Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale was developed in England,with his origins being linked to an early breeder with the name Joe Bowman.

They were sought after for their prowess at guarding sheep from foxes. The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995. It is believed the dog is descended from the Northern terrier breeds and can be traced far back.

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 Patterdale Terrier is a small sized dog that stands at between 25 and 40 cm in height and weighs 5 to 7kg.

The coat of the dog can be smooth, broken or rough, but all coats are double and weatherproof. Colors include red, liver, black, bronze, black and tan or chocolate and sometimes brindle. The ears are floppy and medium length and the tail is also medium length and held high, curving slightly. It used to be docked and then ¼ to 1/3 of the tail was removed.

Temperament:

The Patterdale Terrier is small but he is bold and confident and very energetic. He will certainly need to be in a household where the family members are active, busy people. Because he is strong-willed he will benefit from training and socialization which will make him obedient and able to behave well in different situations.

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.

Intelligent, courageous and feisty, the Patterdale Terrier is a dog that will get on well with everyone in the house. Those who are active and outdoor types will be the best kind of dog owners for this active, energetic dog.

The Patterdale is confident and strong willed and will do superbly well with some training and socialization. With lots of love and care, your Patterdale Terrier can make you an excellent family pet and companion.

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.

The good news is that terriers have few health problems and they can live to a ripe age. Just like other dogs, they can also battle with some of the common dog ailments there are.

Allergies:

Most allergens are foods, medicines or insects and exposure to the allergen can cause an over-reaction. In a dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin. It can drive your pet mad as he licks and bites his skin. The symptoms of allergies can involve the respiratory system and he will have coughing and sneezing or even a discharge from the eyes.

Glaucoma:

Your Patterdales can also develop cataracts and glaucoma – two kinds of eye diseases. Glaucoma can unfortunately lead to blindness but something can be done if you recognize the signs. There are 2 main types of canine glaucoma, characterized by pressure inside the eye which can do damage to the retina and optic nerve – primary- and secondary glaucoma. Your vet will try to determine whether your pet has primary or secondary glaucoma to determine treatment.

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 Patterdale Terrier has a lot of energy, so as a responsible dog owner, you will need to see that he is exercised properly. This will include a walk every day as well as spending time throwing balls or a frisbee for him. He is a working breed and has been used to being mentally and physically stimulated.

Grooming:

The Patterdale Terrier isn’t a high maintenance dog and his coat will simply require a brush twice a week. Your pet can’t tell you about any pain he is experiencing so you will need to watch his body language.

Dogs can easily pick up an ear infection and this can be very painful. When you brush your pet, check inside his ears for signs of redness and discharge and check inside his mouth to see if you can spot any rotten teeth. Bad teeth can wreak havoc on his health. Keep the nails trimmed.

Diet:

If you intend feeding your pet commercially manufactured food, good and well because it is a convenient way to feed your pet, but make sure its a quality food. This will ensure your dog is getting in the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

To vary his diet just a bit, provide him with some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some wholesome vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potato. Dogs love the simplicity and nutritional value of food like this, and they don't have to worry about getting a stomach ache from strange foods. Try and include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time as well.

Never leave your Paatterdale Terrier without a constant supply of fresh cool water.