Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed and 11 Similar Hunting Hounds Compared
Explore the Bluetick Coonhound dog breed alongside 11 similar hunting hounds. Compare temperament, exercise needs, health risks, and find your ideal match.
Why the Bluetick Coonhound Dog Breed Deserves a Spotlight Among Hunting Hounds
The Bluetick Coonhound dog breed has earned a loyal following among hunters and active families alike, thanks to its striking mottled coat, relentless tracking drive, and surprisingly gentle off-duty demeanor. But if you've fallen for the Bluetick's cold-nose tracking ability or its iconic howl, you might be wondering how it stacks up against other scent hounds in the same category.
This guide ranks the Bluetick Coonhound alongside 11 comparable hunting hound breeds — all evaluated against the same rigorous criteria — so you can make an informed decision before bringing home a high-drive scenthound that will redefine your daily routine for the next 10–15 years.
Selection Criteria: What Qualifies a Breed for This List
Every breed included below was evaluated against five benchmarks that define a capable, manageable hunting hound for an active owner:
- Scent-tracking heritage: The breed must have documented origins as a scenthound or coonhound, bred to track game over long distances using olfactory cues rather than sight.
- Exercise threshold (60+ minutes/day): These are not apartment dogs. Every breed on this list requires a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity, with most needing 90–120 minutes.
- Vocalization tendency: Hounds bay, howl, and "talk." Breeds were selected for owners who understand — and can manage — significant vocalization.
- Off-duty temperament: Despite high prey drive outdoors, qualifying breeds must demonstrate reliable calm behavior indoors when properly exercised.
- AKC or UKC recognition: All breeds hold full or Foundation Stock Service recognition with the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club, ensuring documented breed standards and health screening protocols.
The Bluetick Coonhound and 11 Comparable Hunting Hound Breeds, Ranked
The following 12 breeds are grouped into three tiers based on their suitability for first-time hound owners, exercise intensity requirements, and adaptability to family life. The Bluetick Coonhound anchors the list as our benchmark breed.
Tier 1: Best for Experienced Hound Owners (High Drive, High Reward)
1. Bluetick Coonhound
Size class: Large (45–80 lb / 20–36 kg; 21–27 in at shoulder)
Key trait: Elite cold-nose tracker capable of following trails hours or even days old — a trait that distinguishes it from most other coonhounds.
Profile: The Bluetick Coonhound dog breed originated in the American South, refined from French Grand Bleu de Gascogne and English Foxhound stock. Its signature dark blue mottled coat is more than cosmetic: the dense, short fur sheds mud and burrs efficiently during long hunts. Expect a dog that is single-minded on a scent trail but couch-friendly at home — provided it gets 90–120 minutes of structured exercise daily. Blueticks are prone to hip dysplasia (estimated 10–15% prevalence in OFA-screened populations) and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so proactive health screening is non-negotiable.
2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Size class: Large (50–70 lb / 23–32 kg; 20–27 in)
Key trait: The fastest coonhound breed, built for competitive coonhound field trials where speed and treeing instinct are scored.
Profile: Descended from English Foxhounds crossed with Walker strain hounds, this breed dominates competitive night hunts. It's slightly more biddable than the Bluetick in recall training but carries an equally powerful prey drive. Treeing Walkers excel in lure coursing and barn hunt sports as outlets for their drive. Average lifespan: 12–13 years.
3. Redbone Coonhound
Size class: Large (45–70 lb / 20–32 kg; 21–27 in)
Key trait: Versatile hunter that tracks raccoon, bobcat, and even mountain lion — one of the few coonhounds trusted with large-game pursuit.
Profile: The Redbone's solid mahogany coat and webbed feet make it an exceptional swimmer among hounds, a practical advantage for swamp and bayou terrain. It tends to bond more tightly with a single handler than the Bluetick, which can make multi-person household integration slightly slower. Expect 11–12 years with proper joint and cardiac screening.
4. Black and Tan Coonhound
Size class: Large to Extra-Large (50–75 lb / 23–34 kg; 23–27 in)
Key trait: The most cold-weather tolerant coonhound, originally bred in the Ozarks and Appalachian regions where sub-freezing tracking was routine.
