Caring for Your Bluetick Coonhound Harrier: Key Health Concerns and Solutions

Introduction

The Bluetick Coonhound Harrier is a hybrid dog breed that combines the Bluetick Coonhound and the Plott Hound, making it a unique hunting companion for many outdoor enthusiasts. This breed's ancestry provides it with exceptional tracking skills and endurance, allowing it to excel in hunting small and large game alike.

However, its strong instinct and independent nature demand attention from experienced dog handlers. In this article, we will delve into the general care, common issues, feeding requirements, behavior, training tips, grooming needs, considerations for potential pet parents, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and conclusion of caring for a Bluetick Coonhound Harrier.

General Care

Providing your Bluetick Coonhound Harrier with its basic needs starts from understanding its ancestry. These dogs are working hounds bred to hunt extensively, so they require space to run around, exercise regularly, and need to be mentally stimulated. Here are some of their general care requirements:

Exercise Needs

Bluetick Coonhound Hounders have tremendous energy levels, especially when hunting or participating in strenuous activities like tracking or biking with your partner. Providing a physically demanding exercise routine will benefit them both physically and mentally.

• Allocate sufficient time each day for running, jogging, or long walks.
• Engage in at least one 30-minute to 60-minute interval workout session per day if possible.
• Consider training courses or classes focused on obedience and agility; this can improve your relationship with the Hound while also benefiting themselves.

Living Arrangements

Bluetick Houndes demand space for active and restful periods as they are working dogs. Give some thought to acquiring a home or yard wide enough that allows your companion to easily exercise without feeling confined.

• Consider getting in touch with your neighborhood to inquire about any potential restrictions.
• Create a secured outdoor area for exercising if possible, such as fencing an enclosure around the pool and creating a safe playpen.

Health Checks

Schedule occasional vet visits to address issues before they escalate into bigger problems as the breed's genetic history is prone to certain diseases. Some of these include:

• Coonhound Paralysis
• Eye Disorders
• Cardiac Illnesses
• Cancers - such as Hip Dysplasia and Joint Malfunctions

Bluetick Coonhound Harrier Issues

Bluetick Coonhound harriers share many characteristics with their respective breeds, making it clear that this breed is far from the average house pet. It's critical to weigh in the strengths mentioned above against its possible drawbacks if you're thinking about bringing one of these Hounds into your family.

Escape Artists

As Bluetick Harriers are extremely energetic and can develop a sense of determination, they must have a secure living area that prevents escape or harm.

• Make certain that their enclosure is secure by digging up any buried wire.
• Train and teach them to stay inside at all times once you've completed securing the perimeter.

Noise Levels

As natural hunting companions, Bluetick Coonhounds are renowned for howling and barking. The noise would be overwhelming if it persisted through indoor living spaces.

Feeding a Bluetick Coonhound Harrier

A diet tailored specifically to your needs will be more beneficial than generic formulas when caring for the Bluetick Hound breed, especially if you plan on using them for hunting purposes. Your dog's metabolism is closely tied to its ancestry as an athletic powerhouse, so feeding quality meat, supplements, and nutrient-dense treats can satisfy their demands better.

Here are a few key points regarding your nutrition:

Meal Plan

Adhere to the standard practice of providing meals based on age:

• Feed young puppies every 8 hours or when they're about 6 months old.
• Continue feeding this way as an adult until their needs shift at 10-15 years old, and modify from that point.

Nutrition Plans

Tailor your dog's calorie consumption to their breed characteristics. Provide extra nutrients if it is being used for hunting purposes instead of just maintaining general health due to the high energy level:

• Feed nutrient-rich food items, such as meat, fruits and vegetables, fish oil, bones, or chow suitable for a Plott Hound.

Bluetick Coonhound Harrier Behavior and Training Tips

A key point when handling your Bluetick Coonhunter is ensuring their behavior corresponds to training goals rather than being an escape artist. Teaching simple tasks such as walking, coming home, sitting down at command or staying indoors may help you understand whether they respond quickly and appropriately like other types of hounds.

Social Skills

To make your dog more receptive to handling other animals, teach them basic social skills:

• Start training them when young (less than 1 year old) if feasible.
• Gradually introduce other dogs and family members into the home while teaching household rules and respect for them.

Bluetick Coonhound Harrier Grooming Guide

Blueticks have a short, rough coat with some distinctive features, such as their signature nose mask. Its grooming needs focus on keeping your dog fresh and comfortable due to its tendency toward excessive shedding during different climates (summer/fall vs winter/spring.) Regular trimming or regular maintenance with frequent nail and ear care may be beneficial:

Bluetick's Coat

While Blue ticks have a shorter coat, their fur still grows back fast. Brush it regularly:

• Give them a 1-hour brushing session every day. Maintain your dog's nails to avoid breakage:
• Trim the long hair around their eyes as well.

Considerations for Pet Parents

The strong will and high energy levels exhibited by Bluetick Coonhounds require the right breed of owners - especially those experienced in handling hunting stock. Those who've already experienced this breed should be fully aware that each animal may pose unique challenges while learning from them also comes with unexpected rewards.

Before acquiring a new dog, potential pet parents might want to ask themselves these questions:

• Are they capable of managing the demands associated with Bluetick ownership (training, hunting, escape-proof setup)?
• Have you previously interacted with this breed or have experience caring for hounds?
• Prepare your dog's future living arrangements if needed by moving into an area suitable for raising animals.

Bluetick Coonhound Harrier FAQs

Several frequently asked concerns about breeding these unique species are discussed below:

Q: What is the average lifespan of a Bluetick Harrier? A) 10-12 years on average

Q: Could I use this breed as a beginner hound? A) Generally no, because it may have some difficulties managing energy levels with minimal experience.