You see this striking pooch, and it made you think…
Will the Bluetick Coonhound be a great fur baby?
Are you willing to set aside some matters, like their barking?
Just so you get a well-rounded, energetic, and loyal pooch…
Let’s consider the benefits and drawbacks. And with that, get to know them even better.
Continue reading to discover:
- A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix’s grooming and activity needs.
- The appearance and temperament of a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix.
- 3 advantages and disadvantages of having a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix.
- And many more…
Table of contents
Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix: Appearance
A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix can vary in their coat color and patterns. Then, their medium build and captivating eyes make them a little intimidating. Regardless, their charm and their droopy ears will make you approach them still.
Height and weight
This mix falls between the spectrum of medium to large category for size in dogs.
There’s no estimation for this cross’ height and weight yet.
With that, the best way to tell is to look at their parents first.
Here’s the average height and weight of both Bluetick Coonhound and Lab:
| Quality | Bluetick Coonhound | Labrador Retriever |
| Average height | 21 in (53 cm) to 27 in (59 cm) | 21.5 in (55 cm) to 24.5 in (62 cm) |
| Average weight | 45 lbs (20 kg) to 80 lbs (36 kg) | 55 lbs (25 kg) to 80 lbs (36 kg) |
So, you can expect your little cross to fall between those estimations as well.
Colors
Their coat color will depend on which parent they take likeness from…
They can have their Coonhound parent’s bluetick coat. They’ll have bluish fur, and their ears will be black.
Moreover, they can also have random tan patterns around their body.
Or they can be covered with black and white specks for most of their build.
Now, what if they take most of the likeness of their Lab parent?
Then, their coat might be of the following colors:
- Black.
- Cream.
- Chocolate.
And if this is the case, they’ll have fewer to no specks or patterns in them.
As for their nose, most of them is colored black. But, you can still come across a mix with a brown-colored nose.
Then, their ears hang low and are considered droopy. Its color or pattern will depend on the rest of their body.
Lastly, their eyes are definitely brown.
And let me tell you, those eyes captivate people. That’s because they have a sweet expression on their face that can be pleasing.
Coat
A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix’s coat is short and smooth.
If given enough care, it can appear glossy. Such is a quality that adds to their spectacular display.
Moreover, their coat isn’t dense, and it’s just straight.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix: Temperament
A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix is a fulfilling companion to have.
First, you can expect them to be loyal to you. They’re the kind of dog that tend to become devoted to their main dog parent.
Moreover, they’re intelligent dogs. With that, they can be easy to train.
But be ready for a few setbacks as they’re also easily distracted.
That’s because a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix has a high prey drive. They got it from their parents, who are known to have the same.
Then, they’re also the pawfect friend to other dogs. I say so as they’re known to be sociable with their fellow canines.
Moreover, they can be welcoming of strangers and good with children.
But there’s a catch with that…
You see, these dogs aren’t welcoming by default.
There’s something huge at play that developed them into being friendly.
What’s it?
To understand, let me first explain the nature of the word ‘temperament‘ in dogs.
Basically, it’s defined as the dog’s personality.
According to AKC, it’s been believed that temperament is biologically based.
However, there’s been a continuous increase in knowledge about dog training.
With that, it’s learned that humans can modify a dog’s temperament over time.
In what way?
You can do so by exposing them to experiences and training them.
And so, let me go back to what can help your dog become friendly…
It’s none other than socialization during puppyhood.
Now, you must know that it’s a vital need during a dog’s early years.
How so?
Vets and behaviorists stress the importance of this factor.
That’s because it can affect your dog’s behaviors during their adulthood.
Take it from this research:
It tells us that lack of socialization can lead to behavioral problems.
Some examples are undesirable aggression and general fearfulness.
Those show because your pooch didn’t get exposed enough.
And when they enter adulthood, they can’t control their impulses. With that, they tend to act terribly.
As for dogs that are properly socialized…
Well, I’m happy to tell you that they’re thriving.
How?
That’s because well-socialized dogs don’t turn out to be awkward.
So, do you want your pooch to act nicely towards strangers? Do you wanna make sure that they get along with kids just fine?
Then, start ’em young…
Give them as many experiences as you can offer during their early years.
Moreover, schedule puppy playdates with their furry friends.
Then, introduce your fur baby to your friends. Do so with the intention of adding them as a member of the group…
Basically, those are some ways to socialize your dog.
“What if I’m getting them from a breeder?”
Then, don’t hesitate to ask them questions about such.
Inquire if the pooch you’re taking home has had time with their siblings.
Additionally, you can also ask if they’ve met other dogs of varying ages.
After all of that, you can finally bring home your new pupper. It’s going to be ass excited as this drive home with Lab Coonhound:
3 pros of owning a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix
#1: Trainability
An advantage of having this cross is you’ll deal with an intelligent dog.
Then, they’re also alert and curious.
With that, you can expect them to pick up on their training easily.
And to make it easier, get ready to give them a lot of treats. If there’s a shortage of such, compensate for it using compliments.
That’s because Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes do well using positive reinforcement.
However, there’s a minor drawback to this…
You must keep your training sessions as interesting as possible.
Why?
I mentioned earlier that Lab Coonhounds are easily distracted.
So, if the training isn’t entertaining them enough…
Uh-oh…
If they catch a random scent or see something move from the distance…
It’s going to be bye-bye training. They’ll now focus on that thing that caught their eyes or nose.
