Secrets of the Blue Tick Beagle (Color, traits & price 101)

With the mention of the Beagle, the image of a tricolor, black and tan, or lemon dog with a white muzzle, underbelly, and tail tip, is often reminiscent. But the Blue Tick Beagle? What!! Yes, the Bluetick Beagle is a real thing.

The Bluetick Beagle is similar in appearance to any purebred Beagle but with a distinct and eye-catching coat color. Blue-tick describes a coat pattern where the white sections of a Beagle’s coat are speckled (interspersed) with black hair. This speckling or spotting (ticking or roaning) is what gives the dog a blue-gray appearance similar to the Bluetick Coonhound.

The amount of black spotting (ticking or roaning) varies depending on the presence and number of certain genes.

Interestingly, a bluetick pup is born without spots. They develop in the first few weeks after birth.

For this and much more, Scroll on.

Bluetick Beagle: Overview

CharacteristicDescription
Height13 to 16 inches
Weight20 to 25 pounds
Coat typeShort-haired double coat. Feels harsh to the touch
Coat colorTricolor (3 colors): Combinations of black, tan/red/orange/lemon, and white. Black hairs are interspersed in the white sections of the coat
Price$500 to $1500
Lifespan12 to 15 years

Physical Appearance:

Like the traditional Beagle, the Blue Tick Beagle is a small, compact, and lean but muscular dog. He has a long tail that is held high, a square muzzle, large expressive eyes, and long, soft floppy ears.

A ticked or mottled beagle is a color variety of beagle. The white part of a blue ticked beagle has black or blue flecks, hence the name.

Coat Type & Color:

The Blue Tick Beagle has a short, smooth, and glossy double coat. The undercoat tends to be soft, oily, and dense to keep the dog warm, with a harsher outer coat keeping droplets, burrs, and foxtails at bay while running through brush.

All double coats shed to some extent throughout the year. Increased hair loss is often seen in the shedding season (spring and fall) or during estrus when female dogs come into season (usually once or twice a year).

Bluetick Beagle color description

Bluetick Beagles are known for their distinctive tricolor coat of black, tan, and white. The blue or blue-gray appearance is due to the speckling of black hair on the white parts of the coat on the muzzle, neck, chest, belly, legs, and tail tip. Only areas of any size affected by the S (white spotting) locus show this pattern.

This speckling also called ticking or roaning varies in size from small spots to larger coin-sized spots. White areas may still show on some heavily speckled dogs, such as on their tails or even heads and backs.

The color of the spots usually reflects the color that would be present if the area wasn’t white. If the area was supposed to be black, the spots will be black; the same applies to tan or lemon.

Bluetick Beagles are born with white sections. Ticking or roaning pattern develops over time.

Although they are commonly referred to as “blue,” they are not actually blue in color. The blue appearance is simply a result of the intermingling of black and white hairs.

What is ticking on Beagles?

Ticking refers to the pattern of black hairs mixed into the white sections of a dog’s coat. It gives the appearance of flecks or spots of color on the white fur. The amount and density of ticking vary between dogs and can range from minimal to moderate. Generally speaking, the concentration of the spots is usually heaviest on the legs and muzzle.

Ticking is a result of specific genetic traits and is only visible in the white parts of a dog’s coat. Solid-colored dogs can carry ticking genes but will not be expressed (not visible).

Roan vs Ticking

Although roaning and ticking are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between them.

Roan refers to a pattern where white and colored hairs are intermixed evenly throughout the coat for a salt-and-pepper appearance. Meanwhile, ticking are small, distinct spots of color on white areas of the fur, giving it a speckled appearance.

Heavy roan can cause a dog to appear almost solid-colored.

Ticking Vs Merle

The appearance of heavy ticking on a dog’s coat can sometimes be mistaken for the merle pattern. However, the ticking is confined to the white areas on a dog’s coat, whereas merle patches have irregular, random shapes with torn edges.

The diluted areas of a merle dog may appear to be ticked, but this is natural to the merle pattern and not the same as the T locus ticking seen on ticked dogs.

What is a red tick Beagle?

A red tick is similar to a bluetick beagle in terms of ticking or speckling appearing on the white sections.

However, the red tick Beagle is predominantly tan or reddish brown with ticking of the same color giving the dog a reddish appearance

Remember, ticking reveals the color that the section of the coat would have been if it wasn’t white, tan/orange/lemon in the case of the red tick Beagle

Blue Tick Beagle Genetics

The Bluetick Beagle’s blue-grey markings are the result of the interaction of genes that control color pigment production.

First, the white spotting gene (s-locus) affects certain areas of the coat and prevents pigment formation, causing them to appear white. Typically, the S gene affects the muzzle, front chest, throat, collar, a blaze (stripe between the eyes), underbelly, tail tip, and the legs below the elbow and hock. Small amounts of white may also appear on the ears. The distribution and size of the white marking will vary from dog to dog.