Profile: Recognized by the AKC since 1945, the Black and Tan is among the oldest American coonhound breeds. It has a slightly heavier bone structure than the Bluetick and a deeper, more resonant bay. Predisposition to ectropion (eyelid rolling) and hip dysplasia requires OFA screening before purchase. Lifespan: 10–12 years.
Tier 2: Moderate Drive — Adaptable to Active Family Life
5. English Coonhound
Size class: Large (45–65 lb / 20–29 kg; 23–26 in)
Key trait: The most heat-tolerant coonhound, performing reliably in Southern summer conditions where other hounds overheat.
Profile: Sometimes called the American English Coonhound, this breed shares significant ancestry with the Bluetick but carries a ticked red-and-white or blue-and-white coat. English Coonhounds tend to be slightly more social with strangers than Blueticks, making them marginally easier for households with frequent visitors. Daily exercise need: 60–90 minutes.
6. Plott Hound
Size class: Large (40–60 lb / 18–27 kg; 20–25 in)
Key trait: The only coonhound developed primarily for bear and boar hunting rather than raccoon — giving it a noticeably higher prey-drive intensity and protective instinct.
Profile: North Carolina's state dog traces to German Hanover Hounds brought by the Plott family in the 1750s. Brindle coat patterns are breed-signature. Plotts are more handler-focused than Blueticks, which aids obedience training, but their guardian instinct means early socialization with strangers and other animals is critical. Lifespan: 12–14 years.
7. American Foxhound
Size class: Large (65–75 lb / 29–34 kg; 21–25 in)
Key trait: Bred for endurance over speed — capable of maintaining a steady trot for 4–6 hours during fox hunts.
Profile: George Washington's preferred hound, the American Foxhound is lighter-boned than its English cousin and adapted to the varied terrain of the Eastern US. It's among the most pack-oriented hounds: single-dog households may see separation-related vocalization. Best suited to homes with at least one other dog. Lifespan: 11–13 years.
8. Harrier
Size class: Medium-Large (45–60 lb / 20–27 kg; 18–22 in)
Key trait: The rarest breed on this list (fewer than 200 AKC registrations annually) and the most intermediate in size between Beagles and Foxhounds.
Profile: Originally bred in England for hare hunting, the Harrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885 but remains uncommon in the US. Its moderate size makes it one of the more manageable hounds for suburban homes with fenced yards (minimum 6-foot fencing recommended). Expect a friendly, pack-social dog with moderate baying. Lifespan: 12–15 years.
Tier 3: Specialized or High-Maintenance Options
9. English Foxhound
Size class: Large (60–75 lb / 27–34 kg; 23–25 in)
Key trait: The original pack foxhunting hound — requires a running companion (human or canine) and is poorly suited to solo living.
Profile: With fewer than 100 AKC registrations per year, the English Foxhound is among the rarest recognized breeds in the US. Its stamina is extraordinary: field-bred lines can cover 20+ miles in a day. This is not a casual pet; prospective owners should have prior hound experience and access to large, securely fenced acreage. Lifespan: 10–13 years.
10. Otterhound
Size class: Extra-Large (80–115 lb / 36–52 kg; 24–27 in)
Key trait: The only hound on this list with a rough, waterproof double coat — originally bred to pursue otters through British rivers and streams.
Profile: Critically rare (fewer than 800 individuals worldwide), the Otterhound is a conservation-level breed. Its shaggy coat requires weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping, adding grooming time that no other breed on this list demands. It's amiable and clownish but large enough to accidentally topple small children. Lifespan: 10–13 years. Prospective owners should connect with the Otterhound Club of America for breeder referrals.
11. Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Size class: Extra-Large (80–120 lb / 36–54 kg; 25–28 in)
Key trait: An ancestral breed behind the Bluetick Coonhound — the French foundation stock that contributed the Bluetick's signature mottled coat and cold-nose tracking ability.
Profile: Rare in the US (AKC Foundation Stock Service), the Grand Bleu is a serious hunting hound for experienced handlers. Its deep, melodious bay carries over long distances. Health screening should include OFA hips and elbows. Expect significant drooling and a strong pack orientation. Lifespan: 10–12 years.
12. Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound)
Size class: Extra-Large (60–105 lb / 27–48 kg; 26–32 in)
Key trait: The only sighthound on this list — included because its open-field coursing heritage produces a hunting-drive profile comparable to scenthounds, but with visual (not olfactory) pursuit instinct.
