Beagles are no doubt one of the celebrity pups. Their long, floppy ears and pleading expressions can keep any owner at their feet.
Not to mention, they have a great sense of smell. But aside from these features, many dog lovers are also captivated by their eye-catching coat colors.
They often come in lemon, red, and white, but very few people know about the blue tick Beagle.
If you are raising your eyebrow right now, allow me to clear that confusion and introduce you to this rare Beagle color.
By the end of this article, you’ll be wishing to find a blue tick Beagle to take home. So, let’s get into it.
What Is a Blue Tick Beagle?
A blue tick Beagle is a lesser-known color variety of the Beagle breed. Beagles with this coloration have a black or white base color speckled with blue or grayish spots across their coat. Although this color has a distinct term, it is not considered a separate breed.
Beagles don’t come in solid colors but instead have mixed patterns on their coats. It is common to see Beagles with a black back, brown head, and white underbelly.
But aside from the tricolor mix, they can also have a lemon and white or mahogany and white combination, among others.
Although very rarely, you can encounter a Beagle with a mottled or ticked coat. These blue flecks on their body are easily distinguishable on their white coats, making them truly stand out.
Other Names of the Blue Tick Beagle
While bluetick Beagle is a pretty accurate title for this color breed, they also come by different names. If you are a Beagle enthusiast, it pays to know how these rare-colored dogs are called.
Here is a list of all the other names given to the blue tick Beagle:
Blue Tick Beagle Hound
Blue Tick Hound dog
Blue Tick Hound
Blue Beagle dog
Blue Scent Hound
Blue Pocket Beagle
Blue Foxhound
Blue tick Beagle should not be confused with the blue tick Coonhound, a separate dog breed with a natural black-and-blue pattern.
Although their coat appearance is the same, they are not related in any way to the blue tick Beagle.
Are Blue Tick Beagles Purebred?
Blue tick Beagles are as “Beagle” as any other common color variation of the breed. They aren’t designer dogs as opposed to what many people believe in. As purebreds, they bear the traits of a normal Beagle.
They are categorized as hounds, known for their impressive sense of smell and prey tracking ability. They are amazing detection dogs, to say the least.
They typically work with hunters by emitting a distinct howl to indicate the presence of a large animal like a wild boar. This behavior is termed “baying” since the Beagle is keeping the boar “at bay.”
Their blue speckled coats also serve as an effective camouflage while serving as a hunting companion – all the more reason to admire this unique Beagle coloration.
However, a bluetick Beagle mix is also possible by combining a purebred Beagle and a blue tick Coonhound.
These hybrids might show an alpha personality, requiring a headstrong owner that can establish themselves as the pack leader.
Are Blue Tick Beagles Rare?
Blue tick Beagles are hard to come by and are considered very rare dogs. Beagles can either have bi-colored or tri-colored combinations, which typically consist of solid colors like black, tan, white, lemon, fawn, and brown.
Ticked markings are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and can be found in different standard color combinations.
The most common tick combination is black-tan-bluetick, although the chances of producing this puppy are very low compared to the more popular black-tan-white color.
Blue Tick Beagle Appearance: What Does a Blue Tick Beagle Look Like?
Photo by @myrickthebeagle (IG)
Blue tick Beagles have a smooth, silky, and dense double coat with straight hair. They should have no visible curls or wavy hair.
It’s easy to identify a blue tick Beagle dog once you see their typical black and tan markings on their legs and upper body. Rather than having a white underbelly, their white coat is covered by gray or blue ticks.
Their moderately long tails should generally have white tips or are also mottled. Aside from that, their large, floppy ears can either have a solid color or some streaks of other shades.
You will definitely be enchanted by their large, hazel brown eyes that seem to ask for treats and petting all the time.
As for their size, blue tick Beagles are also small and compact, with a muscular build suited for stalking and catching their prey.
Blue Tick Beagle Size and Weight: How Big Will a Blue Tick Beagle Get When Fully Grown?
