to stay on a difficult scent line and keep working until it mattered. The classic “hound music” helped hunters follow the action. As a pet, they’re often affectionate and driven, and they tend to thrive when walks include long sniff time instead of constant pace.