Profile: Borzoi differ fundamentally from coonhounds: they chase by sight, not scent, and their prey drive triggers on movement rather than odor trails. They're included here because owners researching high-drive hunting breeds often cross-shop Borzoi with hounds. They're quieter (rarely bay) but require secure fencing (minimum 6 feet) and daily sprint opportunities. Lifespan: 9–14 years. Note: Borzoi are sensitive to anesthesia — inform your veterinarian before any procedure.
Head-to-Head: How These 12 Hunting Breeds Compare
| Breed | Weight Range (lb / kg) | Daily Exercise | Vocalization Level | Family-Friendly | Est. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetick Coonhound | 45–80 / 20–36 | 90–120 min | High (bay/howl) | Yes, with older children | $1,800–$2,600 |
| Treeing Walker Coonhound | 50–70 / 23–32 | 90–120 min | High | Yes, active families | $1,700–$2,500 |
| Redbone Coonhound | 45–70 / 20–32 | 60–90 min | Moderate-High | Yes | $1,700–$2,400 |
| Black and Tan Coonhound | 50–75 / 23–34 | 60–90 min | High (deep bay) | Yes, with supervision | $1,800–$2,700 |
| English Coonhound | 45–65 / 20–29 | 60–90 min | Moderate-High | Yes | $1,600–$2,300 |
| Plott Hound | 40–60 / 18–27 | 60–90 min | Moderate | Yes, with early socialization | $1,600–$2,400 |
| American Foxhound | 65–75 / 29–34 | 90–120 min | High (pack howl) | Yes, best with another dog | $1,700–$2,500 |
| Harrier | 45–60 / 20–27 | 60–90 min | Moderate | Yes | $1,500–$2,200 |
| English Foxhound | 60–75 / 27–34 | 120+ min | Very High | Experienced owners only | $1,800–$2,800 |
| Otterhound | 80–115 / 36–52 | 60–90 min | Moderate | Yes, careful with toddlers | $2,200–$3,500 |
| Grand Bleu de Gascogne | 80–120 / 36–54 | 90–120 min | Very High | Experienced owners only | $2,000–$3,200 |
| Borzoi | 60–105 / 27–48 | 60–90 min (with sprints) | Low | Yes, gentle with children | $2,000–$3,000 |
Cost estimates include premium kibble ($60–$90/month), routine veterinary care ($600–$900/year), preventives ($200–$350/year), and basic gear replacement. Puppy purchase price is separate: expect $800–$2,000 from a responsible breeder for most coonhound breeds, $2,500–$4,500 for rare breeds like the Otterhound.
Decision Framework: Which Hunting Hound Fits Your Life?
Choosing between the top contenders — the Bluetick Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, and Redbone Coonhound — depends on three lifestyle variables. Use this flowchart to narrow your choice:
- Do you have acreage or access to large, fenced areas (1+ acre)?
- Yes → Continue to step 2.
- No (suburban yard only) → Consider the Harrier or Plott Hound instead; they adapt better to smaller spaces with structured daily walks and weekend trail access.
- Is hunting or field sport participation your primary goal?
- Yes, competitive coonhound events → Treeing Walker Coonhound (fastest, best trial record).
- Yes, recreational tracking or hunt tests → Bluetick Coonhound (superior cold-nose ability, AKC hunt test eligible).
- No, companion animal with high exercise needs → Continue to step 3.
- Do you have young children (under 8) or multiple pets?
- Yes → Redbone Coonhound (most handler-focused, bonds tightly, slightly lower prey-drive reactivity indoors).
- Older children / single-pet household → Bluetick Coonhound (independent thinker, thrives with structured routines).
- Multi-dog household → American Foxhound or English Coonhound (strongest pack orientation).
Honorable Mentions and Breeds to Avoid for This Profile
Honorable Mentions
Beagle: The most popular scenthound in the US, but excluded from the main list because its exercise threshold (30–60 min/day) and size class (20–30 lb) place it in a different category. If you love hound temperament but need a smaller dog, the Beagle is the obvious pivot.
Basset Hound: Another scenthound with exceptional nose work ability, but its low-energy profile (30–45 min/day) and skeletal structure (chondrodysplastic) make it a fundamentally different ownership experience.
