Posavac Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison

Bred to be hunting dogs, for a long time the Bluetick Coonhound was referred to as the English Coonhound.The Bluetick Coonhound is actually one of 6 recognized breeds of Coonhound, and they were all developed in the United States. In 1945, breeders broke away from their English counterparts, renaming the larger dog to Bluetick Coonhound.

Not much is known of their origins but it seems as though with selective breeding between French Hounds, Foxhounds and English Coonhounds, the Bluetick Coonhound was produced. Originating in the United States of America, it was in 2008 that he Bluetick Coonhound was recognized by the AKC in the Miscellaneous Class.

The Posavac Hound originates from Croatia and is believed to have descended from the Molossian.

The name Posavac Houndare or Posavac Hound was a name bandied about and the name was officially recognized in 1969 by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.

The dog was categorized as a Scent hound. The breed is unrecognised by any of the UK or US Kennel Clubs.

This is a medium to large dog that sports a dark blue and white coat which is densely mottled or ticked. The Bluetick Coonhound’s coat can be described as tri-colored, and the dog’s head and ears are essentially black. He can also have tan markings on the chest, below the tail, around the muzzle and over the eyes. The dog is muscular and athletic and weighs from 25 to 36kg. Typically of the Hound breed, he has a sad but amicable expression on his face.

The Bluetick Coonhound is an intelligent dog and once he has been trained and socialized, he becomes a wonderful member of the family, getting on well with children and other pets He will need plenty of companionship from his human family as well as exercise, and isn’t a dog that you can just have stuck away in your back garden. A Bluetick needs plenty of companionship and activity to be happy.

Friendly and social, this is a vocal dog, given to baying, barking and howling. He’s a scenthound, so when you take him for a walk, which is essential for his exercise needs, you may need him on a leash as he can get scent of something and just be off. You’ll also need to ensure you have a fenced yard as he looks for ways to get out to follow a scent.

Although the Posavac Hound is a rare dog breed, people who have owned the dog say it should be far better known as it is a gem of a dog.

The Possie as he is fondly referred to as, is a solidly built dog resembling the Beagle. He stands at between 43 - 59 cm and weighs 16 - 20 kg.

He has long, floppy ears and a kind, gentle expression on his face. The coat is short and smooth, being slightly longer on the stomach and around the back of the legs. The coat color is a wheaten, cream shade. He has bright brown eyes and a long tail, often with a white tip.

Temperament:

The Posavac may look gentle, but in character he is happy and enthusiastic. He makes the most wonderfully faithful, loving dog. He likes to be busy too, game for all kinds of activities but he is intelligent as well. He responds well to training and socialization.

People who have owned this dog say he has a truly amazing temperament, being eager to please his human owner. You’ll find him getting along well with children and other pets in the home.

The Bluetick Coonhound is an affectionate dog who will do well in the country, although he will adapt to city dwelling too. Wherever he is, he will need plenty of activities to keep him busy.

People living on smaller properties may have reservations about keeping one, as his bark is loud and long winded, whereas a larger property would accommodate this characteristic better.

Your Bluetick can make a wonderful pet if he is trained and socialized. He is just like a big teddy bear who wants to be part of the family and receive his full portion of love and care like everyone else.

People who have kept the Posavac as a pet say he has wonderful features which make him a sought after canine friend.

He has always been a working dog and he is confident and assured, independent, social and friendly. He makes a great friend of children and gets on well with other pets in the house.

He thrives on activities and doesn't want to be left to just lie around ignored. He becomes frustrated and destructive. It wont be the dogs fault but the owners. If you're looking for a lively, friendly, loving dog, you’ll find the Posavac a great addition to your home.

You won’t battle with too many vet’s fees for your Bluetick Coonhound as he is a healthy breed. Just like with other dogs, especially in larger dogs, watch out for hip and elbow dysplasia.

Hip Dysplasia

If you do research you’ll find that quite a few Coonhounds can be affected. It is when the hip or elbow socket is malformed. Check your pet because it can lead to painful arthritis and can cause lameness.

Obesity

Typical of Hounds, your Bluetick Coonhounds loves to eat, and this is precisely why he is prone to over-eating if you allow him to. Watch your dog’s weight and don’t allow him to overeat as overeating suppresses the immune system, resulting in illness.

You won’t find many health disorders linked to this lovely dog. He can reach 11 – 14 years of age fairly easily if well taken care of. Of course, his floppy ears pose a bit of a problem.

It is quite difficult to keep the inside of the ears dry and clean, and this means dirt, wax and moisture can cause bacteria and ear infections.

Because he is also a deep chested dog, he can be prone to bloat. Bloat is when gas collects in the stomach and it twists. You will notice your pet’s abdomen swollen and hard. He will require immediate veterinary attention.

Food

The puppy Bluetick will require 4 meals a day. Your adult Bluetick will require one or two bowls of food a day. This food can be your own home-made brand which includes rice, meat and vegetables or it should be a high quality commercially manufactured dog food. If you’re in any doubt as to what kind of dog food to be providing for your Bluetick Coonhound, rather speak to your vet as you want to ensure your pet is getting in his vitamins and minerals.

Good nutrition is essential to the health and wellbeing of your dog. It is important that he receive raw meat in his diet from time to time as well as a supplement with essential fatty acids to keep his health and skin in tip top condition. He should never ever be without a steady source of fresh, cool water.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, an occasional brushing will suffice. The dog has a short coat but it is dense and it sheds throughout the year. Use a brush on him to get rid of loose hairs and to keep his coat soft and shiny.

Active Hound breeds are prone to ticks and fleas so check your dog regularly for these parasites.

The medium length floppy ears will need to be checked. You can always check with your veterinarian for ear cleaning products and how to use them. Never prod around in your dog’s ears, trying to clean them, as this can lead to damage.

Exercise:

Your Posavac Hound is going to need lots of exercise. He’s used to being a working dog and being kept busy. A good walk will delight him, but it won’t be enough. If you go cycling or riding on a horse, you can count him in to run alongside you. He will also plunge into the swimming pool with you.

While he can adapt to life in the city, he is essentially a country living dog, loving to get outside and be active.

Grooming:

Because of the short, smooth coat, and being an average shedder, the Posavac will only require a brush twice a week, so he is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming.

Check for signs of an ear infection – redness inside the ear and your pet scratching at his ear can be signs,

Trim his nails.

Check inside his mouth for teeth problems. Bad teeth can create a host of problems.

Diet:

Provide your dog with an excellent diet. It needs to be nutritious food if you’re going with a commercially manufactured dog food. High quality dry kibble can be excellet for your pet, but break the monotony by mixing in some home made food occasionally. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, swee pototatoes, carrots and spinach, al chopped up and mixed in twice week with the drykibble can be awaited twice a week with yur pet. Raw meat added in sometimes can also contibute to your pets health. Feeding a dog doesnt have to be complicated. Dos thrive on consistency and simplicity and this diet will have him healthy ad hapy Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.