The Complete Blue tick coonhound Guide

You didn’t land on the Blue tick coonhound by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The cold-nosed coonhound, methodical, vocal, and devoted, and blue-mottled coat and a relentless nose, they’re a natural fit for active hunters and outdoor owners who want a methodical, devoted, and capable cold-nosed coonhound who want a striking, methodical, and nose-driven coonhound who excels at cold-trailing old scent and baying game. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Blue tick coonhound?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Blue tick coonhound? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	2 out of 5	Intelligent but scent-first. Their nose controls their outdoor attention
Obedience	2 out of 5	Reliable in calm environments. Outdoor recall on a trail is not achievable
Focus	1 out of 5	Scent overrides everything outdoors
Stubbornness	4 out of 5	Independent and nose-driven

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	4 out of 5	Affectionate and devoted with their family
Good with children	4 out of 5	Gentle with children
Good with strangers	5 out of 5	Extremely friendly with people
Good with other dogs	5 out of 5	Pack-oriented and excellent with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Not suited to apartment living
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Their short coat handles cool weather reasonably well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat
Routine flexibility	2 out of 5	Needs consistent vigorous daily exercise
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better for owners familiar with coonhound temperament

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	4 out of 5	Good energy and cold-trailing endurance
Endurance	4 out of 5	Exceptional endurance on old or cold scent trails
Exercise needs	5 out of 5	Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent and capable in the field
Grooming needs	2 out of 5	Short, dense coat requiring minimal grooming

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	4 out of 5	Playful and warm
Affection	4 out of 5	Affectionate and devoted
Loyalty	3 out of 5	Loyal to their household
Independence	4 out of 5	Independent and nose-driven
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert to environmental scents and sounds

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	5 out of 5	Extremely vocal. The Bluetick bay is one of the loudest and most distinctive in coonhound breeds
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Light chewing tendency
Prey drive	5 out of 5	Extreme scent-driven prey drive
Guarding instincts	1 out of 5	Too friendly to be guard dogs

What are common health issues of a Blue tick coonhound?

Like all breeds, Blue tick coonhounds are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Blue tick coonhounds? 

Your Blue tick coonhound can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip evaluation
• Ear examination and cleaning at every wellness visit
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• Annual weight monitoring

Do Blue tick coonhounds need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Blue tick coonhound owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Blue tick coonhound owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Bluetick specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Blue tick coonhounds are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Blueticks age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Blue tick coonhound owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$60-$65
2 years old	$40-$45
3 years old	$50-$55
4 years old	$65-$70
5 years old	$65-$70
6 years old	$65-$70
7 years old	$85-$90

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Bluetick?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Blue tick coonhound and your budget.

History of the Blue tick coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound was developed in the United States, primarily in the American South, from French hounds, particularly the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, crossed with English Foxhounds. The breed's distinctive blue-mottled coat is inherited from the French hounds. Blueticks were initially registered as English Coonhounds but separated into their own category in 1946 by the United Kennel Club due to their distinct cold nose, which allows them to trail older, colder scent tracks than most other coonhound breeds. The AKC recognized the Bluetick Coonhound in 2009. The Bluetick's methodical, cold-nosed hunting style makes them particularly valued for hunting in conditions where scent has had time to cool. Their loud, melodious bay is one of the most distinctive sounds in the American hunting tradition.

Caring for a Blue tick coonhound

Training

Training a Blue tick coonhound takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are scent-driven, independent, and easily distracted by their powerful nose, which means owners need to work creatively to hold their attention and compete with the environment's smells. Short, high-reward sessions with especially enticing treats and a patient, persistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Blue tick coonhounds have a short, dense coat that requires low grooming. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb manages shedding and keeps the coat clean, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Regular ear cleaning is essential as the long, floppy ears are prone to moisture and infection.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Bluetick looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Blue tick coonhounds have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Scent tracking, running, and fetch are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Blue tick coonhounds are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become vocal, restless, and prone to persistent howling and following their nose into trouble. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Blue tick coonhound will actually love.

Nutrition

Blue tick coonhounds are medium to large dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,100 to 1,500 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $50 to $75 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Blue tick coonhound here.

Blue tick coonhound costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Blue tick coonhound?

Before your Blue tick coonhound even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$1,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Blue tick coonhound each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Blue tick coonhound owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$600-$1,000	Based on the recommended portion for your Blue tick coonhound
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$100-$300	Every Every 8 to 12 weeks, Short dense coat needs minimal professional grooming; ear cleaning is the priority maintenance.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Blue tick coonhound names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Blue tick coonhound we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Blue tick coonhound puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Blue tick coonhound puppies are striking, methodical, and deeply capable on cold trails in a way that makes them outstanding hunting companions. That a warm, easygoing home temperament that makes them endearing family dogs beyond the hunting season is part of what makes them space, vigorous daily exercise, secure fencing, weekly ear cleaning, and comfort with loud hound baying, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Blue tick coonhound brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Blue tick coonhound’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Blue tick coonhounds are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

4. Ohio

Ohio's mix of farmland, suburbs, and wooded parks creates consistent tick and flea exposure, particularly in spring and summer. Coyotes are also well-established across the state, including in suburban areas, so being aware of surroundings during dusk and dawn walks is a good habit.

5. Virginia

Virginia sits in the heart of Lyme disease country. Ticks are active across the state's wooded areas and parks for much of the year, and year-round prevention is increasingly recommended by vets. Copperhead snakes are also common throughout the state, especially in wooded neighborhoods and along hiking trails.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Blue tick coonhound? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Blue tick coonhound right for you?

Blue tick coonhounds reward the right owner with a cold-trailing capability and distinctive blue-mottled coat that makes them one of the most recognizable coonhounds and a warm, loyal temperament that makes them outstanding companions in active settings. They just need vigorous daily exercise, weekly ear cleaning, secure fencing, and appreciation for hound independence and vocal nature in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Blue tick coonhound. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.