The Blue Tick Beagle is a rare Beagle color variation. This tick coloration describes their speckled grey/black on a white and black base coat color. The Blue Tick is only a Beagle color variation and not a separate breed.
This is a pleasant and alert family dog but is also a great hunting companion.
He is great for first-time dog owners for his friendliness and gentleness and also makes for a detection dog for his strong sense of smell.
However, before committing to this dog, keep on reading to ensure he is perfect for you.
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Blue Tick Beagle information
What sets this canine apart from other Beagle variations is its “camo-like” blue coat color.
But contrary to popular belief, the Blue Tick Beagle is not a separate breed. He belongs to the Beagle hound group but with different coat color.
They were bred as hunters with a great sense of smell to track smaller animals such as rabbits. This made them incredibly good at tracking prey and they have also been employed as detection dogs.
These dogs are constantly looking for a chance to snuggle and give endless love.
They love to make new friends thanks to their gentle and loveable demeanor and are relatively low maintenance.
However, do not confuse this incredibly good-looking dog for the blue tick Coonhound or vice as they are different dog breeds.
Breed and pedigree recognition
This breed is recognized by;
- The United Kennel Club
- Canadian Kennel Club
- American Kennel Club
These clubs recognize the Blue Tick Beagle as a Beagle color variety.
3 Beagle fun facts
- These dogs have 3 types of barks which include the half-baying howl, the baying howl, and the typical Beagle bark.
- Their tails have white tips a feature that allows hunters to spot them when hunting in long-grass areas.
- Queen Elizabeth was a huge fan of this dog.
Pros and cons of the Blue ticked Beagle
Pros
✓ They are great apartment dogs.
✔ They are affectionate and friendly to everyone.
✓ The Blue Tick Beagle has an adorable appearance.
✔ This pooch gets along well with other dogs.
✓ He is low maintenance.
Cons
✗ They are prone to barking and howling.
✘ These dogs tend to nip, especially during play.
✗ They tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
Blue Tick Beagle Characteristics and appearance
| Blue Tick Beagle summary table | |
|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches |
| Weight | Males: 22-30 pounds, Females: 20-23 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Breed Type | Hound |
| Purpose | Hunting and companionship |
| Suitable For | Novice and active families |
| Grooming requirements | Low |
| Color Variations | Blue-ticks on chest and belly with black and tan markings on the head, back, and legs |
| Health concerns | Cherry eye, epilepsy |
| Temperament | Sociable, Easygoing, Playful, Devoted, Eager To Please, Loyal, Active, Intelligent, Stubborn, and Curious |
Height and weight
The Beagle is is a medium-sized dog with an average height of between 12 and 15 inches. Females weigh between 20 and 23 pounds while their male counterparts weigh between 22 and 30 pounds.
The physical appearance
This is one of the cutest hound dogs with his large and hazel brown eyes. They are known to use these cute eyes for extra tasty treats. These eyes are simply irresistible.
They are also known for their large floppy ears and square muzzles on their incredibly beautiful faces.
Their bodies are strong and sturdy with an athletic and muscular physique that allows them to stalk and catch their prey.
Coat appearance and shedding
The Bluetick Beagle has a silky, dense, and smooth coat with straight hair that should not be curly or wavy. They have short double coats and are somewhat water-resistant.
Unfortunately, these dogs shed throughout the year which may increase as they blow out in spring and autumn.
Color
You can easily identify these dogs by their typical tan and black markings on their legs and upper body.
The tick name comes from their speckled grey/black appearance other than having a fully white belly.
Their tails should also have white tips.
Other Beagle colors are;
| Gray | Brown | White |
| Tan | Red | Lemon flecked |
| Cream | Red tickled |
Personality traits and Temperament of the Blue Tick Beagle
| Traits | Rating |
|---|---|
| Friendliness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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| exercise needs |
⭐⭐
|
| Trainability |
⭐⭐⭐
|
| Ease of care |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
| sociability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
These dogs may not have large bodies but their personalities make up for their size.
They form strong family bonds and love to curl up with loved ones but is very protective of his family.
However, they are susceptible to separation anxiety due to how much human affection and attention they crave and should not be left alone for extended periods.
That notwithstanding, these canines are super friendly and are constantly in search of new friends, both humans, and other animals.
And thanks to their intelligence, these dogs easily get bored and become mischievous. They dig a lot when bored and you will often find holes in your garden if you own one.
Also, they are known to have a loud bark and howl which should not be confused for excessive barking.
However, there are several ways you can keep the barking and howling in check by using some of the tips we lay out for you in this guide.
You should ensure this blue tick rabbit dog never gets bored by keeping him physically and mentally stimulated. Getting interesting toys, especially chew toys can also help with that a lot.
Is the Blue Tick Beagle a good family dog?
The Blue Tick Beagle is a great family dog thanks to his playful nature and friendly personality. This dog gets along well with children and can play with them for minutes on end.
However, this dog has a high prey drive and may be inclined to chase other small animals.