The ticking gene (T-locus) then acts on these white areas revealing the color that would have been if the white spotting gene(s) was not present.

As per writing, the T-locus is thought to have 3 possible alleles or gene variants: t (clear white), T (ticking), and TR (roan ticking). The interaction and dominance between these alleles are not fully understood. It is also not known for certain whether ticking and roaning are controlled by the same or separate loci (gene locations).

In many dogs, roaning and ticking appear to co-dominate against their absence: ticking is dominant over no ticking. This means that the amount and density of ticking can differ greatly between dogs depending on whether they have one or two copies of either the roan or the ticking.

Blue Tick Beagle Personality & Temperament

The Blue Tick Beagle is a friendly, curious, and lively breed of dog known for their strong sense of smell and love of adventure. They are determined and wary of strangers, but friendly and sociable with children and other animals. They are pack dogs and therefore enjoy the company of other dogs.

The Blue Tick Beagle is an intelligent breed but can be stubborn, making training and obedience a challenge at times. Despite this, they are extremely trainable using positive reinforcement and treats, and they are loyal and loving companions.

Beagles were originally bred for hunting hares but are now often kept as family pets due to their friendly and playful nature. They are also used as sniffer dogs in scientific research and law enforcement. Although they can be trained fairly easily, they have a strong instinct to follow their nose which can lead to distraction and wandering, so it’s important to keep them on a leash or in a secure area.

Finding a Blue Tick Beagle

If you are interested in a ticked Beagle, you can use the following channels:

  1. AKC Breeder Referral List: The American Kennel Club maintains a list of breeders for all breeds, including Beagles. Search the website and click on the “Breeder Referral” tab.
  2. The National Beagle of America, Inc: This is an organization dedicated to the breed and has a referral list of Beagle breeders in different states.
  3. Websites and Forums: Websites like Puppyfind.com, Adopt-a-Pet, NextDayPets.com, forums such as this one, and Beagle Facebook groups can be good resources for finding reputable breeders. Engage members of the communities and ask for possible leads.
  4. Word of Mouth: Asking friends, family, or other dog owners for recommendations is another way.  Local pet stores, veterinarians, dog trainers, and other owners can offer you referrals.
  5. Rescue or shelter: You can always contact or visit local or regional shelters for a chance to rescue a Bluetick Beagle but the chances of finding one are quite low.

To ensure you get a healthy and happy puppy, research the breed thoroughly and choose a responsible, reputable breeder who has the best interest of the puppies at heart. Visit the breeder’s facilities, meet the parents and puppies, and ask questions about their health and temperament. Ask the breeder about their health testing practices and look for evidence of genetic and health testing.

Blue Tick Beagle price

In the US, a Bluetick Beagle pup will cost you between $500 and $1500 depending on the location, breeder, and demand.

Recognition and showing

The Bluetick Beagle is a purebred Beagle variation that is widely recognized by major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), The Beagle Club, and The National Beagle Club of America. While some clubs have height restrictions, typically between 13-15 inches tall, the Bluetick Beagle is generally recognized as purebred.

The Bluetick Beagle is well-regarded for its exceptional sense of smell, which makes it a valuable addition to any hunting pack. As a result, the AKC classifies it as part of the scent hound group.

Showing:

Showing a Beagle involves exhibiting the dog at a conformation show, where it is evaluated for physical appearance and breed standard adherence. The goal is to showcase the Beagle as a good breed representative.

The owner grooms the dog and trains it for obedience and showmanship to present a calm and confident demeanor. A licensed judge assesses factors such as head shape, coat, body size, and movement. Showing a Beagle can be a fun and rewarding experience, providing opportunities to connect with other Beagle enthusiasts and breeders, with the goal being to promote and preserve the breed, not to create the “perfect” dog.

Care & Grooming

  • Exercise: This is an energetic, small dog breed that requires daily exercise and playtime. They love going to the dog park and playing fetch and benefit from 40 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity each day. This can be achieved through long walks or several shorter walks. Beagles have lots of stamina and make great companions for active individuals or families.
  • Grooming: To properly groom a Ticked Beagle, regularly brush its short, dense coat to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. Bathe them regularly for clean skin and coat. Check and clean their floppy ears for dirt and moisture to prevent infections. Trim their nails to avoid discomfort and health issues.
  • Feeding: To properly feed a Beagle, provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. Measure their portions to avoid overeating and feed them high-quality dry dog food that meets their daily caloric requirements. Consult with a vet to determine the appropriate portion size, taking into account their age, weight, and activity level. Ensure they always have access to fresh water for proper hydration.

In Conclusion

The Blue Tick Beagle is a popular variation of the Beagle breed, known for its blue-spotted look. It shares the same hunting instincts and personality traits as other beagles, making them great house pets with a keen sense of smell. The coloration does not affect any of the dog’s traits besides its appearance.

There you go, Woof!

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