Bluetick Rat Terrier (Bluetick Coonhound & Rat Terrier Mix): Info, Pictures
Updated on
| Height: | 19 – 23 inches |
| Weight: | 38 – 60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Blue, Black, White |
| Suitable for: | Active families, couples, singles, experienced owners |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loving, intelligent, energetic, loyal |
What do you get when you cross the funny and feisty Rat Terrier with the striking coat appearance and big bawl mouth of the Bluetick Coonhound? A truly remarkable and memorable medium-sized designer dog known as the Bluetick Rat Terrier!
These dogs generally inherit more genes from the Bluetick Coonhound, and as a result, they look more like long, slim hounds, with the sharper features of a Terrier. Their ears will be more pointed, and their snout will be a little bit longer than one would expect from a traditional Coonhound.
When you combine these two breeds, the result looks like a slightly smaller Coonhound with rounded shoulders.
One of their most appealing traits is their fur. The Bluetick Coonhound has long been a favorite at dog shows because of their speckled blue coat. It looks more like a grey in most situations, but when the sun catches the coat the right way, you’ll be able to see the beautiful blue shimmer. Almost all Bluetick Rat Terriers inherit this blue “ticked” fur.
If you are on the hunt for a rambunctious and high-spirited pooch that can run ragged for hours, consider adding a Bluetick Rat Terrier to your home today! But before you buy, be sure to check out this in-depth guide into every facet and detail of the Bluetick Rat Terrier.
Bluetick Rat Terrier Puppies
The Bluetick Rat Terrier is a relatively new designer dog that’s gaining popularity due to its sweet disposition and unique coat pattern. You may be thinking to yourself, “Isn’t a Bluetick Rat Terrier just a mutt?” Well, no. There are quite a few distinctions between hybrid dog breeds and mutts.
With a designer dog breed, you get the best of both worlds! Purebred, registered dogs are purposely “mixed” to create a fantastic hybrid breed that optimizes the best traits of each parent dog. Bluetick Rat Terriers are usually loyal and loving dogs. They create strong bonds with their families and might be a better fit for experienced dog-owners since they need firm and consistent training.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Bluetick Rat Terrier
1. Their Parent Breed Originates From the Bayou
That’s right! The parent Bluetick Coonhound breed was developed in Louisiana to hunt small vermin in the swamps.
2. Rat Terriers Are Super Popular With Farmers
That’s because these pint-sized pups keep rats and mice at bay.
3. They’re Extremely Loyal
Thanks to the devoted traits of both parent breeds, your Bluetick Rat Terrier pup is a loyal and loving companion.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bluetick Rat Terrier 🧠
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bluetick Rat Terrier In order to glean an intimate look into the personality of your new Bluetick Rat Terrier pup, it’s important to fully understand the temperament and intelligence of the parent breeds.
Stubborn, smart, and extremely energetic, the Rat Terrier is a small pup that is constantly on the go. An excellent watch dog, the Rat Terrier will keep a vigilant eye over their family and home and will always let you know if there’s trouble. This breed can resort to destructive habits if left alone for long periods of time, including excessive yapping, chewing, and digging.
It’s important to use a consistent and firm training method for this dog. Experienced owners do better with Rat Terriers than novice ones.
With a pleading expression and a heart of gold, the Bluetick Coonhound is a definite people pleaser. Extremely affectionate and sensitive, these pups need large doses of activity to keep boredom at bay.
A positive reinforcement training technique works best for these hounds.
Are Bluetick Rat Terriers Good for Families? 🏡
Most definitely! However, Bluetick Rat Terriers do best with an active family who is ready to accommodate their high energy level.
Do Bluetick Rat Terriers Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
If properly socialized with your other pets from an early age, the Bluetick Rat Terrier will get along with all of your home’s furry members.
Things to Know When Owning a Bluetick Rat Terrier
Now that you understand more about what makes a Bluetick Rat Terrier tick, let’s explore everything else this dog needs in order to live their best life.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
These active dogs are constantly hungry. To remain in a healthy condition, these dogs should be given around 3 generous cups of dog food a day. One in the morning, afternoon, and a final cup before bed. If they aren’t fed enough, then they will find a way to eat something else. It’s better to feed them the dog food that they need instead of sacrificing your sofa or the neighborhood hedgehog.
Your Bluetick Rat Terrier would do best on a high-quality kibble that is specially formulated for medium-sized, high-energy dogs.
Exercise 🐕
The Bluetick Rat Terrier is full of spirit and loves to play. This lively dog is considered a high-energy breed and needs a minimum of 90 minutes of activity every day. Whether you take them for a long run twice a day, play fetch in the backyard, or hire a daily dog walker to take them on a long stroll while you’re at work, this hybrid dog will greatly appreciate the daily physical exercise.
These are great dogs to own if you live in the country and can give them free rein outdoors.
Training 🦮
As we mentioned earlier, your Bluetick Rat Terrier may inherit one or a combination of their parent breed’s personality traits. If that’s the case, your training method will widely vary.
If your Bluetick Rat Terrier inherits more of their Rat Terrier parent breed’s stubborn personality, consistent, firm training sessions in quick spurts to keep things fresh will do the trick.
However, if they are more prone to the Bluetick Coonhound’s sensitivity, a positive reinforcement training method will go a long way.
Grooming ✂️
This designer breed sheds moderately and will need weekly grooming sessions with a slicker brush and comb. Trim their nails and clean their ears when needed.
Health Conditions ❤️
These dogs have a great lifespan and will serve you well and in good health for many years. On average, they will live for up to 15 years, and they’ll still be running fast at 14.
The biggest threat to their safety is their self-confidence and courage. This can often be their downfall and cause them to get tunnel vision where they lose awareness of dangerous surroundings, or they decide to give chase to dangerous prey.
While the Bluetick Rat Terrier is not overly prone to any serious health conditions, there are some health concerns:
- Ear infections
- Patellar luxation
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Hip dysplasia
Male vs. Female
Boy Bluetick Rat Terriers will be a tad larger than their lady counterparts. Despite this physical difference, there are no major temperament differences in the two genders.
Final Thoughts: Bluetick Rat Terrier
If you’re on the prowl for a rare and unique designer dog breed, the Bluetick Rat Terrier may be right up your alley. This breed does best with a highly active family who can regularly exercise them.
It’s always important to do your research on potential breeders before buying a Bluetick Rat Terrier in order to guarantee you’re receiving a happy, healthy pooch that will be a great family companion for years to come.
Featured Image: David ODell, Shutterstock