Blue tick Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs that can grow to the same standard size as a regular Beagle.
The AKC recognizes two size categories for Beagles: dogs that are less than 13 inches tall and those within 13 to 15 inches in height.
As for their weight, they are expected to be around 18 to 35 pounds when fully grown. At about 12 to 18 months, you can expect your blue tick Beagle dog to be fully mature.
They can also be bred as pocket-sized Beagles, which are small enough to be carried around in a saddlebag during hunting trips. These mini Beagles stand at only 8 inches tall and only half the weight of a typical Beagle.
Blue Tick Beagle History and Origin: Where Do Blue Tick Beagles Come From?
Since blue tick Beagles are not distinct from the Beagle breed, their origin is similar to the other color varieties. Beagle, no matter the color, was known to originate in England during the 1830s.
They were initially bred to be hunting dogs for ‘beagling,’ the term developed for hunting hares with Beagles. Thus, they have a good sense of smell.
The original pack of these hound dogs is believed to be a mix between the North County Beagle and the Southern Hound. They were then imported to the United States in the 1840s for the sole purpose of rabbit hunting.
Eventually, they were produced by commercial breeders as house pets, and today, they rank as the sixth most popular breed according to the American Kennel Club.
To produce a bluetick Beagle dog, breeders need to have a Beagle carrying a particular gene that will be passed on to its offspring.
This gene will express the blue-speckled markings on the Beagle puppy’s coat. The genetics behind coat ticking in Beagles will be explained later on in this article.
Blue Tick Beagle Genetics: What Makes Them Exhibit Blue Ticks?
Photo by @a_beagle_named_judy (IG)
Now, let’s move on to the most interesting bit. Let’s talk about genetics! As you are aware, the coat color and markings of any dog are determined by the genes they inherit from their parents.
For blue tick Beagles, a specific gene is responsible for the expression of their famous speckled appearance.
The ticking gene or the T locus is considered to have the dominant ticking allele (T) and the recessive clear white allele (t).
The amount of ticking in the Beagle’s coat is explained by the concept of incomplete dominance.
If the T gene exhibits incomplete dominance over the recessive t gene (TT), the Beagle will display heavy ticking. On the other hand, a Tt pairing will result in lighter ticking.
The spots or flecks of blue and gray color can appear on any white area of the Beagle’s coat but mostly heavier on the legs and muzzles.
Kennel Club Recognition and Pedigree: Do Kennel Clubs Recognize Blue Tick Beagles?
You won’t have trouble registering your blue tick Beagle dog because this color is recognized by kennel clubs in the United States. The AKC recognizes black-tan and blue tick Beagles and any blue tick markings.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognizes any typical hound color combinations such as blue tick.
With this being said, blue tick Beagles are free to join any dog shows and events as long as they pass other qualifications.
Outside the US, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) acknowledge the blue tick as one of the standard Beagle color variations.
Blue Tick Beagle Temperament and Personality: Do Blue Tick Beagles Make Good Family Pets?
Aside from being a good hunting dog, blue tick Beagles are great family pets. They are extremely loyal and friendly, especially with children. They are also very playful, but you can expect affection from them like no other.
Due to their natural instincts, they are protective of the pack that they formed with family members. When they sense threat or danger, they immediately start barking to warn their owners.
However, this can be problematic for neighbors, particularly for those that live in small apartments.
You should also watch out for digging tendencies especially when they are undergoing separation anxiety. You might be surprised to find multiple holes in the yard.
Overall, blue tick Beagles are smart, sociable, and energetic companion dogs regardless of their color.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Beagle: Which One Is Better?
Blue Tick Beagle Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Blue Tick Beagles Healthy Dogs?
Photo by @a_beagle_named_judy (IG)
There are no known health problems associated with blue tick Beagles alone, but they are definitely at risk of experiencing the same health issues as other Beagles of any color.
Many Beagles live a long life. In fact, they can live for up to 12 to 15 years. However, due to common ailments, their life expectancy might be shortened.
