Bluetick Rat Terrier

The Bluetick Coonhound is thought to have come from the southern United States and descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the English Foxhound. It was classified as an English Coonhound and used for hunting and following prey. In the mid-1940s, American breeders in Louisiana and Tennessee started breeding it to be larger and better at cold-trailing. The Bluetick Coonhound was eventually recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1946, but only in 2009 by the American Kennel Club. The Bluetick Rat Terrier’s other parent breed, the Rat Terrier, is an American breed and a mix of many Terriers including Fox Terriers and other European Terriers. It was bred in the early 1900s to hunt and kill pests on farms. It was later crossed with Beagles, Whippets, and Greyhounds to improve the breed’s speed and sense of smell.  The genetic diversity of the Rat Terrier makes it a very healthy breed. However, the use of chemical pesticides led to a decline in the breed after the 1950s. Today, the Rat Terrier is not widely popular, but is a beloved companion dog known for its robust health and affectionate demeanor. The product of these two breeds, the Bluetick Rat Terrier, is a relatively new hybrid with no exact date of origin. Though its personality and appearance isn’t totally stabilized, it is known to be relaxed, sweet, and curious. It is not currently recognized by the AKC. Therefore, Bluetick Rat Terrier breeders should be thoroughly researched if you are considering purchasing a puppy from them – though this breed might be more commonly found in adoption and rescue centers.