Dalmatian 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 history of the Dalmatian dog is also fairly scant, and the information you get is often unclear.

The name Dalmatian wasn’t used until the end of the 18th century, although it seems as though, according to murals on ancient tombs, there were white hounds then with specks over the body.

It does seem firm that the modern Dalmatian is because of breeding of the English nobility. They used these dogs to accompany them on their carriages. The dogs were also bred with the purpose of getting an exquisite spotted pattern.

It was in 1890 that the first Dalmatian Club was established in England and the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

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.

The Dalmatian is a medium sized dog with its beautiful white coat with black or liver spots being its main feature. The coat is short and dense and the Dalmatian pretty much sheds all year round.

It is notable that at birth, the puppies are pure white, with their spots starting to form about 4 weeks later.

Both the male and female stand at anything between 56–61cm in height and weigh between 22 to 35kg. He is a slender, muscular dogs with plenty of stamina. The ears of the dog are floppy, he has brown eyes and a long tail.

Temperament:

With his human family, the Dalmatian is an active, playful dog. He has the reputation of being somewhat unfriendly and aloof, but many who have kept him as a pet say this isn't so. He loves to take part in games and gets on well with children in the home.

He is intelligent, but when it comes to strangers, the Dalmatian is reserved and even aloof. If you want to get the best from your Dalmatian, make sure that he is trained and socialized as he then knows how to behave well around people. He makes a good watchdog too.

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.

The Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog, energetic and playful and he is good with pets and children in the home.

He is intelligent too and training and socialization for him will be easy and promise to bring out all his good points.

The Dalmatian became popular in the 1800's when they were used as coach-dogs, and their popularity has been enhanced because of films from Hollywood such as ‘101 Dalmatians’.

Unfortunately many people receive Dalmatian puppies as gifts after seeing movies like this and then hand their dogs into rescue centers when they grow up and are no longer the cute little puppy they first met.

Be a responsible dog owner. A Dalmatian has feelings and you need to commit to caring for him for up to 15 years. You’ll be rewarded by having a wonderful, loyal canine friend.

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.

Dalmatians, with good care, can live to be about 10 to 15 years. However, just as with other breeds, the Dalmatian is prone to certain health problems that are more specific to their breed. Some of these problems are skin allergies, deafness and urinary stones.

Skin Allergies:

Dalmatians are known to have sensitive skin and they are prone to topical allergies. When you brush your dog, you should check his skin for redness and also check for fleas and ticks.

Red bumps on his skin could mean an allergy and can be distressing for your pet. Your pet may be scratching excessively and the skin may be red and moist with runny, itchy eyes. It is time to get your dog to the vet, who may prescribe an antihistamines to get the itching and allergies under control.

Urinary Stones:

Unfortunately, the Dalmatian is a dog which has a tendency to form stones in the kidneys and bladder. A genetic mutation causes the raised uric acid levels which is more prevalent with the male Dalmatian. Straining to urinate can be tremendously stressful for your dog and you will need to get him to the vet immediately.

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.

Grooming:

The Dalmatian is an easy dog to maintain and brushing twice a week will get rid of loose hairs. What is notable with the Dalmatian is that not only does he look like a well groomed dog, he also doesn’t have that typical dog smell around him.

Diet:

No matter what kind of dog you have, a high-quality dog food is always beneficial for your dog’s health. Home-made food is always good for your dog and wholesome food such as brown rice, vegetables and some cooked chicken will delight your pet and keep him interested in his food.

There are also excellent manufactured foods and kibble is a good food to have when you select it according to your dog’s age and energy levels.

These foods, especially the top quality ones, ensure your pet gets all the nutrients he needs. Adding some raw meat into the diet can be highly beneficial for your pet and will keep him bright eyed, bushy tailed and with a wet nose.