Now, let’s go back to a dog’s intelligence, shall we?
How smart can dogs get
There are a lot of dog parents that are proud of their pooch…
That’s because of their dog’s genius.
But, how much of an Einstein can dogs even get?
The famous psychologist, Stanley Coren, found out the answer for us.
According to his data, the wit of a dog is equivalent to a toddler’s. To be specific, most dogs are at the same level as a 2-year old.
Then, there’s also the mention of ‘super dogs.’
In the paper, those canines are considered to have the mental ability of a 3-year old. Now, such puppers are the geniuses of the dog community.
#2: They’re low-maintenance
As I described them earlier, these dogs can have short and smooth coats. That quality of theirs is from their Coonhound parent.
Now, that simple coat of theirs holds a benefit for you…
What is it?
A Lab Coonhound’s coat is low-maintenance.
That’s because they only shed seasonally. And when they do, the process is only moderate.
But, don’t celebrate just yet…
That’s because there’s still a rare case to prepare for…
And that’s when the cross takes the likeness of their Lab parent’s coat.
When that happens, they’re going to have a dense coat.
And they’ll still shed seasonally.
But, this time, they’re going to get hair all over the place. And with that, get ready to vacuum your place that can get covered in fur.
Lab Coonhound’s grooming needs
Yes, your cross might be considered low-maintenance…
But still, they have needs when it comes to grooming. And those are:
#1: You must brush their fur once a week.
Moreover, you should use a pin brush in doing so.
#2: Give them a bath at least once a month.
#3: They need their ears checked frequently.
As I said before, these dogs have droopy ears. With that, dirt, wax, and foreign bodies tend to accumulate in that area.
So, give those ears a look regularly. See if there are any clumps inside.
Moreover, observe if there’s a smell coming out of their ear.
#4: Trim their nails with nail clippers routinely.
#5: Brush their teeth. The ideal frequency is daily.
For further reading: Revealed: 19 Dogs That Don’t Smell Or Shed
#3: They’re hardworking
This is a quality that they got from both of their parents.
First, VCA Hospitals say that Labs used to pull small boats. Such is one of their first jobs.
Now to Bluetick Coonhounds…
They’re bred to take after the job of hunting and tracking.
And when you put those together, you get a hard-working offspring as well.
With that, your Lab Coonhound will expect to be busy.
So, take advantage of this quality on them…
You can do so by giving them small tasks around the house.
I recommend training them to clean up with you. Such an activity will be helpful for both parties.
3 cons of owning a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix
#1: They require an active lifestyle
Prepare yourself for this one…
That’s because Bluetick Coonhound Lab crosses are high-energy dogs.
And they’re not going to stop until they make use of that tower-high stamina.
With that, they’re going to require an active lifestyle.
Moreover, some people will see this as a benefit. Then, others will see this as a challenge to overcome.
Unfortunately, if you’re the latter, this pooch isn’t the right one for you.
For context, a Lab Coonhound needs about 60 minutes of activity per day.
During that hour of exercise, they gotta run and play around.
And it’s going to be a lot of work while they do so…
It’s either you’re going to be playing with them or looking after them…
But if I were to ask, I recommend doing the former. That’s because it’s an opportunity to spend time with your pooch.
You can also multitask and count that in as your exercise as well.
But wait, there’s more…
These dogs also require high amounts of mental stimulation.
And that means you can expect them to restore their energy after a while. Then, they’re going to need another set of whatever to be busy on.
With that, I suggest giving them an interactive toy to play with. Here’s an advanced-level dog treat puzzle that’ll challenge your pooch.
“What happens if I don’t provide these?”
Then you’ll face a bored dog…
And oh…
Such a creature can be a real issue.
That’s because boredom creates a destructive dog who chews everything.
It can also be a reason why your dog whines at you, as if complaining. Or they’ll weirdly stare at the wall instead.
This study also tells us that a bored animal will be restless. Then, their drowsiness will increase. With that, the creature becomes lazy as it doesn’t seek any more sensations.
You might also want to know: Why is my dog suddenly being destructive?
#2: They can develop barking problems
Not really a fan of consistently loud dogs?
Then, this is terrible news for your Lab Coonhound desire…
That’s because they’re known to develop barking problems.
No matter what their mood is, expect them to be vocal.
With that, they’re definitely not going to do well in a small apartment. If you live in one, you’ll fall at risk of having neighbor complaints for breakfast.
Yes, it’s going to be that unfortunate with this dog’s barking problems.
“Can’t it be corrected through training?”
That’s right, you can curb it through extensive training. However, their barking will stay loud.
So, the frequency might tone down, but their voice won’t.
Continue reading: Do Dogs Get Tired Of Barking? The Truth + 7 Anti-Barking Tips
#3: Health problems
Dogs experience predisposal to different medical issues depending on their breed.
And unfortunately, this mix isn’t exempted from that fact.
That’s because this cross might inherit some of their parents’ health issues.
To be clear, let’s talk about them individually…
For their Lab parents, AKC says these are the health risks they’re predisposed to:
- Obesity.
- Bloat.
- Eye conditions.
- Heart disorders.
- Muscle weakness.
- Elbow and hip dysplasia.
As for the Bluetick Coonhound, AKC gives us a list of health concerns:
- Bloat.
- Ear infections.
- Hip dysplasia.
With that, I suggest that you screen your mix before taking them home. And always remember to get dogs from reputable breeders only.
As for the follow-through, give the best health treatment that you can for your pooch.