You can manage his high prey drive. Visit this guide and learn how to do it.
Frequently asked questions
How can I keep my Bluetick Beagle quiet?
You can teach your Beagle the “quiet” command to stop him from barking. The best way to do this is by praising him and positive reinforcement training.
Does the Bluetick Beagle have blue eyes?
The Blue Tick Beagle rarely has blue eyes. This dog can only have blue eyes if both of the parents have a recessive gene for the expression of the blue-colored eyes.
At what age does a Blue Tick Beagle reach maturity?
Most Beagles take around 18 months to reach their full height and weight. At this age, they should be around 12 to 15 inches tall and should weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
How long does a Blue Tick Beagle Live?
12 to 15 years
Blue Tick Beagle puppies
Litter size:
This dog can have an average litter size of around 5 puppies, but in some cases, the litter may be as small as 1 puppy and as many as 10 puppies.
These puppies take between 12 and 18 months to reach maturity.
Below is a Bluetick Beagle growth chart;
| Age in months | Weight (pounds) |
|---|---|
| 3 | 9 to 12 |
| 6 | 12 to 14 |
| 9 | 16 to 19 |
| 12 | 18 to 23 |
Cost:
The average price for a Blue Tick Beagle puppy is between $500 and $1000. For higher pedigrees and superior lines, the cost can go as high as $2500 for a single pup. The breeder and the location where you get the puppy will also affect the final price.
Blue Tick Beagle care guide
1. Grooming needs
The Blue Tick rabbit dog is a low maintenance dog as far as grooming is concerned.
Brushing the coat twice a week will keep it silky and smooth. You can use a hound glove or a rubber mitt to remove loose and excess hair which will help minimize shedding. The brushing frequency will need to increase with an increase in shedding.
As we mentioned earlier, the Bluetick Beagle has long floppy ears that easily accumulate wax and need weekly checks and cleaning to reduce infection risk.
The nails will also need to be trimmed frequently to keep them short and keep the dog comfortable.
Dental hygiene is also crucial and you can achieve this by brushing the teeth 4 times a week to reduce tartar build-up or using dental chews or treats to clean the teeth naturally.
2. Dietary and nutritional requirements
This canine may have a small body but has a big appetite.
You will need to pay close attention to the diet and how much food you feed him. Free-feeding is not an option for this dog as he tends to overeat when this is done. This can be detrimental to his health causing bloat and can lead to obesity.
A general rule of thumb is to give this dog 25 calories for every pound that he weighs.
| Blue Tick Beagle Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 900 |
| Cups of Kibble | 🍗🍗🍗 |
Choosing the right food for this pooch should not be difficult but always ensure you meet his nutritional needs. The meals should be divided into 2 portions, in the morning and the evening.
A high-quality kibble is a great option for this dog. The more active the dog is the more kibble he needs.
Other food options
Apart from kibble/dry food, there are other Beagle food options such as;
- A raw diet
- Wet dog food
Raw foods will include options such as raw meat, a bone diet, and even fruits and vegetables such as banana treats. You could prepare a homemade raw diet or buy a packaged one.
As for wet food, it is recommended that you avoid it as it is often made up of inferior ingredients and is associated with significant weight gains.
But the most important thing to keep in mind is that the diet should be high in proteins that should make up about 30% of the diet.
The diet should also be rich in fatty acids and essential minerals for bone development.
It should not have any artificial fillers, coloring, chemical additives should not be made up of meat by-products as they have low protein contents.
3. Blue Tick Beagle exercise needs
On average, this dog will need around 45 minutes of daily exercise.
You can do this by taking him for daily walks with a leash on because of his strong sense of smell and prey drive.
Learn how you can leash train your dog.
Recall training will come in handy when taking this dog for walks as he wanders off chasing more interesting things a lot. Due to their alertness, they are often swayed away by smaller animals and moving objects.
Playtime in an enclosed area is also a great way to ensure this dog gets his daily exercise quota.
| Number of walks | 1 to 2 (15 minutes each) |
4. Training tips
This a smart and highly trainable dog but this does not make him easy to train as he sometimes has a stubborn streak.
He also easily loses interest during training. Always train him when mood his mood is up and keep the training sessions short (10 minutes max per session).
Training consistency is key and you should use high-value treats and a lot of praises.
The Bluetick Beagle is a sensitive canine and shouting will make training more difficult. This is an aversive training method that you should avoid.
Exercise patience and reward him for good behavior avoiding punishment by all means.
Known health concerns
Unfortunately, this dog is prone to several health issues and you should ensure you choose a good and reputable breeder carefully.
Some of the most common health issues with this dog are;
- Cherry eye
- Epilepsy
Breed summary
The Bluetick Beagle is an endearing and beautiful version of the much-loved Beagle dog that will always put a smile on your face ensuring you have no dull moments.
He is great for apartment living as long as you meet his mental and physical stimulation needs.
You should be aware of the incredibly strong senses of smell that can easily lead them astray.
Do you think you would love a Blue Tick Beagle? Share your feedback and questions in the comment section below.
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