While there are many different types of dogs you can buy or adopt, you may want to consider the Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix! It is a lovable combination of working and hunting breeds.
Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes are famous for their dark-colored coats. They’re also a popular choice for many due to their hardworking and affectionate nature.
If you want to determine if this designer dog is right for you, read the rest of this blog. Up ahead are some of the most important facts about the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix that may help you in coming up with a decision!
Breed Overview
Height: | 23 – 30 inches |
Weight: | 45 – 100 pounds |
Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
Coat Colors: | Black, cream, chocolate, blue, tan |
Temperament: | Loyal, friendly, affectionate, intelligent |
Suitable for: | Families with pets; households with children; hunting and working dogs |
What Is a Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix?
A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix is a dog bred from a Bluetick Coonhound and a Labrador Retriever. The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix was originally developed to be a hunting dog. It is a loyal, friendly, and eager-to-please mixed breed, making it a great companion.
This mixed breed is not registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it is recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is known for its intelligence and ability to learn quickly. It is also known for being patient with children, which makes it a great family pet.
If you are looking for a loyal companion who will be by your side for a long period, then this pooch may be the right choice for you!
Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Origin and History
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is a relatively new dog breed, with its origins dating back to the late 2000s. It is not clear why this breed was initially produced, but it is most probably to create an ideal working dog.
This assumption is based on the background and history of its parents — the Labrador and the Bluetick Coonhound.
Since the early 1700s, historians have documented the Labradors as working dogs assisting fishermen with their tasks. They would drag nets, fetch ropes, and recover fish that had escaped the hooks.
On the other hand, Bluetick Hounds were used as pack dogs for hunting lynxes, wild boars, cougars, and bears. They also took down cunning raccoons early in the 20th century.
The combination of these two breeds would undoubtedly produce an active working dog. But it is also possible to see the Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix as companions, as their parents are also very affectionate.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Appearance
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix may exhibit the Hound’s dark blue coat, black ears, and tan body markings. Alternatively, they may inherit the Lab’s chocolate, red fox, yellow, or charcoal coat.
Generally, this breed has a short, smooth coat that is sheepskin-like and finely colored. Some dogs may have darker brown fur on their back, while others may have lighter coats on their stomachs.
The Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix’s eyes are round and dark brown in color. Their tail is thick at the base with a slight curve at the end, which usually curls over their back.
This breed has narrow legs, a large head, and ears that are floppy and hang down to its chest.
Of course, since this is a crossbreed, expect that they may exhibit different features other than the ones described above.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Size and Weight
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix stands 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs 45 to 80 pounds. This breed falls in the medium to large size category depending on which parent breed is more dominant.
Given their size, Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes may not always be the best choice for households with very young children. They may accidentally knock over your little one and cause major accidents.
Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes stop growing at about 24 months, but male dogs tend to be bigger and taller than female dogs and will continue to grow for a little while longer.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Temperament and Personality
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is an affectionate breed that loves being around people and other animals alike. It is a perfect family companion for those who are looking for one.
The loyal disposition of the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix can be attributed to its Labrador Retriever parent. Meanwhile, its affectionate nature is said to be inherited from the Bluetick Coonhound.
You cannot really rely on this mix to guard your house since it is super friendly to strangers. It would welcome strangers to your dwelling as if they were part of the family.
Moreover, the Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix also gets along well with other pets as long as it is socialized early with them. This mix also loves children and has a boundless energy to match a kid’s nature.
Although this mix is made to be a worker, it proves to be one of the best family companions one could ever have.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is 10 to 12 years, but they can live up to 15 years if properly cared for.
Their lifespan is primarily impacted by their diet, level of activity, accidents, and diseases they may have inherited from their parent breeds. Routine checkups are necessary for this mix in order to lead a healthy life.
To help you prepare, here are the most common health issues affecting Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip sockets of a dog do not develop properly. It causes pain when walking or running, which can, later on, render the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix unable to move or walk properly.
- Luxating Patella: Luxating Patella is another common health issue in the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix, which occurs when its kneecap misaligns from its femur. This can affect one or both the hind legs of the mix.
- Canine Osteoarthritis: Canine osteoarthritis is also a degenerative disease common in Lab hound mixes. The common symptoms of this health problem include lethargy, limping, reluctance to jump, and behavioral change.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia can generally affect large to giant-breed dogs like the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix. When the three bones that make up the elbow joint don’t fit together, they will cause possible arthritis, pain, and lameness.
Given the number of health issues common in this mix, it makes sense to invest in pet insurance. This will help you cover the costs of emergency treatments in case their condition gets worse.
Also, since the majority of the issues affecting the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix are bone-related, you may want to buy a suitable bed for their size so these conditions won’t worsen.
How to Take Care of Your Bluetick Hound Lab Mix
Taking care of a Bluetick Hound Lab mix will require work, commitment, and patience.
Although they aren’t that high maintenance compared to other breeds, they need to be fed, groomed, trained, and exercised according to their body’s requirements.
Below is a detailed guide on how to take care of a Bluetick Hound Lab mix.
Food and Diet
A Bluetick Coonhound Labrador needs a diet high in protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. In addition, fruits and vegetables such as carrots, green peas, and bananas are found to be good for their muscles, nerves, and kidneys.
For a Lab hound, maintaining a strict feeding plan is also recommended. Feeding your dog roughly the same time each day to avoid bloat and other health issues is better.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab requires feeding at least two to three times daily because of their high energy level. You may also feed them as you would a Labrador Retriever.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming a Bluetick Hound Lab mix is a great way to keep your dog looking and feeling its best. It also helps you bond with them, especially for dogs bred for hunting and tracking.
The coat of this breed is short and smooth, and it sheds very little. This means that they do not require much grooming.
