Everyone say hello to my pup and my mom’s granddog Birdie Blue! Also sometimes known as Bird, Bird dog, Bird Bird, or just Birdie. She is currently a whole 1 years old and acts like it! I get a lot of questions about her and I’m here to answer some of those questions!
First thing is first, what breed is she??? Some may be sureprised some not so much but I get this question A LOT! The number one guess is always a Blue Heeler mix. Though I love that breed and what they do; if I let Birdie at cattle she’d have no idea what to do. She’d be much more comfortable treeing a coon because Birdie is a bluetick coonhound. The typical bluetick coonhound has more of a black mask covering both eyes and this is why I loved Birdies markings right off the bat. She doesn’t have the typical mask and of course that beautiful blue eye. The reason is obvious why people think she is a blue heeler mix. The merle coloring (the white and black that makes them look blue) is on both blueticks and blue heelers. Also, most people aren’t walking their coonhound around in public like they would a blue heeler.
The second question I always get is ‘where did you get her?’ Some people wont agree with this but I did not adopt; I shopped. I got her from the most amazing breeder who breeds many hunting dog hounds located in Bryan, TX. (If interested I found the best way to contact them is through facebook which is linked here > Dry Fork Kennels.) Birdie is literally my dream dog so instead of adopting in college I knew my first big purchase was going to be a good dog. I found them through years and years of searching for the perfect breeder and I always went back to their page. They are so good about updating you about the litter you are interested in. Also, if you want weekly puppy cuteness go follow their page and you’ll get it. Besides all the technical stuff, they are so passionate about their dogs. They care about every pup and bred some AMAZING hunters. Birdie was the runt of the litter and is a whooping 85 pounds at only 1 year old. If you are looking for a good tracker; Dry Fork Kennels breed the best hounds I’ve seen this far.
The third question I get a lot is ‘what are coonhounds good for?’ If you are choosing to use your dog for hunting then they are amazing trackers and fortreeing prey. Mostly they are used for smaller game like coons and squirrels. Some are bred bigger and in packs are often used for tracking and treeing bears. Coonhounds or any hounds have the most amazing nose and loud deep bark so they will find something and they will let you know when they do. As for just having a bluetick as a pet and not a hunting dog they are also great! I wouldn’t say they are meant to stay inside 24/7 because they will get antsy and talk back to you. Also that nose will get them in trouble. I swear Birdie can get things off the counter with her mind. She is a sneaky sneaky counter surfer. Other than those two things I’d say hounds are the most loving dogs I’ve ever seen. To sum it up, Birdie is always down for a nap and cuddle, going to the wineries (Wimberly Valley Winery is her favorite) and tracking down a deer or squirrel when its needed.
All in all I think ounce you get your first hound of any kind you wont want any other breed. Yes the rumors are true like they are very vocal and I think Birdie wishes we could understand her. They love all things food… all things food… anything food she loves. Lastly, she is 100% part of the family and so loving. She loves little kids and knows to calm down when they are around. We are her pack and she knows it!