Norwegian Elkhound: A spitz-type hunting dog with hound-adjacent drive, but its independent temperament and heavy shedding place it outside the scenthound category this list targets.
Breeds to Avoid If You Want a Manageable Hound
Ibizan Hound: A sighthound with extreme vertical leap ability (can clear 6-foot fences from a standstill) and a prey drive that makes off-leash recall nearly impossible in unfenced areas. Not recommended for first-time hound owners.
Afghan Hound: Despite the "hound" name, Afghans are sighthounds with high grooming demands (daily brushing of their floor-length coat) and a notoriously independent temperament that frustrates owners expecting coonhound-style biddability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Bluetick Coonhound dog breed different from other coonhounds?
The Bluetick's primary distinction is its cold-nose tracking ability — it can follow scent trails that are hours or even days old, a trait inherited from its Grand Bleu de Gascogne ancestry. Most other coonhounds (Treeing Walker, Redbone) are "hot-nose" trackers, excelling at fresh trails but losing older ones. The Bluetick's blue-mottled coat is also unique among coonhounds; no other AKC-recognized coonhound carries this specific coloration pattern.
Why is the Borzoi on a list of scenthounds?
It isn't — and that's the point. The Borzoi is included as a comparison anchor because many prospective owners researching high-drive hunting dogs cross-shop sighthounds and scenthounds. The fundamental difference: scenthounds track by odor (nose to ground), while sighthounds pursue by visual movement detection. If vocalization is a dealbreaker for your neighborhood, the Borzoi's quiet nature may make it a better fit than any coonhound on this list.
How much does a Bluetick Coonhound puppy cost from a responsible breeder?
Expect to pay $800–$1,500 for a Bluetick Coonhound puppy from an AKC-registered breeder who performs OFA hip evaluations and provides a health guarantee. Field-bred lines from competitive hunting kennels may command $1,500–$2,500. Avoid breeders offering puppies under $500 without health documentation — these are frequently backyard operations or puppy mills. Adoption through coonhound-specific rescues (such as Coonhound Companions) typically costs $250–$450 and includes spay/neuter and initial vaccinations.
Can any of these breeds live in an apartment?
Realistically, no. Every breed on this list requires 60–120+ minutes of daily vigorous exercise and most produce significant vocalization (baying, howling) that will generate noise complaints in shared-wall housing. The single exception: a Borzoi in a ground-floor apartment with direct yard access and a committed running partner — but even this is a compromise. If apartment living is your situation, consider a Beagle or Basset Hound instead.
Which of these breeds has the fewest health problems?
The Harrier and Plott Hound consistently show the lowest prevalence of hereditary conditions among breeds on this list, likely due to smaller gene pools with active health screening by dedicated breed clubs. The Bluetick Coonhound and Black and Tan Coonhound carry higher rates of hip dysplasia and bloat risk. Regardless of breed, always request OFA or PennHIP hip certifications from the breeder and discuss a bloat prevention plan (including prophylactic gastropexy) with your veterinarian.
Are these breeds good with cats and small animals?
Generally, no. Every breed on this list carries a prey drive that was selectively bred for generations. While individual dogs can be conditioned through structured desensitization and counter-conditioning protocols to coexist with household cats, this requires weeks to months of daily training sessions and is never guaranteed. Small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens) should always be secured in predator-proof enclosures regardless of your dog's training level.
Final Considerations Before You Commit
Every breed on this list represents a 10–15 year commitment to a dog that will reshape your daily schedule, your fencing budget, and your relationship with your neighbors. The Bluetick Coonhound dog breed is an outstanding choice for an owner who values cold-nose tracking heritage, a distinctive appearance, and a dog that transitions from intense field focus to relaxed home behavior — but only if you can deliver the 90–120 minutes of daily exercise it requires.
Before purchasing or adopting, attend a coonhound hunt test or field trial through the AKC coonhound events program to see these dogs working in their element. Talk to owners, ask about the realities of hound ownership, and spend time with adult dogs — not just puppies. The decision you make should be based on the dog these breeds become at 2–5 years old, not the 8-week-old puppy in the breeder's living room.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary or behavioral consultation. Always consult your veterinarian before making decisions about breed-specific health screening or dietary needs.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
