Blue tick sniffers are often used to track down raccoons.
The bluetick or blue tick hound is a breed of dog that originated in the southern United States. These hunting dogs were bred to track a variety of animals, especially raccoons. As hunting dogs, blue ticks are persistent, loyal, and extremely intelligent. They’re also incredibly beautiful, with distinctive patterned coats and unique “voices” that come out when they’re on the hunt.
The breed appears to have originated in Louisiana and is likely derived from English hunting dogs that were brought to the United States by early settlers. In 1946, a breed association was formed to create a breed standard for the blue tick dog, and the dogs were recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club. The blue tick is uniquely adapted to the diverse terrains of the southern United States, with a stocky, muscular build and great stamina. Southern hunters developed the dogs specifically to hunt and herd raccoons, which is why they are sometimes called Bluetick Coon Hounds or Coon Hounds, although they can hunt a variety of other animals as well.
The “blue” color of a bluetick dog comes from the tick marking on the dog’s coat. Dogs have an undercoat of white fur that is covered in dark black spots. Many dogs with blue ticks also have dark patches of fur on their coat. The breed also has the sad eyes and floppy ears characteristic of the Bloodhound breed, with muscular hindquarters to give the dogs strength while on the trail.
Some hunters work with a single blue tick dog, while others may have a pack. Dog competitions are sometimes held at night so the dogs can demonstrate their excellent vision and tracking skills. Fox hunters in the United States may also ride specially trained blue ticks, especially in the South.
Like many working breeds, these dogs are often not suitable pets. They are extremely intelligent and love to solve puzzles, which means they can be frustrated by an environment without enrichment. A blue tick will also take off in search of interesting scents, and dogs will hunt dogs, cats, and other smaller animals because that’s what they were bred to do. Ideally, a blue tick should be worked like a hunting dog, given plenty of exercise and an environment rich in stimuli.