Some of the health problems known to affect Beagles are the following:
Patellar Luxation: Small dog breeds like Beagles are more likely to suffer from patellar luxation. This condition is marked by the dislocation of the kneecap, causing pain and difficulty in walking.
Glaucoma: When the aqueous fluid inside the eyes is not drained enough, it results in a condition called glaucoma. This causes increased pressure in the eyes that ensues pain, watery discharge, swelling of the eyeballs, discoloration of the eyeball into a bluish or cloudy color, and even blindness.
Epilepsy: Dog epilepsy or seizure can be extremely fatal for Beagles. It is a neurological disorder that is usually inherited or caused by pre-existing liver disease, kidney failure, or brain tumors.
Cherry Eye: This eye problem occurs when the third eyelid, which serves as a protective layer during hunting or fighting, is displaced and swollen. The cherry eye can appear as a large bulging mass on the lower eyelid near the muzzle. It can cover most of the cornea, causing blocked sight.
Demodicosis: This is a parasitic skin disease caused by mites called mange that live on the surface of the skin or the hair follicles. Demodicosis is most likely to affect Beagles who have underdeveloped and weakened immune systems.
If you find your blue tick Beagle experiencing these health concerns, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
And to keep your dog in optimal health, regular checkups and tests should be done to detect any abnormality in their organs and body systems.
How Much Do Blue Tick Beagles Cost? Are Blue Ticks More Expensive Than Other Beagles?
Beagles with common color combinations are priced between $400 and $600. However, you might want to prepare your bank account because most breeders charge higher for rare-colored Beagles.
If you are planning to purchase a blue tick Beagle, you should prepare at least $500 to $1,000. In some cases, you might even be required to pay $2,500 or higher for a single blue tick puppy.
The final price will depend on the credibility of the breeder, your location, the Beagle’s pedigree, registration, and availability of health certificates.
But once you take home your blue tick dog, you should consider the initial and ongoing expenses that follow. You should prepare for the cost of the following items:
Given this initial cost, you should have around $835 to $1,335 to purchase a blue tick Beagle puppy and the essential items for your new puppy.
Places to Find Blue Tick Beagle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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If you are ready to be a blue tick Beagle parent, you need to find out where and how you can buy a puppy.
There are two ways to find the perfect Beagle for you. You can search for a registered breeder or adopt from a rescue.
Either way, you need to be extra cautious because it’s easy to get scammed by people who claim to sell purebred blue tick Beagles but give you a mixed breed instead.
For a safe transaction, you can refer to this list of blue tick Beagle breeders that I’ve put together:
Windy Hills Blue Tick Beagles – This is a breeder that specializes in producing blue tick Beagles. All of their puppies come from a bloodline of hunter dogs that are trained as early as five months. The adopted pups can be picked up after eight weeks.
Oak Hill Blue Tick Beagles – For over 30 years, Oak Hill has been breeding blue tick Beagles that are American Kennel Club registered, ensuring that they conform to standards including size and appearance. Most of their puppies are bred for hunting rabbits, but some of them are bought as family dogs.
Leo’s Bluetick Beagles – Bred from a bloodline of field champions, the blue tick puppies produced from this breeder make excellent hunters. They are trained to run at great speeds with maximum endurance.
Winding Dream Farm – This is another breeder that sells rare-colored Beagle puppies like blue tick, blue, chocolate, lilac, and others. They also raise pocket-size and standard-size Beagles. Shipping can also be arranged for the buyer’s convenience.
For more Beagle breeder options in your location, you can check out my Beagle breeders directory.
And here are some rescue centers or shelters to find blue tick Beagles for adoption:
Hound Rescue of Texas – To adopt an available blue tick Beagle from this rescue, applicants are required to contact their landlord to gain permission and pay the necessary fees for keeping a dog in the apartment. While most breeders produce hunter dogs, they strictly rehome Beagles as family dogs.
Forever Home Beagle Rescue – The available Beagles from this organization are usually rescued from near-death situations. They don’t have a physical location, and all of their Beagles are in foster care. To view their available dogs, you can check their Petfinder profile.
