The blue tick beagle is a unique dog breed developed by crossbreeding a bluetick coonhound with a beagle.
This hybrid combines the best traits from both parent breeds, resulting in an excellent hunting, family, and companion dog.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about blue tick beagles.
Contents
Origin and History
The origin of the blue tick beagle is recent and not well documented. It is believed that breeders started crossbreeding bluetick coonhounds and beagles in the late 1900s or early 2000s. Their goal was to develop a new dog with the drive and tenacity of a coonhound and the compact size and friendly temperament of a beagle.
This mix breed experiment has paid off nicely, producing an energetic hunting companion that thrives both outdoors and as a loving family pet. While they originated in the United States, these designer dogs have become more popular worldwide over the last two decades.
Physical Characteristics
The blue tick beagle is a medium-sized dog, generally standing 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing 20 to 30 pounds. They have a sturdy, athletic build that allows them to keep up on hikes and hunting excursions.
Some of the most distinguishing physical traits of this mixed breed include:
- Coat color: As the name suggests, they have the signature blue ticking coat pattern seen in bluetick coonhounds. The base coat is white with black spots or ticking. You may also see a ticking of brown and tan.
- Ears: They usually have the long, floppy ears characteristic of beagles and coonhounds.
- Muzzle: An elongated muzzle and black nose, similar to a coonhound parent.
- Eyes: Distinctive hazel or brown eyes.
Beyond coat and facial features, the body shape can vary significantly between individual dogs. Some blue ticks have a stocky, well-muscled build while others are more slender and leggy.
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Vital Stats of Blue Tick Beagles
| Height | 13″ to 15″ |
| Weight | 20 to 30 lbs |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
| Coat Color | White base with blue ticking (black spots) |
Temperament
The blue tick beagle has an energetic, outgoing personality. They love spending time outdoors and require a decent amount of daily activity and exercise. Thanks to their beagle lineage, they also make for friendly and affectionate family companions when indoors.
Some of the most notable personality traits of this hybrid dog include:
- Active and playful: They have a youthful energy well into adulthood, allowing them to keep up with active families.
- Eager to please: This people-oriented breed aims to make their owners happy through their loyalty and willing behavior.
- Sweet and gentle: While energetic outside, they have an easygoing and gentle manner when interacting with their loved ones.
- Curious and determined: With a strong sense of smell and hunting instinct, they will thoroughly investigate anything that catches their interest inside or out. They are not easily deterred once focused on a scent or track.
- Intelligent: The blue tick beagle has above-average intelligence inherited from both parent breeds. However, their determined nature can sometimes make them a bit stubborn or difficult to train.
- Gets along well with others: They tend to be friendly towards children, strangers, and other pets, especially when socialized from a young age.
Proper training and socialization are essential to nurturing the best qualities in a blue tick beagle. With an owner willing to provide adequate daily activity, consistency, positive reinforcement, and companionship, this hybrid can thrive in a variety of homes. Those with small children or other pets should factor in the high activity needs of this energetic breed.
Blue Tick Beagle Temperament
| Trait | Description |
| Energy Level | High energy needing 60+ minutes of exercise daily |
| Affection | Loyal and loving with family |
| Trainability | Moderately easy to train but can be stubborn |
| Kid/Pet Friendly | Generally good, especially if socialized early |
| barking Frequency | Occasional howling or baying, barks when bored |
| Prey Drive | The strong instinct to track scents and trails |
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Care and Feeding
Despite their hunting breed ancestry, blue tick beagles adapt quite well to home life provided their needs for activity and companionship are met. Here is an overview of their care and feeding requirements:
Exercise – A blue tick beagle that does not get enough exercise is likely to develop problem behaviors like destructiveness and excessive barking. They need 60+ minutes of vigorous activity every day, including games, walks, hikes, or off-leash running in a safe area. Mental stimulation through scent games and training sessions also helps meet their needs.
Training – Early positive reinforcement training helps blue ticks become well-adjusted companions. Work on basic commands, leash manners, and socialization skills. Their intelligence allows them to master advanced skills too. Use patience and consistency when hitting stubborn streaks.
Grooming – The smooth, short-haired coat requires only weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Bathing every few months helps keep their coat and skin healthy. Trim nails monthly, clean ears when dirty, and brush teeth regularly.
Feeding – As an active, growing puppy, feed a high-quality puppy kibble formulated for medium breeds. Feed adult blue ticks 1.5 to 2 cups of food suited for active dogs, divided into two meals per day. Adjust amounts based on age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
Health concerns – Hybrid vigor grants blue ticks increased health compared to their purebred parents. Still, they may inherit some conditions seen in Beagles and Bluetick Coonhounds like hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye issues, bloat, and obesity.
