Bluetick Coonhound Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Bluetick Coonhound colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Bluetick Coonhound Colors Overview

The palette of Bluetick Coonhound coat colors reflects the breed's genetic diversity. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

Responsible breeders prioritize health over color production. While rare colors may be appealing, they should never come at the expense of proper health testing and breed-standard temperament.

Recognized Colors

Blue Ticked Standard

Blue Ticked and Tan Standard

Blue Mottled

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($600–$1200)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$360–$600)

Coat Genetics

The Bluetick Coonhound's coat color is the product of several interacting genes. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

Modern DNA testing panels can identify a dog's genotype at key color loci, allowing breeders to predict puppy colors and avoid producing colors linked to health issues (such as double merle).

Rare vs Standard Colors

Rarity in Bluetick Coonhound colors typically reflects recessive genetics rather than desirability. The breed offers 3 color varieties, with standard colors including Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan. While unusual colors may be visually striking, they sometimes correlate with health concerns or breeding shortcuts.

A reputable Bluetick Coonhound breeder will never compromise health testing (for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions) to produce trendy colors. Be skeptical of breeders who market 'rare' colors at prices well above the $600–$1200 standard range.

Do Bluetick Coonhound Colors Change with Age?

Do not be surprised if your Bluetick Coonhound puppy's color changes as they grow. The puppy coat gives way to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months. Colors like Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan may shift—sometimes dramatically—during this transition. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

Controversial Colors

Some Bluetick Coonhound colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. Colors like Blue Mottled fall outside the standard palette of Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $1200 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard Bluetick Coonhound colors include Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

Among Bluetick Coonhound colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

As a Bluetick Coonhound puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required.. Since the Bluetick Coonhound comes in 3 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

In most cases, coat color does not affect health. However, certain color genes (such as merle or extreme white) can carry health implications in some breeds. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..

Among Bluetick Coonhounds, the most commonly seen colors are Blue Ticked, Blue Ticked and Tan. The breed has a relatively limited color palette. The blue ticking is created by individual black hairs interspersed in a white coat; tan markings above the eyes and on the legs are required..