Nitanny Beagle Rescue – Unlike most rescues, Nitanny Beagle Rescue allows in-person applications aside from filling up an online form. They typically process an application for two weeks but may take longer if the applicant requests for a specific gender or age.
Southern Nevada Beagle Rescue Foundation (SNBRF) – SNBRF is another rescue dedicated to rehoming abused and neglected Beagles and educating people about this breed. They usually put dogs aged 1 to 8 years old for adoption. The application process usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
If there aren’t any available blue tick Beagles from this list of rescues, you can refer to my Beagle rescues directory for more options.
Blue Tick Beagle Dog Care Tips
To ensure that your blue tick Beagle can live its best life, you must cater to its every need, including food, training, exercise, cleaning, and grooming.
Below is a detailed discussion of all these areas you should focus on:
Food and Diet
Just like any other Beagle, your blue tick Beagle is a small dog with a big appetite. However, they are prone to being overweight and having diabetes. That’s why it’s important to give them the right proportion of food.
The ideal amount of dog food for Beagles is 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry kibble a day. Aside from kibble, owners can also try a raw diet consisting of meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables.
Protein, fatty acids, and essential minerals are important for bone and muscle development.
Training and Exercise
Being an energetic breed, Beagles need 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise and playtime. This includes taking them on long walks that are split into several intervals during the day.
A good game of fetch and other stimulating activities should be enough to keep them occupied.
Beagles are intelligent dogs. However, this doesn’t make them the easiest breed to train. They may show stubbornness, especially if they aren’t exposed to training at an early age.
Because of their short attention span, your blue tick Beagle can easily lose interest while training. It’s advised to keep the sessions at a maximum of 10 minutes and begin while they are in high spirits.
You need to use positive reinforcement to effectively train blue tick puppies to be good family pets. Punishments like shouting will only make them less receptive to training.
Cleaning and Grooming
As for grooming, blue tick Beagles are not high-maintenance dogs. They only require coat brushing twice a week and occasionally removing loose and excess hair to reduce shedding.
Their long ears can easily accumulate wax, so weekly cleaning is necessary to avoid the risk of infection. Their nails should also be trimmed frequently for their comfort.
Another thing to consider is your Beagle’s dental hygiene which is often neglected by many owners.
To reduce tartar and keep your pup’s breath fresh, brush their teeth about four times a week. Dental chews are also a good alternative if brushing becomes too difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are There Red Tick Beagles?
Yes, red tick Beagles do exist. They are also a very rare color breed of Beagles.
The color of the spots can range from light orange to a deep, dark red. Beagles from the hunting dog bloodlines are usually bred to have blue or red ticking.
Their dominant color is generally a diluted brown and they typically have liver noses. Red tick Beagles are also recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Do Blue Tick Beagles Have Blue Eyes?
Even though they are blue tick Beagles, this doesn’t necessarily imply that they have blue eyes. However, it is not impossible.
If both of their Beagle parents carry the recessive gene for blue eyes, then there is a high chance that the blue tick Beagle will express this trait.
Do Blue Tick Beagles Shed?
Luckily for owners, blue tick Beagles are moderate shedders. However, they are still expected to shed heavily during spring and fall to prepare for the summer and winter seasons.
It’s important to brush their short double coat regularly to remove loose hairs. Bathing also helps heavy shedding.
Final Thoughts
The little-known blue tick Beagle is a unique coat color variation that will surely mesmerize Beagle lovers.
Although they differ in appearance, their temperament will very much be like other Beagles. This also means that they are predisposed to common health issues of the Beagle dog breed.
For anyone who wants a Beagle with a distinct coat marking, blue tick Beagles are the best choice. Combined with their bubbly personality, these dogs are surely worth a lifetime to keep.
With proper care and treatment, they will undoubtedly be there to protect you and your family and bring happiness like no other. They will also make great detection dogs if you need one.
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