Following proper preventative care and lifestyle habits helps ensure your blue tick beagle remains happy and healthy for years to come. Be sure to buy from a responsible breeder that health tests their breeding dogs.
Basic Care Needs of Blue Tick Beagles
| Care Category | Recommendations |
| Food and Diet | 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality kibble daily |
| Exercise | 60+ minutes per day |
| Training | Positive reinforcement, consistency |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing; bathe and trim nails as needed |
| Health | Prone to ear infections, eye issues, bloat, dysplasia, obesity |
Finding a Blue Tick Beagle Puppy
Since blue tick beagles are a newer designer breed, locating a breeder can take some digging compared to more popular mixes. Here are some tips:
Check national kennel clubs – Search parent breed club listings in the AKC, UKC, and CKC for members breeding bluetick beagles specifically.
Contact local beagle and coonhound groups – Breed rescue volunteers and hunting dog enthusiasts may know of litters available in your area.
Check online classified ads – Responsible small-scale breeders often advertise upcoming or current hybrid litters via classified pet websites.
Visit dog shows – Connect with exhibitors of coonhounds and beagles that may breed blue tick crosses.
Ask your veterinarian – Local vets frequently have contacts of hobby breeders and home-raising litters in your area.
When sourcing a blue tick beagle puppy, always visit the breeder’s facility in person. This allows you to assess the puppies’ health, and living conditions and interact with the parents. Reputable breeders will welcome visits and questions.
Expect to spend $500 to over USD 1000 on a blue tick beagle from a quality breeder. Availability is often seasonal, with litters born more frequently during spring and summer months. Signing up to a breeder’s waitlist secures your spot in an upcoming litter.
Tips for Finding a Blue Tick Beagle Puppy
| Tip | Description |
| Check Kennel Clubs | Search breed club listings for breeder contacts |
| Contact Local Breed Groups | Rescue volunteers may know available litter |
| Browse Classified Listings | Many breeders list upcoming litters online |
| Attend Dog Shows | Connect with exhibitors of parent breeds |
| Ask your Veterinarian | Vets have contacts with local breeders |
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Adopting an Adult Blue Tick Beagle
If purchasing a puppy from a breeder isn’t ideal, consider adopting an adult blue tick beagle from a rescue organization or shelter. Although less common than other popular mix breeds, adopted adults and young blue ticks do become available.
Here are the top resources to find an adoptable blue tick beagle:
- Petfinder – The largest network of animal rescues and adoption centers searchable by breed and location
- Beagle Rescues – Check nationwide and regional beagle-specific rescues and foster systems
- Coonhound Rescues – Bluetick coonhound groups also sometimes take in blue tick beagle mixes
- Check local shelters and humane societies, especially in regions where the breed is popular
- Post an adoption wanted ad on adoption forums and social media groups for greater visibility
The adoption process involves completing an application form, home check, and meet-and-greet with all family members. Adoption fees range from $50 to $500 depending on the organization.
While the puppy’s years will be missed, adopting a mature blue tick has benefits like predictable size, energy level, and temperament. You also get to give a deserving dog a second chance at finding their forever home.
Tips for Adopting an Adult Blue Tick Beagle
| Tip | Description |
| Petfinder | The largest network of breed rescues searchable online |
| Breed Rescues | Check beagle and coonhound breed club rescue networks |
| Local Shelters | More likely in areas where the breed is popular |
| Social media | Post an adoption wanted ad to increase visibility |
Conclusion
For those seeking a loyal hunting companion and family dog in one neat package, the blue tick beagle hybrid fits the bill. By combining desirable traits from two popular breeds, blue tick beagles offer robust health, intelligence, athleticism, and a friendly temperament.
While their high activity demands prevent them from being ideal apartment pets, they thrive in any home that provides sufficient daily exercise, training, affection, and quality preventative medical care. Their versatility suits a range of owners – from adventurous singles to families with older respectful children.
Finding blue tick beagle puppies or adoption candidates may require more effort and patience compared to trendier mixed breeds. But those willing to search are rewarded with a unique dog that brings color, energy, and devotion into their daily lives for many happy years together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blue ticks reach 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 20 to 30 pounds at a healthy adult weight. Females tend to stay on the smaller end of the spectrum.
Their moderate size suits apartments, but their high exercise needs do not. They tend to develop problem behavior if unable to vent their energy. Access to a yard is strongly recommended.
Yes, with early socialization and supervision for safety. Their energetic and affectionate nature allows them to thrive in homes with respectful, school-aged children. Always supervise interactions with toddlers.
The typical lifespan is 10 to 15 years. Following appropriate preventative care and health practices helps ensure a long, high-quality life.
They have moderate vocal tendencies and may howl, whine, or bay when bored, needing attention, or having caught an interesting scent. However, they are less prone to nuisance barking than purebred beagles.
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