If you keep your dog indoors, bathing it every four to six weeks is sufficient; however, if your dog is always outside, you may want to give it a bath once a week.
Your dog’s ears should also be cleaned frequently to prevent ear infections and remove parasites. You should also trim your dog’s nails every two to three months to prevent its nails from separating from the quick.
Training and Exercise
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is best suited for an active family with kids who enjoy playing outside. This breed is extroverted, energetic, and athletic.
Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes are intelligent dogs that are easy to train because they love pleasing their owners. Training with positive reinforcement is the most effective method for Lab Hounds.
However, it’s crucial to keep training sessions brief and pleasant to avoid your dog becoming disinterested.
Moreover, this dog needs 60 minutes of exercise or more per day. This mix would work well with an active owner since they are energetic.
It is also essential to provide them with mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, nose work games, shaping games, etc. These activities will prevent them from developing aggressiveness or separation anxiety later on.
How Much Does a Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix price is slightly higher than that of a Labrador Retriever and Bluetick Coonhound. You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 for a healthy Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix puppy.
This price range is dependent on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, dogs’ location, size, color, coat texture, state of health, and other characteristics.
Aside from the price of the pup, you must purchase items beforehand that will help it transition seamlessly to its new home.
The table below lists the initial needs of the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
Bowls | $10 – $40 |
Toys | $30 – $100 |
Beds | $40 – $300 |
Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
In addition to the items listed in the table above, you should also prepare for the continuing expenses and healthcare needs of your Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix.
Places to Find Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is not as easy as looking for their purebred parents.
To date, no breeder specializes solely in this breed. You would have to do intensive research since many listings of Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes are fake.
You may check out these places where you can find Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix for sale:
- Puppyfinder – Puppyfinder is a puppy search engine that provides dog breeders, rescue groups, and private sellers with a free advertising platform. They also offer identity verification, which helps to safeguard both buyers and sellers. Be sure to check this website for a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a family-run advertising website based in Pennsylvania. All puppies purchased through Greenfield Puppies, including the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix, are covered with a 30-day health guarantee from the dog breeder.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies promotes puppies from a list of reputable breeders. Puppies advertised on this website come from Pennsylvania and Ohio, Indiana, New York, and other states. If you are willing to ship your pup, you can get a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix from them.
Meanwhile, it is a good idea to adopt if you want to save a dog’s life. Getting a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador Retriever mix from a rescue can also help you save money.
Check out the rescues below to adopt a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix:
- Petfinder – Pet Finder is a search engine for animals needing homes, including the Bluetick Coonhound Lab. It includes a directory of about 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Adopt-a-Pet – You can select to adopt a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix from 21,000 agencies, organizations, and rescues on the searchable website of Adopt-a-Pet. They are the biggest nonprofit pet adoption website in North America.
- Labs4rescue – Labs4rescue is a nonprofit organization committed to giving rescued Labrador Retrievers and Labrador mixes a new home. America’s Best Charities awarded Labs4rescue with the Seal of Excellence, recognizing their efficiency and reliability.
Adopting a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix from a trusted Lab rescue or Bluetick Coonhound shelter is a far better choice if you’d rather save a dog’s life without going broke. However, you must really research your target rescue’s adoption process to succeed.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix
Before getting a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix, one must know its advantages and disadvantages. This would help prevent cases of surrendering the mix into a shelter.
Let’s start with the benefits of getting a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix:
- Highly intelligent dog: The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes easily learn tricks and commands because they are fairly intelligent. You probably won’t need to hire an expert trainer since you can train them at home.
- Loyal and hardworking dogs: The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is a perfect companion for people who need a little extra help getting around or handling certain tasks around the house. They are super loyal and hardworking, thanks to their Labrador Retriever parent.
- Sheds minimally: This breed may not be considered hypoallergenic, but they still make excellent pets for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
- Long lifespan: Although they are still prone to some health issues, this mix has a relatively long lifespan due to hybrid vigor. This can even be extended if you take care of them properly.
On the other hand, here are some drawbacks of owning a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix:
- Can’t be left alone: The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix can get depressed if you leave them alone for too long. When this happens, they may also show aggressiveness towards you and others.
- Needs a lot of exercises: As mentioned, this mix is energetic. You cannot expect them to lounge around the house all day. They should be physically and mentally stimulated — a requirement that won’t sit well with a busy owner.
- Prone to health issues: Health concerns with mixed breeds can be difficult to predict. You would have to do an extensive behavioral and health evaluation to ensure your dog is healthy.
- Large size: Since this mix is quite large, it can knock over kids during playtime. Moreover, they would need a wide fenced yard for them to run around and play.
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix is the best way to decide if it is for you. If the cons mentioned above did not bother you, then there’s no stopping you from taking home one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mixes Bark a Lot?
Yes. Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes bark a lot and likes to make their presence known. This breed is very extroverted, which contributes to their penchant for barking.
Note that their barking can be diminished with proper training and socialization.
Are Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mixes Hard to Train?
For the most part, Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mixes are easy to train. They learn quickly, although they also tend to be stubborn sometimes.
It’s important to be consistent with positive reinforcement and discipline when training them. Otherwise, they will not respond properly.
Do Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mixes Shed a Lot?
The Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix sheds a moderate amount of hair. Thus, its coat should be brushed weekly to get rid of loose hair and skin cells that may trigger allergies.
Final Thoughts
A Bluetick Hound Lab mix can be the ideal choice if you’re looking for an active, playful, and sociable dog. They pick things really quickly and are eager to please their owners.
Note, however, that these dogs require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Make sure you have enough space in your home or yard for them to run around and play.
Do you think you got what it takes to be a Bluetick Coonhound Labrador mix owner? Let us know in the comments below.