Are you considering buying a Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix dog? If so, then you should know that there are pros and cons associated with each breed.
There are over 300 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Some of these breeds are known for their intelligence and loyalty, while others are known for their size or appearance.
However, some breeds are better suited for certain types of jobs. For example, Labs are great at hunting because they are able to track down prey from long distances.
On the other hand, Cocker Spaniels are good at retrieving items such as balls and toys.
When it comes to creating mixed breeds, breeders will look for two dogs that have great characteristics.
The puppy that has been created as a result of the breeding, will have the best characteristics from each dog.
This article will be looking at the Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix (try saying that in one breath!)
Contents
What Is A Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix?
This mix is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a Bluetick Coonhound. It was developed in order to create a dog that would combine the traits of both breeds.
The Bluetick Coonhounds were originally bred to hunt raccoons.
They are very intelligent animals, which makes them perfect for this job. However, they also make excellent pets due to their calm nature.
The Labrador Retrievers on the other hand were bred to retrieve game birds. This means they are very intelligent.
Therefore, when crossing the two breeds together, the resulting puppies will have the best qualities of both parents.
Appearance Of Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mixes
These mixed breed pooches are definitely not small! In fact, they weigh anywhere from 50-80 pounds.
Their heads are large, and their bodies are muscular. Their coats are usually black, although they can take after their lab parent and have a lighter coat, in a more yellow, chocolate color.
When they are young, their tails may be curled up, but as they grow older, they will begin to straighten out.
They have strong jaws and powerful legs. As a result, they do well with agility training. These dogs are also very friendly and love to play.
Pros of owning A Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix
As with all dog breeds, there are pros and cons to each, and this article will be looking at the pros and cons of this mixed breed. First, let’s go over the pros of this wonderful animal!
Great Working Dog
Labs have been with us on this earth since the 1700s, when they used to help fishermen with their daily tasks.
Nowadays, labs are used for all sorts, from hunting game to being guide dogs, and they are even used in search and rescue missions.
Ultimately, they are exceptional working dogs, who also love a little pamper with their favorite humans.
Coonhounds are also known for assisting with hunting game, so the combination of both breeds make for a great working dog, which means they are obedient and easy to train.
Good Companionship
Although they are good hunters, this mix will be a true companion.
They are wonderfully loyal and friendly, with the Labrador component being known for its friendliness even towards strangers.
The Coonhound is also known for being well-tempered and kind and enjoys the company of children.
This mix is bound to be an affectionate addition to the family, getting along with all who take care of it.
Training
You’ll be glad to know that this bundle of love is very easy to train. Both breeds have pasts as hunting dogs, so this means they are very obedient and intelligent.
They are also more likely to pick up skills quicker than other breeds. They love positive reinforcement, so as long as you have their favorite treats at hand, you will enjoy training this beauty.
Less Grooming Needed
Both breeds involved in this mix have short coats, meaning that there is less shedding.
However, they will shed seasonally, so grooming needs to take place during this time.
Brushing them weekly will keep their coat looking nice and shiny, and you should also ensure to brush their teeth regularly, clip their nails, and give them baths.
Cons of owning A Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix
Like all breeds, there are some cons that are associated with this mixed breed.
Health Issues
As with any type of dog, there are health issues that can occur.
One of the most common problems is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hips become misaligned. Because of this, the dog’s leg bones can become damaged.
This is more to do with its hound parent, and other issues associated with this breed are illnesses such as ear infections and bloating.
Labs are prone to other issues such as elbow dysplasia, obesity, and luxating patella.
It is important to note that all breeds come with their fair share of health issues, so these should not put you off giving a dog a home.
As long as the appropriate vet care is given, your pup should be happy and healthy.
High Energy Levels
One of the biggest con of this mix is that it has high energy levels.
When compared to other breeds, Labs tend to have higher activity levels. This means that they need plenty of exercise and playtime.
If you don’t provide enough stimulation, then your Lab may get bored or frustrated.
If you want to avoid this problem, you should consider enrolling your pet into obedience classes or taking him/her to a local park. These activities will help your dog burn off extra energy.
Barking
Another issue that comes with owning a Lab-Coonhound cross is barking. If you live in an apartment, you should think twice about getting this mix, as it will really make a lot of noise.
This can happen whether it is feeling happy or sad, they are very vocally expressive dogs. This behavior can be managed with appropriate training, but it can only reduce their barking so much.
Size
The size of this dog can be seen as a downside. As mentioned earlier, this mix can grow up to 80 pounds, which can make taking care of it a little harder than if it were a smaller dog.
Due to this size, this mix is not normally recommended for first-time dog owners, as they can also be very strong and if you are out on a walk and this dog wants to go somewhere, it will take you with him!
Bathing a dog of this size can also be tricky, as they may resist being bathed if they don’t enjoy the process.
As stated earlier in this article, this mix will really thrive on positive reinforcement, so if they struggle with bath time, be sure to have many treats and toys at hand.
The size of your home will also matter when it comes to this dog.
They will be happiest if they have a lot of room to explore and roam around, so if you live in a small apartment, this may not be the best dog for you.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is a great combination of two amazing breeds. It provides a good amount of versatility and intelligence, making it perfect for families with kids.
The best part is that it is relatively easy to train. The fact that it is a large breed does mean that it needs lots of exercise and attention, but once you get used to having one, it shouldn’t cause too much trouble.
The fact that it requires a lot of exercise, means that you will be exercising along with it, which is always a positive!
All in all, this is a wonderful companion dog, but it is important to remember that they require a lot of love and attention.
Make sure you give them what they need, and they will reward you by providing unconditional love back.
If you are unsure what breed is the best for you, then you should speak to some professional breeders about the kind of dog you are looking for.
They will be able to pair you with a wonderful dog that suits all of your needs.
You could also go and speak to your local vet, as they will have all the information you’ll need on different breeds and what environment will suit each one best.
Now that you learned more about Pros And Cons Of Owning A Bluetick Coonhound Lab Mix, Remember that no dog is perfect, but every dog has its own unique personality, so you should choose wisely. You just need to find the right match for you and your family.
